Do
you know the Preamble for your state
constitution?

Very
interesting.........   Below is the entire list of the fifty states of the
United States of
America, year of adoption and the first line of
each Preamble. Also, see Important commentary at the
end.

Alabama 1901  ,
Preamble . We the  people of the State of Alabama , invoking  the favor and guidance of
Almighty God, do ordain and establish the  following Constitution.

Alaska 
1956, Preamble . We, the  people of Alaska , grateful  to God and to those who
founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona  1911,
Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Arizona , grateful  to Almighty God for our
liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 
1874, Preamble  . We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful  to Almighty God for the
privilege of choosing our own form of  government...

California 
1879, Preamble . We, the  People of the State of California , grateful  to Almighty God for our
freedom.

Colorado 
1876, Preamble . We, the  people of Colorado , with  profound reverence for the
Supreme Ruler of Universe.

Connecticut 
1818, Preamble. The People  of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the
good Providence of God  in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware  1897,
Preamble . Through  Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of
worshipping and  serving their Creator according to the dictates of their
consciences. 

Florida 
1885, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Florida , grateful  to Almighty God for our
constitutional liberty, establish this  Constitution...

Georgia 
1777, Preamble . We, the  people of Georgia , r relying  upon protection
and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 
1959, Preamble . We , the  people of Hawaii , Grateful  for Divine Guidance . E
establish this Constitution.

Idaho  1889,
Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Idaho , grateful  to Almighty God for our
freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 
1870, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty
God for the civil  l, political and religious liberty which He hath so long
permitted us to  enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors. 

Indiana 
1851, Preamble . We, the  People of the State of Indiana , grateful  to Almighty God for the
free exercise of the right to choose our form of  government.

Iowa 
1857, Preamble We, the  People of the State of Iowa , grateful  to the Supreme Being for the
blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our  dependence on Him for a
continuation of these blessings establish this  Constitution.

Kansas 
1859, Preamble . We, the  people of Kansas , grateful  to Almighty God for our
civil and religious privileges establish this  Constitution.

Kentucky 
1891, Preamble. We, the  people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God
for the civil,  political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 
1921, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Louisiana , grateful  to Almighty God for the
civil, political and religious liberties we  enjoy.

Maine 
1820, Preamble. We the  People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the
goodness of the  Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity
.. And  imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland  1776,
Preamble  We, the  people of the state of Ma ryland , grateful  to Almighty God
for our civil and religious liberty... 

Massachusetts  1780,
Preamble . We...the  people of Massachusetts ,  acknowledging with grateful
hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator  of the Universe . In the course of
His Providence, an opportunity and  devoutly imploring His direction ..

Michigan 
1908, Preamble. We, the  people of the State of Michigan , grateful  to Almighty God for the
blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota 
1857, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Minnesota , grateful  to God for our civil and
religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate  its blessings:

Mississippi 
1890, Preamble . We, the  people of Mississippi in  convention assembled, grateful
to Al mighty God, and invoking His  blessing on our work.

Missouri 
1845, Preamble . We, the  people of Missouri , with  profound reverence for the
Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. Establish this
Constitution . 

Montana 
1889, Preamble. We, the  people of Montana , grateful  to Almighty God for the

blessings of  liberty establish this Constitution ..

Nebraska 
1875, Preamble . We, the  people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .
Establish this  Constitution.

Nevada  1864,
Preamble . We the  people of the State of Nevada , grateful  to Almighty God for our
freedom establish this Constitution 

New
Hampshire  1792, Part  I. Art. I. Sec.
V . Every  individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God
according  to the dictates of his own conscience.

New
Jersey  1844, Preamble
. We, the  people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for
civil  and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and 
looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New
Mexico  1911, Preamble
. We, the  People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of 
liberty

New
York  1846, Preamble
. We, the  people of the State of New 
York , grateful  to Almighty God for our freedom, in
order to secure its blessings.

North
Carolina  1868, Preamble
. We the  people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the 
Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious  liberties,
and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance  of those

North 
Dakota 1889, Preamble .
We , the  people of North
Dakota , grateful  to Almighty God for the blessings of
civil and religious liberty, do  ordain...

Ohio  1852,
Preamble . We the  people of the state of Ohio , grateful  to Almighty God for our
freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote  our common..........

Oklahoma 
1907, Preamble . Invoking  the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and
perpetuate the  blessings of liberty ... establish this .

Oregon 
1857, Bill of Rights,  Article  I.  Section 2. All men  shall be secure in the
Natural right, to worship Almighty God according  to the dictates of their
consciences..

Pennsylvania  1776,
Preamble We, the  people of Pennsylvania , grateful to Almighty God for
the blessings of  civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His  guidance

Rhode
Island 1842, Preamble.
We the  People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God f or the 
civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy,  and
looking to Him for a blessing

South 
Carolina 1778, Preamble .
We, the  people of he State of South 
Carolina grateful to  God for our liberties, do ordain
and establish this Constitution.

South
Dakota  1889, Preamble
. We, the  people of South
Dakota , grateful  to Almighty God for our civil and
religious liberties

Tennessee  1796,
Art. XI.III. That all  men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship
Almighty God  according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas  1845,
Preamble . We the  People of the Republic of   Texas ,  acknowledging, with gratitude,
the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 
1896, Preamble . Grateful  to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish
this  Constitution.

Vermont  1777,
Preamble . Whereas  all government ought to enable the individuals who compose
it to enjoy  their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of
Existence  has bestowed on man

Virginia  1776,
Bill of Rights, XVI Religion,  or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be
directed only by Reason and  that it is the mutual duty of all to practice
Christian Forbearance,  Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 
1889, Preamble . We the  People of the State of Washington , grateful  to the Supreme Ruler of
the Universe for our liberties s, do ordain this  Constitution

West
Virginia  1872, Preamble
. Since  through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political
and  religious liberty, we, the people of   West  Virgin ia reaffirm  our faith
in and constant reliance upon God ..

Wisconsin 
1848, Preamble We, the  people of Wisconsin , grateful  to Almighty God for our
freedom, domestic tranquility

Wyoming 
1890, Preamble. We, the  people of the State of Wyoming , grateful  to God for our civil,
political, and religious liberties .. establish  this
Constitution.

After reviewing acknowledgments of
God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe,
the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!  If you found this to
be "Food for thought" copy and send to as many as you think  will be enlightened
as I hope you were.

"One
Nation Under God"

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for
you, 

Jesus
Christ and the American G.I.

          ~One died for your soul,  the
other for your freedom.~

Note- I received this anonymous work in a forward, and wanted to share it.

Well, someone in the family (not necessarily immediate) is going into surgery today, but requested I not broadcast it here. Feel free to privately message me if you'd like any details. It'll happen this morning.

-Patrick

EDIT: Said family member had their operation sucessfully. I appreciate any prayers you gave on their behalf. I didn't get any private messages... shame, really, since I'm sure you understand I can't be specific. Life will be a little different whilest they recover, though. Either way, though, half of the difficulties are over and hopefully the rest will go smoothly.

An Opportunity

I am involved in a writing community online, and have been since last year. You post your material in your online portfolio and others can review it, talk about it, etc- you can also review others. I ran into a fellow who is a freelance editor, and also works as a publisher for a press group in Florida- as well as in the works of preparing a magazine. He read a concept I had shared in a writers group about a science fiction work I had created when I was 15 years old (1995) and then gave up on when the Matrix came out (I think around 98, 99?) and many of the core parts of my story were shockingly the same as the Matrix. He said he was interested in reading a short sample of my work, so I gave him a short story (8 pages) I had written. It was a stand-alone science fiction with a unique, relational and family type twist and concept. I have written two parts of it, what will be a three part novella, but the first part is also stand-alone as a short story.

I got this response today:

Patrick,



I got around to reading "Come Back to Us" this morning.  It's good.  It's also

definitely publishable.  However, that's not to say that there aren't some

areas where it could be edited.  If you'd like, I can just give you some of my

general comments and reactions; or I can make some editorial marks and comments

on a hard copy and send you a scan of it.  Whichever you'd prefer.



Boone

God's hands

Well, it's in His hands. I know that if I do indeed get to be published, I would like to use my fantasy and sci fi stories to infuse the genre with a Christian perspective. No, not "Christian" labelled stories that have direct parallels like C.S. Lewis or even more overt- but stories that have a Christian mindframe to them. Anyone who reads fantasy will know that it can be VERY clear, very quickly, the political and religious viewpoints of the author without them ever having to say it directly. The way the fantasy world is set up, the religious systems, everything... it all reflects that, and most good fantasy these days you can tell comes from the typical, liberal perspective and is based on some weird pseudo-Christian view or something completely anti-Christian.

God gave me my one, truly extraordinary gift of creativity, imagination, and writing (I could just say 'writing', but they all kind of go together). So if He wills it, I will use it this way- a way I never really thought I would use it. And I'll use it as a chance to give ALL glory to God, and to share my faith when the right moments come.

-Patrick

I would like to refer everyone over to this lovely article on the voice actress Hirano Aya (or, Aya Hirano- in Japan they put the last name first, so her first name is Aya). It is a beautiful biography with pictures and even some links (a few dead ended, sadly, probably due to the INTENSE control Japanese agencies/companies do to keep publicity of their stars a certain way. If it came out that, say, a star had a drug problem- in America, it might even help them. In Japan, their career would be over forever) about this voice actress and her rise to fame.

A recent rise, due primarily to a wonderful anime (Japanese cartoon) called The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. It's a creative, fresh, mature, insightful anime that can be viewed in different orders and still make sense. They actually mix up the timeline so that the first episode happens later on in the timeline than the second, and ocassionally skip around. The first episode is an 'anime within an anime'- only you don't necessarily find that out for sure until the end of the anime, though someone who is insightful would probably pick up on it very quickly.

This voice actress plays the main female character, and she does an incredible job of it (sadly, when it comes to America those who never listen to the original Japanese with subtitles will never hear her)- she is one of those actresses with an incredible high, nasel voice that American women rarely ever have (a partly cultural thing, too).

So for a unique cultural experience, I encourage you to take a look and enjoy.

Note: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya has not yet been released in the USA, I saw it prior to it being liscenced. I encourage you to try renting it (or buying it even) when it comes out in the United States. When you do, DO watch it in its original Japanese with English subtitles.

-Patrick

I'd like to ask all of my readers, with an open mind, to take a look at their leisure at this video clip and then a gander at what I have to say (in either order of your choice).

A Believer in Jesus First

You know, I've never really taken a label upon myself in my political stance. Surprisingly that actually has made some friends of mine frustrated with my, like my older half-brother Jay. It wasn't enough that I could say "Yes, I agree with some of the things you feel, if not all." or "Yes, I voted for the same person you did"... the fact that I didn't adhere to the tenants of the republican party whole-heartedly made him want to 'convert me' fully. My own Dad is so whole-heartedly a democrat that if I find out the most hard-line and core democrat stance I'm pretty sure I can go to him and here why it's right. And of course, of all the upcoming democratic candidates for president, he's for one of the hard-core ones- Hillary Clinton.

I've heard it said before that while we should celebrate our country as Christians, we should first and foremost remember our citizenship is not of this world! We are all brothers and sisters in Christ alongside Chinese Christians, alongside North and South Korean Christians, alongside any and every nation- America is not on a 'level' above other nations. America is not "the Christian nation" that God favours- God has his own plan and he raises up the rulers he chooses to for reasons he chooses. He does show favour at times to countries where Christians are praying- just like there are Christians praying in China, all over the country. There are Christians praying in Africa, in Lebenon, in Saudi Arabia, in South America, AND in the United States of America.

So just as I do not cling ardently to my nationality as a believer, neither do I dare cling to a party. There are believers in Jesus Christ who walk with the Holy Spirit that claim the republican party, there are those who claim the democratic party. I do think moral issues play a big party- I personally made my first two presidential votes (and thus far, only) for George Bush, and morals influence my voting. But I don't adhere to a party- I prayerfully choose a person.

That said, I feel there's a staleness going on in our countries leadership- BOTH parties. There is a republican candidate coming up now that supports moral positions that appal me. So I decided to learn something more about a candidate a little while ago that shocked me by making it as far as he has- I was thinking early on "Wow, this guy is rather cool, but I wonder if he'll make it very far with the way politics are played".

Barack Obama

I'll never claim to be a political ace. Personally, the only reason I know anything about politics or even desire to is because I feel that I have a responsibility as a Christian to be involved enough to know the choices I have and to make a responsible vote and influence in the world I live in. Unlike some, I really don't like debating politics or check it regularly except when I need to. When voting time comes up, then I take an interest and seek to make the best choice. It is only when I am really, really struck that I tend to jump into the topic or share my feelings a lot.

For the first time since I have been able to vote, I have finally found a candidate that I really, completely like. I'm sure he's not perfect, but we're all only human- and yes, he happens to be a democrat. An intercultural man who is partly black (and a true 'African American', actually), so far I believe he has Christian beliefs, and most importantly he has a new style of politics that you might expect of an independant rather than either party. He's someone that nobody expected to even make it into senate, much less to the level of running for president. And before I even heard him speak, just hearing about his stances and positions, I got this feeling that the Holy Spirit sometimes gives me that says "This is the person you're going to vote for".

Of course as I've seen some video clips and learned more, I realise this is not only the ONLY candidate thus far I can justify voting for, but even if there were some really convincing and good ones out there besides him I would still jump on it. Even if Bill Cosby, Arnold S. Governator, the late Billy Graham, etc were running (well, Bill Cosby would get some serious consideration from me depending on his political views, heh, but I doubt he has the necessary experience) I'd still vote for this guy at this point.

Politics is a serious and very controversial subject. I'm sure everyone who reads this all has their views and points. It's rare to find someone who is admitedly like me and doesn't side strongly with a certain party. All I ask is you take a glance at Barack Obama's video above and maybe his site and see what you think. Personally, between Rudolf-the-long-nosed presidential candidate who supports gay rights not to mention has a very questionable history of choices and statements, Hillary Clinton, and others... I think he's worth considering briefly regardless of your affiliation.

I don't get political much, and I appreciate your time. Oh, and if you are interested in more, I can post some youtube links with some interesting Barack speeches... like a very powerful one regarding civil rights I found.

-Patrick

New Language Partner

I now have two language partners! I received a second one just this weekend- well,
information about him, at least. I presently have one partner named
Daisuke, as you'll see on the left (Daisuke is on the left, and our
friend on the right). I have been given a second partner who is from
Korea apparently, as they have need of another partner. Apparently in
my time with the program I've made a very positive impression on the
original head of it (now there are two) and I was among her top picks
for partners when they were short on them. Yeah for me!

Japan- Keep your work clean!

A little cultural tidbit on Japan by
Peter Payne, my favourite 'blogger' from Japan. He is an American who
married a Japanese woman and lives in Japan with two children, as well
as being the head of a company I believe he started there. Here's a
fascinating article on a major cultural difference I noticed quickly
after watching some anime (Japanese cartoons).

One major difference between schools
in the U.S. and Japan that I've noticed is that here, the children
themselves are responsible for every lick of cleaning that goes on in
their school, from sweeping to wiping off desks to cleaning the
bathrooms, including the "big cleaning" that's done at the end of the
year. There are no janitors at Japanese schools, just a handyman for
doing jobs like changing out lights -- all the cleaning is the
responsibility of the students. This certainly has some budgetary
benefits for schools, but it also helps build character and yes, a
little humility, in the kids. This tradition of self-cleaning is
carried over into many companies, and every Monday morning the J-List
employees wipe, sweep, clean and vacuum the office to make sure we have
a clean place to work in all week.

-Patrick

I'm not sure I want to think about the bill too much, but I think so far the copay is it- which isn't that bad so far. As for my health? The barrium swallow, from what the doctor who took it said, showed nothing. Plus, the very unpleasant sensations had faded away in the day or two prior to the test anyway. The person taking the test suspected the very thing I myself offered as a potential cause- either something actually being caught in there, and/or abrasions caused to the throat (perhaps BY the things caught in there). Most likely, in my opinion, would be the kumquat seeds I swallowed.

Still have to look at some GI tract issues to try to find out what in the world I am alergic to that has been screwing with my digestive system for years now, but that's not really related to this whole thing. So this case, itself, is closed. I hope!

So, rule for the wise- if you eat something with large seeds- especially seeds that have pointy ends- don't swallow them. Unless your a masochist- in which case, I recommend you go out and buy a whole barrel of kumquats and maybe some pitted olives and go at it.

-Patrick

Yes, I just heard about it... it is...

Global Orgasm Day

At first I thought it was some crazy attempt at a new holiday, that Hallmark was SO desperate to replenish their fading greeting card sales (now that people just send an ecard instead) they decided... "well, I know ONE day people would be willing to celebrate!! Secretary day, eat your heart out!"

However, it was shockingly MORE than that. Just look at the video promo for it here. LOL! All over the world, all these peace-loving modern hippies are going to be having... well, you know... at the same time, as many times as possible, and scientists will actually be measuring it to see if it effects the energy field of the Earth. And, maybe, if we're really lucky, it will bring world peace.

Personally, I think it'll just polute the Earth and bring more problems... think of all the cigarettes that'll be lit up afterwards.

-Patrick

So Thursday morning I'll go in and drink a nice, tasty radioactive milkshake (barrium... sp?) and they'll get to see my insides glow. Basically, it will help them start the process of finding out why it is I feel like I have a pebble in my throat. So, we'll see then.

I'm sick. It sucks, and its a very weird sick. I've narrowed it down, after talking to my Mom, to probably two things- either acid reflux, or potentially a hernia where the stomach lining gets caught up in the ... esophogus, sorry, I have a huge vocabulary but I can't spell worth anything. I wish I could, because then I'd sound quite intelligent, I'm sure. And I'm too lazy to go look it up right now. Either way, here's the symptoms:

I feel like I swallowed a small rock, and it is caught down in my throat in my chest area. Every single time I swallow, I feel that ache. And it's gradually gotten worse- at first I thought maybe it was a seed from some kumquats I ate. I've felt that feeling briefly in the past- like when I needed to burp, or took my meds without enough water, etc- but it's always been brief. Never in my LIFE has it lasted, much less for days. And it's at its worst when I lay down. I've done everything- from drinking mylanta, pepto, gallons of gatoraid... to taking tylenol and now IB prophen, which I have to take at prescription level at this point to get any tangible relief from.

Yes, yes, I plan to go into the doctor tomorrow if I don't notice signficant relief. I just don't want to go in today because it's Easter, and the last time I went into urgent care was with my Wife- and we waited HOURS with baby. It was AWFUL. I don't want to do that to myself, or my family, especially on Easter.

So, basically, swallowing is unpleasant and sore, drinking hurts like I am swallowing cough drop every gulp... and you can imagine that eating is far from any better. If I didn't know that it would constipate me, I'd take some left-over pain medication I have (the "big guns"... vicodin, the kind which leaves you unable to drive and floating in a happy place if you take more than a small amount for a little while) because it hurts so much. It's not like a "oh my gosh this HURTS bad" feeling... it's more like the fact that it is ALWAYS there, EVERY swallow, ALL the time, all day, every day... never relief, unless I force myself not to swallow. I just want to be able to take a drink, to swallow, and not feel like I've got a rock in my chest.

Arrrrgh.

Prayers are welcome. This, too, shall pass.

-Patrick