her finest mistake

on january 22nd, 1973 evil took a ultimate victory in our courthouses as abortion was passed. now every january 22nd, us pro-life people take a stand together nationwide in hopes of seeing this evil going away.

with that said, on january 22nd, 2009, when u would think that obama would be trying to figure out how to make the current economic crisis better or how to create more jobs for us americans. no instead, he's paving a way for FOCA to get passed.

i've been asked, what is FOCA?

Freedom Of Choice Act

it reverses any limitations on abortion. minors don't have to get parental consent for abortions. you can get abortions on military bases worldwide.

why must people continue to "justify" needless murder of young infants? there are 9 (NINE?!) different ways of killing the baby. i have different pamplets of information on abortion. one of them describes each way of murder, oh i mean abortion. it is disgusting. it makes me cry every time i think about it.

what if the girl is raped or incest?

that is LITERALLY a 1 in a million chance. but why harm the girl more than she already is? why add more emotional scars to her?

what if she can't afford it?

there are plenty of pregnancy centers out there to help in these situations. for lancaster and lebanon county, i recommend susquehanna valley pregnancy services. they offer all the love you need. you don't need to go to planned parenthood and waste more money going to an organization that calls a baby a leech.

i plead you to go to www.myspace.com/slapdash1 and listen to her finest mistake. its about a girl choosing life over abortion.

1/3 of my generation has been killed due to abortion. PRAY TO END ABORTION!

Yah the east coast will probably
be rainy tonight
you can bet the
teardrops will pour from her eyes
as she opens them up and lets in
the light of
the hospital room
that she's in
Nine months ago she
wanted this to just go away
now
she's holding the hand of her
finest mistake
the result of her wrongs is this life that she has saved

On a dark cold cloudless
night with the music far
behind
her dreams in her mind
she's young and inspired
nothing can sway her

execpt for this
false happiness
a moment in time
where she had to lie to make it ok

just to get through the night.

just remember this guilt will take you from now till
forever
unless theres a chance to
let life in

The
pressure is on it starts with the
dawn
of another day

with rumors
afoot the looks and the hurt
lead
her to dismay
the pages were

turned decisions were made
the
easy way out instills in her
doubt
this problem she cant evade

you can tell by the look on her
face

just
remember...

The mood
in the room is the same as this
weather
but the smile from her
child seems to make it all
better

theres a warmth in her
heart that she just cant
explain
with that hope she raises
her hands she raises her hands!

~Her Finest Mistake by Slapdash~

here is another insightful blog from Garrett Martin, himself.

It's called The 8 Gates of Personal Hell.

I was thinking of this as I was going through my Cd collection and came upon the box for my demon hunter cd which is titled Storm The Gates of Hell. I was thinking to myself why would they call it that. Then I was thinking maybe they called it that cuz they wanted to remind Christians and other people that we have our own personal hell and that we need to trust that Jesus Christ will help us storm those gates and defeat that personal hell. I came up with 8 different personal hells.

Self-Control, Depression, Addiction, Stress, Money, Love, Witness, Forgiveness

1. Self-Control

Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God. No one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.
~1 Thessalonians 4:4-6~

Basically, what God is saying is control your urges and do with your body what would bring glory to Him. Now, we're human, so we're not perfect and we fall short of this command a lot. I am certainly one of those people, but I have felt that every time I was tempted by my own personal temptations, just pray and surely those temptations are gone. But, Satan isn't going to sit on the sideline forever. He's going to get back into the game sooner than later. But as Satan is planning another attack on ya, ya gotta rely on God and what He can do for you. That is certainly one way to storm that gate.

2. Depression

While he himself went a day's journey into the desert. he came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said." "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."
~1 Kings 19:4~

Some people may look at depression and just shrug at it and say people should get over their problems. It could be a lot worse. True, it could. But, sometimes it's not their fault. They have chemical imbalances and definitly get depressed. A couple years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar, severe depression and a slight case of schizophrenia. So, I have heard people accuse me of making it up. Now, I knew that I had depression, But, I had no clue about bipolar or schizophrenia until I visited the shrink. But, that doesn't make me any different from any other Christian. Yet, some Christians do feel alone when depressed. It is our job as the Church to build each other up and to provide positive building skills. People in the bible had their bouts with depression and yet God still used them to do incredible things in life. So, exactly why can't he use me to do things to better his kingdom. To the fellow depressed, you are not alone. This is just another gate to storm.

3. Addiction

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
~Romans 8:5, 9~

Addiction is another evil that Satan uses to keep us away from God. The addiction of drugs, alcohol, sex, swearing, etc. etc. These things Satan uses. The world today promotes alcohol and sex like there's nothing wrong with it. But, obviously it's proven that both things ruin lives. But, if we live with God, such as doing our devotions at night and in the morning, praying before meals and just living life for God's glory, then we know we have somebody in our corner to back us up when we get cornered in by what the world says is acceptable. Think about all the commercials that you see in a 3 minute block and count the amount of commercials that advertise using skimpy dressed women and beer or some other alcohol. The media exploits the beauty that God gave us for us to use when we finally get married. But, if you feel like you're being cornered, don't be afraid to call for reinforcements such as the pastor at your church, a parent, a really good friend, or just somebody that you trust. That help could be the last bit that is needed to give yourself a spiritual lift and the ability to storm that gate.

4. Stress

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
~Philippians 4:11-13~

Stress is something that hits and hits hard. It hits with that first real difficult job. It hits with finishing up that senior project in high school or taking that big final in that last college course. Stress is something that affects us all. But, we gotta remember that God has a plan for everything. We're gonna be idiots and at times ruin that plan for him. But, that's where He proves how awesome He is by switching things around to get us back on track. Things are gonna get hard throughout life. Whether it be finanical or just finding your soulmate. At times, stress can take a physical toll on your body and make you sick enough to keep ya in bed. These verses are saying that yes we understand what is happening, but we're not happy and we feel like we're alone on this. You gotta remember to look up for aerial support. You ask, He will answer. God will help you defeat this gate to move on.

The next 4 will come at a later time.

They include Money (Luke 12:13-21), Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), Witness (2 Corinthians 2:16), and Forgiveness (Mark 11:24-25).

Hope that some of this you'll be able to take to heart.

well, the past few days have been a total roller coaster.

friday - me and my best friend, steve went to see the new narnia movie. it was okay. then we went to the mt. joy diner and discussed God's influence on our lives. God has done great things in both of our lives.

saturday - me, philbert, brian, and ryan all went down to Philly for the Philadelphia Soul football game. of course, we got there early. so we decided to hit up Chickie & Pete's. its the number one-rated sports restaurant in the country. it was packed, cuz everybody was there for either the Phillies game, the Soul game or the horse race. anyway, me and phil got philadelphia soul jerseys. we had really nice seats. the soul won 51-43. great times.

sunday - sunday was possibly the greatest day of this year. we had church of course. i got to learn how to setup, run and tear down the sound table. finally!!! then, me, mike, missy and a couple others went out to eat at Issac's since it was Beth's final day at church before she goes off on the summer tour with Elton John. she works for Clair Brothers. so anyway, then, in the evening, me and Rebekah from church went to see the new Narnia movie again and then went to Olive Garden. afterwards, we went to her house to play some Rock Band. i loved it. we discussed God, of course and how we saw God work on our lives.

monday - this was possibly the worst day of the year. i woke up in terrible pain in my tailbone. im thinking okay its only bruised. ill still go to work. i got half-way there and turned around. the pain was so unbearable. so, we went to the doctors that afternoon. he thought it was only bruised. then, about 2 hrs after my appointment, the doctor calls to see if it's red and swollen. he forgot to check that. so, my dad checked it. sure enough it was. the doctor said alright make an appointment for tomorrow cuz it might be either a tumor or a cyst. so im thinking, GREAT. i got cancer. i think i cried for about a hour cuz i was so scared of the C word.

tuesday - the pain was again terrible. so we went in and he checked it out. thank god it was only a cyst.

so, now i have to go to a surgeon next thursday to see if it will require surgery. if i have to have surgery, that means no witness festival, no demon hunter and no creation. which means one very upset person. so, now im off work for this week and next week. if i have to have surgery, it will mean two more weeks off of work for healing.

thanks so much for the prayers from those of you who i told. just thank God that its not cancer. life can change in an instant.

if you look around for something, you're bound to find nothing. but if you look around for nothing, you'll find everything.

that quote just kinda sums a lot of things up. when we're living those dreaded teenage years, we're looking for something. its kinda hit or miss. sometimes you'll find our significant other. other times all you find is heart break. you're still looking for something. and you usually find nothing. but you still have a good time looking for it with great friends.

then you leave for college, you mature both physically and spiritually (sometimes). you learn to trust God in everything that you do. from finanices to romance. if you just give Him your attention, he will reward you in everything. and usually when you trust God with everything, you're looking for nothing and you end up finding everything. your career. your future spouse. an even greater relationship with your best friends. everything.

that strikes so many parallels with me right now. during my teen years, i was so desprate for that extra something and just looking for it constantly. i ended up finding nothing and missing out on a lot. just simply cuz i didnt trust enough in God.

now, i started tithing with the Crossings church. i started listening more. i started reading. i started trusting Him more in everything i do. now i'm finding everything. i'm finding my calling with Rock For Life and youth ministries and other ministries throughout the area through The Rock, Warehouse54, WJTL, Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services. i'm also bounding more with my best friend, Steve and my brother. i've decided on my future at Lancaster Bible and getting my degree in youth ministry. really, the only thing that i havent found was my future significant other, which i'm waiting. its been at least 2 or 3 years since my last date but to me that is perfectly okay. all my friends are getting married and starting families. but God has something else planned for me right now. it could be right here in Lancaster County or it could be in Virginia with Rock For Life or something else.

Ladies and Gentlemen, if you doubt the amazing power that our Creator and Heavenly Father has. you are badly mistaken. God fixes even the ugliest messes. one quote that is out there and is somewhat recited by most Christian hardcore frontmen say is God Bless This Mess. God will eventually bless America again. but until that time, we need to be patient and work on expanding Kingdom. God wants nothing more than to see the borders of Heaven stretch. there are numerous stories out there about girls that became pregnant and had abortions and regretted them afterwards and now they call upon God to heal their open wounds. because of pregnancy services such as Susquehanna Valley, they can get the counseling that they need. they can get the help that they desire. God can take anything and make it something. God took M.C. Hammer and molded him into the man that he is today as a preacher in the south. God took pro wrestlers such as Sting, Lex Lugor, Shawn Micheals and made them living sacrifices. God took Alice Cooper and made him into a man of God. God took Garrett Martin and kept him alive so that one day he could be on a pulpit preaching the words that God grants him. God can take anything and make it something. God can take you and dip you into misery, but have you coming out shining bright and blessed with His riches.

Ladies and Gentlement, this is what my God can do. God is not a religion. God is not a sect. God is not a cult. God is not commercialism. God is not politics. God is not in court rooms. God is not the world. What is God?

God is a personal relationship that can grant us the ultimate access to Heaven to celebrate for eternity with His people. God is our reason for living. God is our reason for breathing. God is our reason for music. God is our reason for sports. God is our reason for everything.

I grant you that if you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior, that you will feel a great burden lift off your chest and into the Heavens, where the angels celebrate in song and dance. If you allow Jesus Christ into your life tonight, today, whatever it may be. That shortly following your rebirth, you will experience the worst tempations. Why? Cuz Satan realizies that he is losing a valuable soldier for his army and that God is expanding his Kingdom and proving once more that He is greater than all the evils of this world. Satan wants you to avoid this post and ignore everything I say. But, God wants to grab your attention and bring you closer to Him. If you don't believe me and you would like to learn more, try out this website, www.thecrossingslancaster.com and possibly even attend a church service there. Church starts at 9:30 a.m. at Penn Cinema along Route 501 across from the Lancaster Airport. Hopefully, we'll see you there.

May God Bless Everybody and the Walk For Life tomorrow to raise money and awareness for Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services. It's a great ministry that is out there giving a helping hand to those who need it.

Currently Listening Conquering the Fear By Wavorly Praise and Adore (Some Live Without It) Track 5 see related

well last friday was my final day at molly's. here are some pics.

Great times. Five years and no regrets. As of Monday, I'm a haul truck operator at Rohrer's Quarry. Waking up at 5 a.m. aint easy, but sleeping in on Fridays will be totally worth it. Oh yeah, the paycheck!!!!

This weekend, I'm going up to Allentown to visit my friend, Terry and we're going to see RED at the croc rock in allentown. this time we bought our tickets ahead of time. last time, me and phil went up to see him and saw As I Lay Dying and August Burns Red. we got the last two tickets. but it was such a great show. oh yeah, sunday is SKILLET.

if you're not doing anything on Saturday, June 14th, come along with The Crossings family to the Witness Festival in Quarryville. This year's featured artists include Barlow Girl, Todd Agnew, Stellar Kart and Robin Mark. also it's FREE.

june 21st - im going to see demon hunter, living sacrifice and OH, SLEEPER at croc rock in allentown with nate and mike! SWEETNESS!

june 25-28 - CREATION!

aug 15-16 - PURPLE DOOR! i'm speaking on HM stage at Purple Door Festival. i get to speak on the same stage that will house Oh, Sleeper, Haste The Day, August Burns Red, Gwen Stacy and much much more!!!!

oh yeah, july 19th - im going to see linkin park, the bravery, atreyu in camden, new jersey!

oh yeah, memorial day, we're still planning on going to knoebels. let me know if ur coming.