The Sounds of Heaven
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Help the Homeless
In my youth, when first starting music, I recorded this song. Because I have not been able to record as of late with my illness, I decided to use this song that was recorded at home with ill health and poor equipment. However, I had found it fitting to use for the cause of helping the homeless started by Margaret Cho to help raise money and awareness. Though the meaning of the song is nothing without the video. My wife, Anna Bella Vaughan, took the time after recently just coming out of a coma to do the video for this song for it lies in our hearts. So when on twitter please hashtag #BeRobin and check out http://gofundme.com/berobin please help. Thank you for your love and support.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Why are we here?
As many people have given thought to why are we here? What is the reason or purpose? Have you ever thought that God needs us just as much as we need Him? And as much as we need each other? For what kind of God would put us on this earth for nothing less than a greater reason than that?
Food For Thought 23
When you are speaking and/or doing, are you doing so to help yourself or to help others?
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Sunday, December 28, 2014
For my beautiful wife Anna
Anna has just came home after having a seizure which put her in a coma. With me being so ill, this is what she sings to me to help me feel better. She sings like an angel. I love you baby.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Marybeth and Lonny
Marybeth came from a typical family. They weren't living in luxury, but her parents and two older brothers worked hard to be comfortable and happy; to make sure all their needs were met.
When Mary was 14, Old Man Edwin, who everyone called Eddie, gave her a job at small diner down the road from the nearby university She would go to school, stay after school to practice with her choice and then would walk the 6 blocks to the diner to work the dinner hour.
Monday through Friday this was her routine and she fell into it comfortably Saturday she would go in during the morning for the breakfast rush and then come back that night again for dinner She didn't make a lot, but she was proud that she was able to contribute to supporting their family as they had for her entire life
It was January and Mary was walking passed the university to the diner She was bundled up and shivering as the winter wind snapped against her face, but she stopped for a moment She loved watching the college students coming back, fresh and renewed from joyful times with family, but excited to see their friends and share with them their holidays Watching them she dreamed of the day she'd leave home and start a life of her own, with friends of her own She didn't know what she wanted to do with her life, but she knew she wanted to experience everything that she could
She got to the diner and while she changed out of her boots and coats into her apron and uniform, Mary daydreamed of having one person she felt close to, someone to have a real connection with. Outside of her family, her choice and her job, she didn't know anyone She had always been kind hearted, but she was also quiet, so the kids that she went to school with left her alone
Eddie had always been good to her Given her a job so young Making sure she was left alone by the rowdy college boys who came in Generally watching after her like a surrogate grandfather
As she came into the kitchen for her shift Eddie said to her, "Young Mary, now why don't you tell Ol' Eddie why you didn't ask for the day off? Am I mistaken or have you turned 15 years old today?"
Mary blushed and replied, "Yes sir, I did But I've never really had a reason to celebrate my birthday before"
Eddie sighed and gave her a hug and said, "Don't you work too hard today then aight? And take anything you would like out of the desert counter on me. Happy Birthday dear."
"Thanks Eddie" Mary said and went about tidying up her section. The first couple of hours of her shift went by quickly and uneventfully. The diner brought in college students, but mostly older couples seeking a bit of nostalgia to go with their meal.
Around 8:00 pm a young man came in and sat in Mary's section. Eddie had been about to let her go home for the night, but Mary said she would take care of him. She walked over to the young man, he looked in his early twenties to Mary, but he was so handsome it took her breath away. He was staring down at the table top looking a bit forlorn and in another world. She wondered what he could be contemplating so completely. She smiled and asked him, "Sir, are you alright? Can I get you anything?"
The young man looked up and gasped. He said to her, "Miss, I do believe my luck has changed. I think I just fell in love."
Mary had never flirted before. She had had crushes, but nothing like she had read about in books. This forward speaking had never occurred to her as being more than just a fairy tale. She stuttered and finally asked if she could get him something to eat or drink.
He said back, "The one thing that you could give me would be your hand in marriage."
Embarrassed and unsure as to how to react she excused herself and fled. Eddie, who had overheard the exchange came out and sat down that the young man's booth. He introduced himself saying, "Hey there young man, I'm Old Man Edwin, but everyone calls me Eddie. I own this diner and make sure everything in it is in top condition. Now what have you done to our young Mary to make her rush off so?"
The young man said, "Sir, my name is Lonny. I just got out of the army and started school across the way. I may have been too forward, but I have never seen a more beautiful girl in my life, and I asked your Mary for her hand in marriage."
Eddie, sensing the boy had a good heart chuckled and said, "Well, Lonny, I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance, but our young Mary is just 15 years old today, and I don't believe she's ever had anything even close to a boyfriend. Go easy on her with the flirting and we will get along just fine, Now would you like something to eat?"
Eddie went back into the kitchen where Mary was still trying to compose herself and said to her, "Don't you worry yourself young Mary, I believe that boy is being kind to you. He would like a plate of my chicken 'n dumplins and a glass of sweet tea, do you think you can do that?"
"Sure Eddie, of course I can." Mary said and rushed to get the man's food.
When she brought it to the table, he said, "Miss, I believe I owe you an apology. You see, I've gone about everything in a completely improper manner, but I was so stunned by your beauty I forgot myself for a moment. My name is Lonny."
"I'm Mary, " she managed to say, "And it's okay, I've just never had anyone say anything like that to me before, it just surprised me is all."
Lonny said, "Well, again, I am so sorry Mary. Thank you for coming back out here so I could make things right." As she turned to walk away he added, "And happy birthday."
Mary turned back and said, "How did you know it was my birthday?"
Lonny replied, "Eddie told me. He said you turned 15 today, did you do anything special?"
Mary said, "It's my 15th birthday today, but I never do anything for my birthday because there never seems to be anything to celebrate about it. I'm not morbid or anything, it just seems silly when everyone has one and no one did anything to earn being born, " she rattled off, embarrassed at the way she talking so much.
Lonny replied, "Do you believe in love at first sight?"
YES!! Her mind screamed, but she said to him, "I've read about it, but I don't know that I believe in it. Shouldn't you know someone to love them?"
Lonny said, "That's a very logical thought, but love isn't always about logic. Mary, I meant what I said earlier. I do believe I've fallen in love with you, but with you being 15 and me being 22 it wouldn't be proper and I would never do anything to dishonor you or tarnish anything we would have between us. But I will wait, forever if I have to, for you if you would only say that I have a chance of winning your heart."
Mary was stunned again. She didn't know how to respond. Everything inside her and about her wanted to scream yes yes yes, but she was scared. She said to him, "okeedokee." and fled again.
She was too embarrassed to go back out. She told Eddie she wasn't feeling well and asked him if he could finish up for her. He of course obliged.
All the way home she was mentally kicking herself. "Okeedokee? Really? That's what you said? Who says okeedokee to those poetic words?" When she got home, her house was quiet. Her whole family worked at the university and had an early start, but there was a cupcake sitting on the kitchen table with a card and a pretty sweater she had had her eyes on. While they weren't able to celebrate with her (she preferred it this way) they always made sure that Mary knew she was loved and thought of. But even the birthday cheer didn't ease the feeling in the pit of her stomach. She assumed she would never see the beautiful man again and lay awake most of the night disappointed and feeling emotions that she had never known before.
~~~
The next day was Saturday. She got up early and went into the diner for the breakfast shift. She tried hard not to notice that Lonny didn't come in. When Eddie asked her what was wrong, she just shrugged and said she still wasn't feeling very well. He told her to go home and get some rest and to call him if she wasn't up to coming in that night.
She went home feeling sorry for herself and disappointed in herself that she had let Eddie down when he had been so kind to her, but she couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to see Lonny again. She went back that night for the dinner shift. The first couple of hours were slow and Mary was sure Eddie would send her home early, especially since she hadn't been "feeling well." But he didn't. 6 came and passed, 7 came and passed without a soul coming into the diner. Mary was working up the courage to ask Eddie about it when the little bell on the front door tinkled. She walked out and there, in the same booth as the night before was Lonny. She looked over at Eddie and he winked at her and made a shooing motion with his hand for her to go over.
Lonny said to her, "Hello Mary. I have thought of nothing but you all day today."
Mary, thinking that she had to get her head on straight said, "Good evening Lonny. You can't say things like that to me all the time. I get nervous and uncomfortable. You will get bored and I will be left here. I'm only 15, I can't be dating someone even as handsome as you." She couldn't believe she had added the last part.
Lonny said, "Mary, I will wait for you forever if I have to. I've told you this. You are my future and my life now. I am not a boy, I am a man. A very patient man. I've waited my life to find you, and I will wait forever for the time where I never have to let you go." Seeing that Mary had turned a bright shade of red and looked about ready to flee again, Lonny abruptly changed the topic saying, "Now those chicken and dumplings were the best I'd ever had. Could I please have some with some cornbread and a sweet tea?"
Mary, disoriented from both his confession and his sudden change of topic just said, "Of course" and ran off to get them.
As time passed, Lonny came into the diner every night that Mary was working.
Each night Eddie would tell him, "Be patient, but I won't allow any shenanigans"
and each night Lonny would tell him back, "Sir, my intentions are beyond honorable."
Mary became more and more comfortable with Lonny. After about six months, enough to sit down and talk with him while he ate his nightly chicken and dumplings with sweet tea. Sometimes he would buy her a confection out of the desert counter, but most of the time they would just talk.
After a year Mary considered him her best friend. She would tell him about her life and her dreams and goals, and how she loved music, but didn't want it to be a job, singing was a passion to her.
Lonny would tell her about his classes at the university and how he played the guitar and dreamed of travelling the world playing music to those less fortunate. "Music," he would tell her, "is the only universal language. Greater than human compassion, greater than love. Music can reach out and heal souls."
~~~~
Mary didn't know the moment when she fell in love with Lonny. But as day by day, month by month, and year by year passed she did more and more completely. Everyday, without fail, he would appear in the same corner booth as the night before. He would order chicken and dumplings with cornbread and sweet tea. Once she had asked him why he ordered the same thing every day.
He said to her, "I may want spontaneity, I may want to travel and have adventure, but at heart I am a creature of habit. I like what I am used to, and I love what I love, and that's a love that never fails no matter who or what it is," looking directly into her eyes while he said the last.
Instead of being flustered, she felt honored. She was almost 18 years old. He had faithfully been into the diner every night for the last three years. She was excited and nervous for her birthday. He had stated many times before that he intended to ask her father for permission to court her properly on her 18th birthday. She had never felt she wanted anything as much as she wanted to be with Lonny.
~~~~
On her 18th birthday, her family had taken off of work. It was a Saturday, and Eddie had given her the morning off. They had told her that they wanted to do something special for her birthday this year, have a little party at home. She had decided to put on a happy face about it, but while she showered and got dressed all she could think about was getting to the diner that night to see Lonny.
Once she was ready for the day she came into the living room. There were streamers and balloons, and a large banner that said 'Happy Birthday Mary!!' but there was no one there. She walked into the kitchen, she searched the house, but she couldn't find them anywhere.
She wandered back to the living room and there in the middle of the room was Lonny, on one knee holding a small velvet black box. He said to her, "Mary, I will wait forever for you, but I want my forever to be with you. Please, make my life, my soul, and my heart whole by marrying me."
Mary started to cry and ran into his arms and said, "Yes, of course yes!" Her family and Eddie came out of their hiding places and gave them both a hug. She said to Lonny, "How did you do this?" and turning to her family asked, "How did you know?"
Her father explained that Eddie had called him up the first night Lonny had come into the diner. And every night after Mary had left, Eddie and Lonny would talk, and the three of them would meet every Saturday morning while she was working. Each day Lonny would charm her family and each night Lonny would charm Mary. His dedication to her over the years both impressed her parents, and made them feel she was safe with him and when Lonny had asked for her hand in marriage, the answer was an overwhelming yes.
Lonny took Mary in his arms and said, "Are you happy, my Mary?"
She said back to him, "Happier than I could have ever imagined."
He said, "Now, on your birthdays, we will have something to celebrate."
When Mary was 14, Old Man Edwin, who everyone called Eddie, gave her a job at small diner down the road from the nearby university She would go to school, stay after school to practice with her choice and then would walk the 6 blocks to the diner to work the dinner hour.
Monday through Friday this was her routine and she fell into it comfortably Saturday she would go in during the morning for the breakfast rush and then come back that night again for dinner She didn't make a lot, but she was proud that she was able to contribute to supporting their family as they had for her entire life
It was January and Mary was walking passed the university to the diner She was bundled up and shivering as the winter wind snapped against her face, but she stopped for a moment She loved watching the college students coming back, fresh and renewed from joyful times with family, but excited to see their friends and share with them their holidays Watching them she dreamed of the day she'd leave home and start a life of her own, with friends of her own She didn't know what she wanted to do with her life, but she knew she wanted to experience everything that she could
She got to the diner and while she changed out of her boots and coats into her apron and uniform, Mary daydreamed of having one person she felt close to, someone to have a real connection with. Outside of her family, her choice and her job, she didn't know anyone She had always been kind hearted, but she was also quiet, so the kids that she went to school with left her alone
Eddie had always been good to her Given her a job so young Making sure she was left alone by the rowdy college boys who came in Generally watching after her like a surrogate grandfather
As she came into the kitchen for her shift Eddie said to her, "Young Mary, now why don't you tell Ol' Eddie why you didn't ask for the day off? Am I mistaken or have you turned 15 years old today?"
Mary blushed and replied, "Yes sir, I did But I've never really had a reason to celebrate my birthday before"
Eddie sighed and gave her a hug and said, "Don't you work too hard today then aight? And take anything you would like out of the desert counter on me. Happy Birthday dear."
"Thanks Eddie" Mary said and went about tidying up her section. The first couple of hours of her shift went by quickly and uneventfully. The diner brought in college students, but mostly older couples seeking a bit of nostalgia to go with their meal.
Around 8:00 pm a young man came in and sat in Mary's section. Eddie had been about to let her go home for the night, but Mary said she would take care of him. She walked over to the young man, he looked in his early twenties to Mary, but he was so handsome it took her breath away. He was staring down at the table top looking a bit forlorn and in another world. She wondered what he could be contemplating so completely. She smiled and asked him, "Sir, are you alright? Can I get you anything?"
The young man looked up and gasped. He said to her, "Miss, I do believe my luck has changed. I think I just fell in love."
Mary had never flirted before. She had had crushes, but nothing like she had read about in books. This forward speaking had never occurred to her as being more than just a fairy tale. She stuttered and finally asked if she could get him something to eat or drink.
He said back, "The one thing that you could give me would be your hand in marriage."
Embarrassed and unsure as to how to react she excused herself and fled. Eddie, who had overheard the exchange came out and sat down that the young man's booth. He introduced himself saying, "Hey there young man, I'm Old Man Edwin, but everyone calls me Eddie. I own this diner and make sure everything in it is in top condition. Now what have you done to our young Mary to make her rush off so?"
The young man said, "Sir, my name is Lonny. I just got out of the army and started school across the way. I may have been too forward, but I have never seen a more beautiful girl in my life, and I asked your Mary for her hand in marriage."
Eddie, sensing the boy had a good heart chuckled and said, "Well, Lonny, I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance, but our young Mary is just 15 years old today, and I don't believe she's ever had anything even close to a boyfriend. Go easy on her with the flirting and we will get along just fine, Now would you like something to eat?"
Eddie went back into the kitchen where Mary was still trying to compose herself and said to her, "Don't you worry yourself young Mary, I believe that boy is being kind to you. He would like a plate of my chicken 'n dumplins and a glass of sweet tea, do you think you can do that?"
"Sure Eddie, of course I can." Mary said and rushed to get the man's food.
When she brought it to the table, he said, "Miss, I believe I owe you an apology. You see, I've gone about everything in a completely improper manner, but I was so stunned by your beauty I forgot myself for a moment. My name is Lonny."
"I'm Mary, " she managed to say, "And it's okay, I've just never had anyone say anything like that to me before, it just surprised me is all."
Lonny said, "Well, again, I am so sorry Mary. Thank you for coming back out here so I could make things right." As she turned to walk away he added, "And happy birthday."
Mary turned back and said, "How did you know it was my birthday?"
Lonny replied, "Eddie told me. He said you turned 15 today, did you do anything special?"
Mary said, "It's my 15th birthday today, but I never do anything for my birthday because there never seems to be anything to celebrate about it. I'm not morbid or anything, it just seems silly when everyone has one and no one did anything to earn being born, " she rattled off, embarrassed at the way she talking so much.
Lonny replied, "Do you believe in love at first sight?"
YES!! Her mind screamed, but she said to him, "I've read about it, but I don't know that I believe in it. Shouldn't you know someone to love them?"
Lonny said, "That's a very logical thought, but love isn't always about logic. Mary, I meant what I said earlier. I do believe I've fallen in love with you, but with you being 15 and me being 22 it wouldn't be proper and I would never do anything to dishonor you or tarnish anything we would have between us. But I will wait, forever if I have to, for you if you would only say that I have a chance of winning your heart."
Mary was stunned again. She didn't know how to respond. Everything inside her and about her wanted to scream yes yes yes, but she was scared. She said to him, "okeedokee." and fled again.
She was too embarrassed to go back out. She told Eddie she wasn't feeling well and asked him if he could finish up for her. He of course obliged.
All the way home she was mentally kicking herself. "Okeedokee? Really? That's what you said? Who says okeedokee to those poetic words?" When she got home, her house was quiet. Her whole family worked at the university and had an early start, but there was a cupcake sitting on the kitchen table with a card and a pretty sweater she had had her eyes on. While they weren't able to celebrate with her (she preferred it this way) they always made sure that Mary knew she was loved and thought of. But even the birthday cheer didn't ease the feeling in the pit of her stomach. She assumed she would never see the beautiful man again and lay awake most of the night disappointed and feeling emotions that she had never known before.
~~~
The next day was Saturday. She got up early and went into the diner for the breakfast shift. She tried hard not to notice that Lonny didn't come in. When Eddie asked her what was wrong, she just shrugged and said she still wasn't feeling very well. He told her to go home and get some rest and to call him if she wasn't up to coming in that night.
She went home feeling sorry for herself and disappointed in herself that she had let Eddie down when he had been so kind to her, but she couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to see Lonny again. She went back that night for the dinner shift. The first couple of hours were slow and Mary was sure Eddie would send her home early, especially since she hadn't been "feeling well." But he didn't. 6 came and passed, 7 came and passed without a soul coming into the diner. Mary was working up the courage to ask Eddie about it when the little bell on the front door tinkled. She walked out and there, in the same booth as the night before was Lonny. She looked over at Eddie and he winked at her and made a shooing motion with his hand for her to go over.
Lonny said to her, "Hello Mary. I have thought of nothing but you all day today."
Mary, thinking that she had to get her head on straight said, "Good evening Lonny. You can't say things like that to me all the time. I get nervous and uncomfortable. You will get bored and I will be left here. I'm only 15, I can't be dating someone even as handsome as you." She couldn't believe she had added the last part.
Lonny said, "Mary, I will wait for you forever if I have to. I've told you this. You are my future and my life now. I am not a boy, I am a man. A very patient man. I've waited my life to find you, and I will wait forever for the time where I never have to let you go." Seeing that Mary had turned a bright shade of red and looked about ready to flee again, Lonny abruptly changed the topic saying, "Now those chicken and dumplings were the best I'd ever had. Could I please have some with some cornbread and a sweet tea?"
Mary, disoriented from both his confession and his sudden change of topic just said, "Of course" and ran off to get them.
As time passed, Lonny came into the diner every night that Mary was working.
Each night Eddie would tell him, "Be patient, but I won't allow any shenanigans"
and each night Lonny would tell him back, "Sir, my intentions are beyond honorable."
Mary became more and more comfortable with Lonny. After about six months, enough to sit down and talk with him while he ate his nightly chicken and dumplings with sweet tea. Sometimes he would buy her a confection out of the desert counter, but most of the time they would just talk.
After a year Mary considered him her best friend. She would tell him about her life and her dreams and goals, and how she loved music, but didn't want it to be a job, singing was a passion to her.
Lonny would tell her about his classes at the university and how he played the guitar and dreamed of travelling the world playing music to those less fortunate. "Music," he would tell her, "is the only universal language. Greater than human compassion, greater than love. Music can reach out and heal souls."
~~~~
Mary didn't know the moment when she fell in love with Lonny. But as day by day, month by month, and year by year passed she did more and more completely. Everyday, without fail, he would appear in the same corner booth as the night before. He would order chicken and dumplings with cornbread and sweet tea. Once she had asked him why he ordered the same thing every day.
He said to her, "I may want spontaneity, I may want to travel and have adventure, but at heart I am a creature of habit. I like what I am used to, and I love what I love, and that's a love that never fails no matter who or what it is," looking directly into her eyes while he said the last.
Instead of being flustered, she felt honored. She was almost 18 years old. He had faithfully been into the diner every night for the last three years. She was excited and nervous for her birthday. He had stated many times before that he intended to ask her father for permission to court her properly on her 18th birthday. She had never felt she wanted anything as much as she wanted to be with Lonny.
~~~~
On her 18th birthday, her family had taken off of work. It was a Saturday, and Eddie had given her the morning off. They had told her that they wanted to do something special for her birthday this year, have a little party at home. She had decided to put on a happy face about it, but while she showered and got dressed all she could think about was getting to the diner that night to see Lonny.
Once she was ready for the day she came into the living room. There were streamers and balloons, and a large banner that said 'Happy Birthday Mary!!' but there was no one there. She walked into the kitchen, she searched the house, but she couldn't find them anywhere.
She wandered back to the living room and there in the middle of the room was Lonny, on one knee holding a small velvet black box. He said to her, "Mary, I will wait forever for you, but I want my forever to be with you. Please, make my life, my soul, and my heart whole by marrying me."
Mary started to cry and ran into his arms and said, "Yes, of course yes!" Her family and Eddie came out of their hiding places and gave them both a hug. She said to Lonny, "How did you do this?" and turning to her family asked, "How did you know?"
Her father explained that Eddie had called him up the first night Lonny had come into the diner. And every night after Mary had left, Eddie and Lonny would talk, and the three of them would meet every Saturday morning while she was working. Each day Lonny would charm her family and each night Lonny would charm Mary. His dedication to her over the years both impressed her parents, and made them feel she was safe with him and when Lonny had asked for her hand in marriage, the answer was an overwhelming yes.
Lonny took Mary in his arms and said, "Are you happy, my Mary?"
She said back to him, "Happier than I could have ever imagined."
He said, "Now, on your birthdays, we will have something to celebrate."
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Our first story
So if all goes well, I am hoping that our first story will be posted today. When choosing out of the many that have been sent in, we decided to go with one that was uplifting, specifically for the holiday season. As I have indicated, I am not in good health, so I am thankful for those who have helped me with this process and for everyone who has so far checked out this page. As stories are being posted, the more views that we get, the more we can help people, and there are a lot of people in need. Yet, I want to remind you, it is not a simple short process. This has to be done correctly. I's dotted and T's crossed. I am a man of my word. And though, as a man I am infallible, I and we will not fail at this. So please support us with this cause. Obviously, we are asking for no money, just your time. That is the most precious thing you can give, and with that you can help so many people. Lastly, as I have stated, this site is not about me, I have said a lot of things from and about me, I did not want to leave this page empty, losing it's meaning and purpose. So I try to do simple things to entertain, to inspire, and hopefully to laugh and have fun. Yet, many of the stories are not fun or happy or joyful in nature at all, but it is our job collectively to change that. For all those in need. Thank you and God bless. I wish a Merry Christmas to all, yes, and to all a goodnight. Also, joyful holidays.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Food For Thought 22
Be careful, everyone you see is going through a battle of their own, especially those who hide it best.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Food For Thought 21
The softer we are in our speaking, the louder our voice becomes.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Twitter Friends
Through my Twitter experience, I've learned of so many different personalities, but also confirming the fact of how much we are all alike. I have developed some great relationships that in today's world would have never happened. So is it cyber world or is it real life? Does it matter? Friendship is friendship. A friend of mine on Twitter calls us Twitter buddies. How I wish I could spend so much more time talking with each individual person. I believe someday it will happen. We are connected in so many ways that when using this tool correctly, it gives us an opportunity to grow. Learn and Love more openly and freely.
Food For Thought 20
Why do we still have to use the acronym "lol"? It's obnoxious. Can't we use "if you don't understand this is funny then shame on you??" LOL
Example of Great Men
Three men I would like to talk about briefly. One is David Dorn. A minister for the Loft Church. I do not know David personally. Through Twitter, specifically Jamie Eason, and obviously God, we had fallen into each other's paths. We are Twitter friends. We do not tweet to each other often, but we have emailed each other. Very seldom do I reach out for another person's prayers. I've always believed that my faith is great enough. He had inquired about my story. I have not felt capable to speak of it in detail, especially while I am going through it. I'm sure many can understand this. Yet, from the small conversations that we have shared I have found a man of true faith, love and caring.
Another is Pastor Rick Stewart from New Hope Church. We had never met. Only my wife and him have talked. This is the first time in my entire life that something like this, which I am about to tell you, has ever happened.
Basically, he was supposed to stop over and was running late by a couple of hours. I was very bothered by this. He called and explained and apologized in detail, approaching it from my perspective, without knowing any of my thoughts, but addressing how he would have felt if it had happened to him. Discernment. I have done this since I was a little boy. It has always been second nature to me. For the longest time until that day, I was believing that I was the only one. Though in my heart, believing that could not be true. What a wonderful thing that is to be acknowledged, without having to speak a word of how you are feeling. My own family doesn't do this. Never has. This is not including my wife. And I have a very large family. We are of a mixed race.
On a funny note I have more family, immediate family than the population of the small town I grew up in, which at the time was about 800. Of course, as the town grows, so does my family. And I'm excluding anything past a second cousin.
Thirdly, a man that most people know, Lee Haney. Yes, the 8 time Mr. Olympia winner Lee Haney. He is a very lovely man. We talk often. The thing I love the most about him is that when I tweet complimenting about his supplement line he never favorites or retweets those as promotional tools. For instance, today, I tweeted him about his detox. Which is simply a supplement for detoxing the body. It is helpful to all, but those with an illness it can extremely benefit more so. His reply was not a retweet, it was simply a tweet, which he always calls me big Josh or Joshua. This is from Lee Haney. That's like Einstein calling me Smart Joshua. In all honesty my IQ is so high there's no classification for it. Maybe that's why I'm so much trouble though I never get caught except for by my wife. Back to Lee. His tweet was simply a message wishing me and my wife wonderful holidays with prayers and that our life will be filled with joy.
Just something I thought I would share.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Another is Pastor Rick Stewart from New Hope Church. We had never met. Only my wife and him have talked. This is the first time in my entire life that something like this, which I am about to tell you, has ever happened.
Basically, he was supposed to stop over and was running late by a couple of hours. I was very bothered by this. He called and explained and apologized in detail, approaching it from my perspective, without knowing any of my thoughts, but addressing how he would have felt if it had happened to him. Discernment. I have done this since I was a little boy. It has always been second nature to me. For the longest time until that day, I was believing that I was the only one. Though in my heart, believing that could not be true. What a wonderful thing that is to be acknowledged, without having to speak a word of how you are feeling. My own family doesn't do this. Never has. This is not including my wife. And I have a very large family. We are of a mixed race.
On a funny note I have more family, immediate family than the population of the small town I grew up in, which at the time was about 800. Of course, as the town grows, so does my family. And I'm excluding anything past a second cousin.
Thirdly, a man that most people know, Lee Haney. Yes, the 8 time Mr. Olympia winner Lee Haney. He is a very lovely man. We talk often. The thing I love the most about him is that when I tweet complimenting about his supplement line he never favorites or retweets those as promotional tools. For instance, today, I tweeted him about his detox. Which is simply a supplement for detoxing the body. It is helpful to all, but those with an illness it can extremely benefit more so. His reply was not a retweet, it was simply a tweet, which he always calls me big Josh or Joshua. This is from Lee Haney. That's like Einstein calling me Smart Joshua. In all honesty my IQ is so high there's no classification for it. Maybe that's why I'm so much trouble though I never get caught except for by my wife. Back to Lee. His tweet was simply a message wishing me and my wife wonderful holidays with prayers and that our life will be filled with joy.
Just something I thought I would share.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Monday, December 22, 2014
Lazy Man's Load
Saw a caricature of a child holding about twelve books that said burden with Jesus' hand reached out. Caption: Let him help. Great statement, but not well thought out. This is an example of when we need and don't need help. Obviously, the kid could have made two trips taking half the books each time. When growing up, this is what was referred to by adults, mainly my father, as a lazy man's load. So while I'm obviously creating humor from this, the fact is that we don't always need help, we just need to be a little smarter and not so lazy.
This is not about me, be patient
I had stated that this site is not about me, and asked for your patience with the stories that will be posted. As I have said earlier, the process is more difficult than I had expected. Remember, good things come to those who wait. And I leave you with this:
My take on Abomination
What is an abomination? What does it mean? It is rarely used in the bible. Through prayer this is what has been told to me. An abomination is simply this, it encompasses the violation of the seven deadly sins and the ten commandments, both literally and metaphorically.
Is one sin greater than another?
If you read the bible out of context, many take away the fact that not one sin is greater than another. This is not true. Before I explain, I do not put down specific bible verses (meaning the book, the chapter or the verse) in my belief; it takes away from the person's responsibility to look it up and pray for the discernment to interpret it properly.
Yes, there are sins that are greater than others. We can start with using the word abomination. Going into the seven deadly sins. Followed by the Ten Commandments. But let's simplify things. Going back to Jesus and Pontius Pilate, Jesus said the sin is greater of those... You can look it up and read the rest. God had, Himself, stated that one sin is greater than all others. And that is bearing of false witness. A simple definition of this is-that if we lie about somebody to someone that is bearing false witness. Though there are many examples, is lying about someone that is actually specifically about a good thing, is that still a sin? Is that still bearing of false witness? Is it still frowned upon by God? Well, you'd have to ask God about that one.
But when you specifically go out of your way knowing that you are lying about someone, making up something that is bad and wrong, that is the easiest definition. You can even do it to someone about them. I will give you an example. If you are cheating on your significant other, and they suspect it, and you continue to tell them, 'You're crazy, I never cheated, How dare you think that of me?' And then eventually it comes out that you were cheating. Yes, this is an example of bearing false witness to someone about them. I believe that bearing false witness encompasses so many different things, not just lying, but manipulation, empowerment, causing pure destruction on someone else's life.
So then I ask you, when is one sin not greater than another? The day you ask for forgiveness for it. God says when you do this, it is no more. Simply, it never happened. How lovely would it be if we were this forgiving? It all adds up to humility. Yet, humility without grace is impossible. Grace without conviction is irresponsible. Strength without compassion is forgettable. And love without action is just that.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Yes, there are sins that are greater than others. We can start with using the word abomination. Going into the seven deadly sins. Followed by the Ten Commandments. But let's simplify things. Going back to Jesus and Pontius Pilate, Jesus said the sin is greater of those... You can look it up and read the rest. God had, Himself, stated that one sin is greater than all others. And that is bearing of false witness. A simple definition of this is-that if we lie about somebody to someone that is bearing false witness. Though there are many examples, is lying about someone that is actually specifically about a good thing, is that still a sin? Is that still bearing of false witness? Is it still frowned upon by God? Well, you'd have to ask God about that one.
But when you specifically go out of your way knowing that you are lying about someone, making up something that is bad and wrong, that is the easiest definition. You can even do it to someone about them. I will give you an example. If you are cheating on your significant other, and they suspect it, and you continue to tell them, 'You're crazy, I never cheated, How dare you think that of me?' And then eventually it comes out that you were cheating. Yes, this is an example of bearing false witness to someone about them. I believe that bearing false witness encompasses so many different things, not just lying, but manipulation, empowerment, causing pure destruction on someone else's life.
So then I ask you, when is one sin not greater than another? The day you ask for forgiveness for it. God says when you do this, it is no more. Simply, it never happened. How lovely would it be if we were this forgiving? It all adds up to humility. Yet, humility without grace is impossible. Grace without conviction is irresponsible. Strength without compassion is forgettable. And love without action is just that.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Food For Thought 17
As adults we now believe that we are old enough to have the wisdom to justify hurting others?!
Insight of Violence/Blood on your hands
Due to my illness I have not been in what we would call "the loop" so forgive me if I do not state the names, but I will assume that you know what I am speaking about. If I ever have a food for thought that says that assuming or presuming is bad, this is not one of those times. We all know about the black man that was killed by the police officer and all the ridiculous banter from politicians to major celebrities, which by the way is very irresponsible, when you have that many followers on these media sites your influence is greater and as the old saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. As I've spoken before, they believe that everybody wants to hear what they have to say, yet we are part of the problem by facilitating it. Now the new subject is of the two police officers that were slain.
Usually I do not use names of celebrities, but obviously we all know what was said by whom. So, Samuel L. Jackson comes out with a song that he wants us to sing together. What? Who the hell are you to do such an irresponsible thing? But as I am a human being and have free will, I have the choice to believe what I want. I am not living in a manner of fickleness where I listen to anyone but my heart through discernment.
On Twitter another celebrity stated that one of his followers had it right when she stated that Sam had blood on his hands. Bull. I felt led to respond. I received several responses myself. Though none were derogatory in nature and were spoken with respect or rather written with respect, the question that was asked of me which was actually a statement, so those who insight violence don't have blood on their hands?
Well, first of all, no. Not with what we are talking about here. If halfway around the world a man that I don't know, just through movies, decides to say something irresponsible on Youtube, no he does not have blood on his hands. Basically it came down to the fact that through Samuel L. Jackson's statement, that he had corrupted a community, so much so, to cause them to fear the police and then kill two police officers.
First, let me tell you Samuel L. Jackson does not have that kind of power over people, even though he tries to. Was that his intention? Who knows. My experience with Hollywood is that 99.9% of them are nuts. And 99.9% of them will agree with this about themselves. Getting back to my point. Most police officers are in it for the wrong reason. In my experience most have what's called "small man's disease," were bullied as children, and they use this power through corruption. Can you tell me any different?
My response was this, I used the example of Jesus and Pontius Pilate (pronounced as pont-Tee-us pill-Lot-tay.) Pontius washed his hands. Jesus accepted and allowed for this. Jesus spoke saying, 'The sins of those that brought me to you are greater' obviously paraphrasing. It's called free will. Deflection of blame. Meaning that everyone is looking for someone to blame. Which in no way or fashion is helping the matter at all.
The person that I was talking to the most was a very young man. This is not Adolf Hitler and his soldiers. Another man is not going to put fear inside of me towards another man. I had went into greater detail about Jesus. But not everyone is a believer and not everyone knows their bible. it is no different than with Rodney King. Which insighted a riot that we all remember to this day. Basically what it does is it gives people a reason to be their true selves. This is a path that should be avoided.
Most of these statements and inquiries came from Kevin Sorbo's Twitter page. I feel, if I'm going to state Samuel, I must include the counter in Kevin. So I'll simplify it. If by what Kevin and/or his follower said and someone killed Samuel L. Jackson is the blood on their hands? What is wrong with people? It's great to debate if we learn, grow and change. No one is even willing to listen to change; one percent of their thinking. And this racism nonsense has to stop. All those things that used to be told to us as children, sticks and stones may break your bones etc. If I told you to jump off the Empire State Building... If you don't have anything good or nice to say... You can finish the rest.
As adults, we somehow now believe that we are wise enough to make the decisions to hurt others. Are you following me here? When we are children we are told that it is wrong and we are punished. When we are adults, well, we just know better and we can do what we want without consequence. If I were to say to a group of friends, I can't stand Sam Jackson. I wish he were dead. And then four hours later, by any means, he dies. Is the blood on my hands? There's no conspiracy here. We all have the freedom to say what we want. But not to do what we want.
This is my heritage. My genealogy. I am Welsh. My family came from Scotland to America. That is on my father's side. As well as black. I do not say African American because it is bull crap and because I can not trace my genealogy, I do not know if my ancestors came from Africa, they could have come from Jamaica. I am also Jewish by the way of Poland. On my mother's side, my ancestors came from Israel, to Poland then to America. My wife is 100% made in Korea. I am tired, so tired of everybody talking about race. They are stoking the fire.
If a person is an ass, then they are an ass. Their race has nothing to do with it. Meaning the color of their skin. Yes, cultural differences are biased. But this back and forth nonsense does nothing. And why is it that these so called movie stars chime in about things that they could not possibly relate to and only when it's media savvy? These things happen everyday to what we call ordinary people. To many different races. Lately I'm disgusted because it seems to be about black men and police officers. Personally, I can't stand police officers. I have seen my fair share of them. Some are good men and bad police officers. But you will never see a bad man being a good police officer.
I don't fear police officers. Or any man for that matter. We have ridiculous laws. At one time in my life a man tried to break into a group of my friends' home. We called 911. I tried to talk the man down who was being threatening for 45 minutes until finally being asked to leave, as we're waiting for the police, (to give you a slight back story he was drunk and needed a place to stay) he turned to walk out the door, shoved the door into my friend's face who was a 20 some year old pregnant female, so I hit him one time in the face and knocked him out cold. The police don't show up until he called 911 after waking up. 6 months later I go to jail. The ignorance lies in the fact that because I am a very large man, in fact at that time 6'3" 285lbs with a little 36" waist, I was told that I was too big to be hitting another man. Though I fired my attorney on the spot and represented myself, my statement following was this, "If I was not put in this position in the first place, I never would have had to make the so called bad choice?" And my other question was "Well then he's too small to be trying to break into people's houses" So I do have an understanding about choice and consequence. But I was a 24 year old kid. I was not a police officer and I did not have a community joining together to lynch two men, which I am stating because this applies to both of the irresponsibility that turned into a horrible act of murder with a young black man being strangled and to the community that killed the two police officers. And let me state this, there is a difference between murder and killing. If you read the 10 commandments properly, as I am multilingual, from Aramaic, to Hebrew, to Greek, translated into English it says thou shall not murder. So obviously there is a difference. Just a simple side note.
What does this all add up to? The ones who have the power are abusing it. But the old adage still applies. People kill people. If I wander while I am speaking and my wife is typing, it has to do with my health. So please stay with me, This blame game is exactly what it sounds like.
When I graduated from high school, I went to college for medicine and theology. At the age of 21 I picked up the guitar for the first time. I got my degree in medicine and theology. Yes I was a doctor. I worked for a short time as a doctor. I was what you would call a Doogie Howser. I graduated in three years. I felt led to go into music. I was born with perfect pitch. Look it up. After six months of singing and playing the guitar (which I can play almost every instrument on this planet proficiently) I recorded one song and had over 70 record labels knocking down my door. I passed on every label at the time. I did not feel that I was responsible enough or had paid my dues. I considered it like going to school or college. I was endorsed by Fender Guitars, GHS Strings, etc. Then I started to become ill. I got into screen writing and song writing. I have sold several scripts that are movies today and over a hundred songs that were number 1 hits winning me 7 Grammys.
Why am I telling you this? Because I have seen what celebrity is and more so what it is capable of.(Yes, not who, but it.) I am not an egotistical man. I am not arrogant. I am simply confident and convicted. If you were arrogant to begin with then fame and money will just make you more of an ass. So this is what I am saying, we all have to look within ourselves and be responsible no matter how big or small our forum is. We need to stop stoking the fire. Stop hurting and start healing. Stop blaming others. So getting back to what I initially started out this comment to be. Putting the blood on the hands of a man from his words that somehow caused the death of two men is preposterous. And what an awful thing to say. To put that guilt on another human being. People are too harsh in their way of speaking. And people are too fickle. I don't care what any man has to say. If it's against my beliefs and morals; I will not follow. (And my wife and family will surely tell you that if you do wrong or say wrong, I don't care what relationship you have with me, you're going to know. But to not contradict myself, this is within my circle. People I know. For I have stated what other people think of me is none of my business, and though this may sound weird, what I think of others that I do not know is none of my business. Unless it specifically affects me. And in this situation that I am speaking about; it does. Though I will not go into detail about that. At least at this time. I do not subscribe to throwing people under the bus especially when it comes to own agenda.) And these are Christians speaking. What a poor example. No wonder people are turning away from God.
God isn't God anymore, celebrity is. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Isn't that what this is all about? I hear a lot of people saying their prayers go out to the family or families of all of these new people that they never have known or cared about and still don't care about, in the media's words, that have been slain. How many people do you believe have actually said a prayer? In today's world saying that you're praying (there I go again rhyming) seems to be the equivalent of actually praying. If you want to pray a sincere prayer, ask God to give these people discernment. Don't spend your time on all these media sites trying to ram crap down your throat. They won't listen anyway.
And pray for the families who are mourning and suffering. Does your heart really go out to them? Do you really feel pain and are distraught through your day? Look at yourself. Basically, I've had enough of it. I know who I am, but this world is so lost. Why are we listening to people who won't even take the time to hit the follow back button? I say that because all of what I have heard has come off of Twitter, Facebook or other media sites. I'll see comments of people begging the super famous to follow them. Saying, "Follow me Follow me!" What is that all about? So you can go tell everybody, 'Look who's following me'? I may have gotten a bit off subject, but it all adds up. If Sam Jackson wasn't famous, he would not have had the forum to speak, though I'm sure somebody else would have taken his place. The same with Kevin Sorbo. And why don't Kevin and Sam tweet to each other? Somewhat passive aggressive don't you think?
Why don't we think and speak our mind responsibly through discernment through our own hearts? If you are speaking the right message, sooner or later it will be heard. And please, do not fall in the trap of this blame game. This does not help the family of the man that was strangled by the police officer, this does not do anything for the idiocy of the politician that said if he didn't have asthma or heart problems he wouldn't have died, it does not do anything for the two police officers who are dead and for their families, it does not do anything for the community who apparently conspired on Samuel L. Jackson's behalf, and it certainly does not bring these people back to life.
So why don't we say something before? Why do they open their big fat mouths after the fact? As if this was not going on and has not been going on since the world began? Why aren't we teaching and preaching peace and love everyday instead of waiting for something horrific to happen before we say something about it.
And in the lack of knowledge and wisdom that I have seen through all these comments and posts that adds up to ignorance, if something happens to Kevin, or Sam or to a police officer, according to today's logic, the blood will be on my hands. Be yourself. Subscribe to yourself through and by the Spirit. Why can't everyone see that is what we need and should be what we want? (This is a perfect example of where want and need are not a contradiction of itself.) As Jesus stated, your word is good enough. Don't forget that. So many people are lost and no matter what happens in your life, if you know who you are in Christ, then you are found. And that can never be taken away.
I see a lot of young musicians and actors, which please again do not stoke the fire by calling them rock stars or celebrities, being so foolish in nature and we give them a pass because, "well it must be difficult to grow up in the public eye." That is ridiculous. Choices are choices. If you're so easily influenced, maybe you need a spanking. (I know I do) I grew up learning my personality, not by tv, but by the people surrounding me, my experiences, and most of all God. And though I have made some bad decisions in my life, I turn on the tv and I see 50 and 60 year old men and women talking and acting like children. Wanting to be cool. What's cool about sounding like a moron?
All of these media tools can be used for things that are so wonderful, so beyond us. (And who do you think gave these men the idea for these media sites? And don't get me started on ChristianMingle, what a crock. What do you think people did before ChristianMingle that were Christians? On all the other sites, clicked the Christian box.) But as soon as a person hears something or has an idea, before even thinking or as the cliche goes 'sleep on it' they instagram it. Very seldom do I swear. But in this statement I feel it necessary. I don't give a shit. I don't care what you ate for breakfast. Which many times is contradicting when they are eating 8 pizzas to bulk up for a movie and yet working for Unicef. You couldn't spare, like 4 of those pizzas so you could pull of the role of Hercules? I'm not going to use the person's name.
I watch commercials and one of them used to be an organization formed from Christians to help the starving. Sally Struthers was the lead spokes person 25 years ago. Well they changed the name because they felt it was turning people away by using the word Christian. Now I see this old fat man who is about 280lbs walking through a village in Ethiopia with starving children. Does that not send a mixed message? In fact, I betcha the camera man is holding a big ol' sub sandwich while he's taping the starving kid. So my point is this, everybody jumps on the bandwagon when it's sitting right next to them. Does that make sense? I think it does. We have a responsibility. (Like feeding the 280lb fat man to the villagers. It would probably sustain them for a year. And on a side note, all you Christians who get up in arms when people use Xmas need to educate yourselves. It is not a term that was created by atheists, if you look it up it was a symbol of Christ, which was used when people would get together in mass for Christ hence Christmas. Though of course, many times why people use it is because they don't believe, well then don't celebrate Christmas. And when using it on twitter... C'mon we only have 140 characters and ten of those are taken away by the person you are sending it to, unless your last name is McConnaughey or Schwarzenneger. For instance why didn't Arnold use the Oak, or Matthew use AlrightAlrightAlright? Well, actually that's longer, but funnier.)
Margaret Cho is doing fundraising for homeless. Before I get started, I said I wouldn't use names, but I realize that in some cases that is cowardly. And as if we already didn't know this. So then, that would just make me passive aggressive, like Santa Clause. Anyway, what people don't understand when referring to the homeless is that we are so judgmental towards them out of ignorance, and there is so much more to this than just not having a home. You're dignity is lost. You have no pride, no self-worth. Though I did not need to be a doctor to know this, many people look past this. The physical and mental ramifications that come from poor hygiene to starvation, dehydration, sleep deprivation. So go outside in the elements, live in a box, eat once every week for a month and tell me if you could get yourself up and get a job. You couldn't. I have seen money being raised for a movie or a play. $50,000 in one week. But it has taken months to even raise half that amount to help the homeless. I'm not saying we have to give up what we have, I'm saying we can give up what we don't need. For every hour that someone is wasting their time on Instagram, they could be volunteering at a food bank. Be resourceful. Don't say I can't, or I'm trying, you are actually degrading your own self and creating limitations within yourself.
I have acted in a couple movies. They were 18 hour shoot days. I never had to pay for one meal or drink. Craft Services provided the food and beverages. Why is a movie contract or a record deal the end all be all of success? Personally, there's people that I had respected, and I emphasize the word "Had" that had gotten into these industries, some late in life working very hard, and have turned into complete jerks. Everything is about them. Self promotion, self promotion. Eventually we're gonna get tired of them. And let me tell you something, I have helped a lot of people, and yes exposure does help, but when you are doing something personally, why does there have to be a camera around? Discernment will tell you when that exposure is beneficial towards a cause or for your own ego. When you are just taking a random pic of you with a cancer patient, well that young child's day was made because you showed up. Your day was made by the "Likes" that you receive or the comments.
I had written something to Hugh Jackman who I have met several times. And I got a response back on Twitter from a girl saying "That sounds like something Hugh would say." Not addressed to just me, but to him. Kiss ass. No, it's not something Hugh would say, it's something I said. Hope all of this is adding up.
How silly is that? Don't make this mistake. Don't listen to someone because of who they are based upon fame or riches. Listen to them because of what they are saying and doing. I am not going to claim that I don't want to live my dreams and share my music and movies and help people through the forum that is fame. But when the day comes that I share what I'm eating for breakfast and take a pic of it, come over to my house and crack me right in the head. Just a good one, right between the eyes. Because unless I am answering a person's question directly, who gives a shit? Don't confuse your self-worth with self-importance.
God Bless.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Usually I do not use names of celebrities, but obviously we all know what was said by whom. So, Samuel L. Jackson comes out with a song that he wants us to sing together. What? Who the hell are you to do such an irresponsible thing? But as I am a human being and have free will, I have the choice to believe what I want. I am not living in a manner of fickleness where I listen to anyone but my heart through discernment.
On Twitter another celebrity stated that one of his followers had it right when she stated that Sam had blood on his hands. Bull. I felt led to respond. I received several responses myself. Though none were derogatory in nature and were spoken with respect or rather written with respect, the question that was asked of me which was actually a statement, so those who insight violence don't have blood on their hands?
Well, first of all, no. Not with what we are talking about here. If halfway around the world a man that I don't know, just through movies, decides to say something irresponsible on Youtube, no he does not have blood on his hands. Basically it came down to the fact that through Samuel L. Jackson's statement, that he had corrupted a community, so much so, to cause them to fear the police and then kill two police officers.
First, let me tell you Samuel L. Jackson does not have that kind of power over people, even though he tries to. Was that his intention? Who knows. My experience with Hollywood is that 99.9% of them are nuts. And 99.9% of them will agree with this about themselves. Getting back to my point. Most police officers are in it for the wrong reason. In my experience most have what's called "small man's disease," were bullied as children, and they use this power through corruption. Can you tell me any different?
My response was this, I used the example of Jesus and Pontius Pilate (pronounced as pont-Tee-us pill-Lot-tay.) Pontius washed his hands. Jesus accepted and allowed for this. Jesus spoke saying, 'The sins of those that brought me to you are greater' obviously paraphrasing. It's called free will. Deflection of blame. Meaning that everyone is looking for someone to blame. Which in no way or fashion is helping the matter at all.
The person that I was talking to the most was a very young man. This is not Adolf Hitler and his soldiers. Another man is not going to put fear inside of me towards another man. I had went into greater detail about Jesus. But not everyone is a believer and not everyone knows their bible. it is no different than with Rodney King. Which insighted a riot that we all remember to this day. Basically what it does is it gives people a reason to be their true selves. This is a path that should be avoided.
Most of these statements and inquiries came from Kevin Sorbo's Twitter page. I feel, if I'm going to state Samuel, I must include the counter in Kevin. So I'll simplify it. If by what Kevin and/or his follower said and someone killed Samuel L. Jackson is the blood on their hands? What is wrong with people? It's great to debate if we learn, grow and change. No one is even willing to listen to change; one percent of their thinking. And this racism nonsense has to stop. All those things that used to be told to us as children, sticks and stones may break your bones etc. If I told you to jump off the Empire State Building... If you don't have anything good or nice to say... You can finish the rest.
As adults, we somehow now believe that we are wise enough to make the decisions to hurt others. Are you following me here? When we are children we are told that it is wrong and we are punished. When we are adults, well, we just know better and we can do what we want without consequence. If I were to say to a group of friends, I can't stand Sam Jackson. I wish he were dead. And then four hours later, by any means, he dies. Is the blood on my hands? There's no conspiracy here. We all have the freedom to say what we want. But not to do what we want.
This is my heritage. My genealogy. I am Welsh. My family came from Scotland to America. That is on my father's side. As well as black. I do not say African American because it is bull crap and because I can not trace my genealogy, I do not know if my ancestors came from Africa, they could have come from Jamaica. I am also Jewish by the way of Poland. On my mother's side, my ancestors came from Israel, to Poland then to America. My wife is 100% made in Korea. I am tired, so tired of everybody talking about race. They are stoking the fire.
If a person is an ass, then they are an ass. Their race has nothing to do with it. Meaning the color of their skin. Yes, cultural differences are biased. But this back and forth nonsense does nothing. And why is it that these so called movie stars chime in about things that they could not possibly relate to and only when it's media savvy? These things happen everyday to what we call ordinary people. To many different races. Lately I'm disgusted because it seems to be about black men and police officers. Personally, I can't stand police officers. I have seen my fair share of them. Some are good men and bad police officers. But you will never see a bad man being a good police officer.
I don't fear police officers. Or any man for that matter. We have ridiculous laws. At one time in my life a man tried to break into a group of my friends' home. We called 911. I tried to talk the man down who was being threatening for 45 minutes until finally being asked to leave, as we're waiting for the police, (to give you a slight back story he was drunk and needed a place to stay) he turned to walk out the door, shoved the door into my friend's face who was a 20 some year old pregnant female, so I hit him one time in the face and knocked him out cold. The police don't show up until he called 911 after waking up. 6 months later I go to jail. The ignorance lies in the fact that because I am a very large man, in fact at that time 6'3" 285lbs with a little 36" waist, I was told that I was too big to be hitting another man. Though I fired my attorney on the spot and represented myself, my statement following was this, "If I was not put in this position in the first place, I never would have had to make the so called bad choice?" And my other question was "Well then he's too small to be trying to break into people's houses" So I do have an understanding about choice and consequence. But I was a 24 year old kid. I was not a police officer and I did not have a community joining together to lynch two men, which I am stating because this applies to both of the irresponsibility that turned into a horrible act of murder with a young black man being strangled and to the community that killed the two police officers. And let me state this, there is a difference between murder and killing. If you read the 10 commandments properly, as I am multilingual, from Aramaic, to Hebrew, to Greek, translated into English it says thou shall not murder. So obviously there is a difference. Just a simple side note.
What does this all add up to? The ones who have the power are abusing it. But the old adage still applies. People kill people. If I wander while I am speaking and my wife is typing, it has to do with my health. So please stay with me, This blame game is exactly what it sounds like.
When I graduated from high school, I went to college for medicine and theology. At the age of 21 I picked up the guitar for the first time. I got my degree in medicine and theology. Yes I was a doctor. I worked for a short time as a doctor. I was what you would call a Doogie Howser. I graduated in three years. I felt led to go into music. I was born with perfect pitch. Look it up. After six months of singing and playing the guitar (which I can play almost every instrument on this planet proficiently) I recorded one song and had over 70 record labels knocking down my door. I passed on every label at the time. I did not feel that I was responsible enough or had paid my dues. I considered it like going to school or college. I was endorsed by Fender Guitars, GHS Strings, etc. Then I started to become ill. I got into screen writing and song writing. I have sold several scripts that are movies today and over a hundred songs that were number 1 hits winning me 7 Grammys.
Why am I telling you this? Because I have seen what celebrity is and more so what it is capable of.(Yes, not who, but it.) I am not an egotistical man. I am not arrogant. I am simply confident and convicted. If you were arrogant to begin with then fame and money will just make you more of an ass. So this is what I am saying, we all have to look within ourselves and be responsible no matter how big or small our forum is. We need to stop stoking the fire. Stop hurting and start healing. Stop blaming others. So getting back to what I initially started out this comment to be. Putting the blood on the hands of a man from his words that somehow caused the death of two men is preposterous. And what an awful thing to say. To put that guilt on another human being. People are too harsh in their way of speaking. And people are too fickle. I don't care what any man has to say. If it's against my beliefs and morals; I will not follow. (And my wife and family will surely tell you that if you do wrong or say wrong, I don't care what relationship you have with me, you're going to know. But to not contradict myself, this is within my circle. People I know. For I have stated what other people think of me is none of my business, and though this may sound weird, what I think of others that I do not know is none of my business. Unless it specifically affects me. And in this situation that I am speaking about; it does. Though I will not go into detail about that. At least at this time. I do not subscribe to throwing people under the bus especially when it comes to own agenda.) And these are Christians speaking. What a poor example. No wonder people are turning away from God.
God isn't God anymore, celebrity is. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Isn't that what this is all about? I hear a lot of people saying their prayers go out to the family or families of all of these new people that they never have known or cared about and still don't care about, in the media's words, that have been slain. How many people do you believe have actually said a prayer? In today's world saying that you're praying (there I go again rhyming) seems to be the equivalent of actually praying. If you want to pray a sincere prayer, ask God to give these people discernment. Don't spend your time on all these media sites trying to ram crap down your throat. They won't listen anyway.
And pray for the families who are mourning and suffering. Does your heart really go out to them? Do you really feel pain and are distraught through your day? Look at yourself. Basically, I've had enough of it. I know who I am, but this world is so lost. Why are we listening to people who won't even take the time to hit the follow back button? I say that because all of what I have heard has come off of Twitter, Facebook or other media sites. I'll see comments of people begging the super famous to follow them. Saying, "Follow me Follow me!" What is that all about? So you can go tell everybody, 'Look who's following me'? I may have gotten a bit off subject, but it all adds up. If Sam Jackson wasn't famous, he would not have had the forum to speak, though I'm sure somebody else would have taken his place. The same with Kevin Sorbo. And why don't Kevin and Sam tweet to each other? Somewhat passive aggressive don't you think?
Why don't we think and speak our mind responsibly through discernment through our own hearts? If you are speaking the right message, sooner or later it will be heard. And please, do not fall in the trap of this blame game. This does not help the family of the man that was strangled by the police officer, this does not do anything for the idiocy of the politician that said if he didn't have asthma or heart problems he wouldn't have died, it does not do anything for the two police officers who are dead and for their families, it does not do anything for the community who apparently conspired on Samuel L. Jackson's behalf, and it certainly does not bring these people back to life.
So why don't we say something before? Why do they open their big fat mouths after the fact? As if this was not going on and has not been going on since the world began? Why aren't we teaching and preaching peace and love everyday instead of waiting for something horrific to happen before we say something about it.
And in the lack of knowledge and wisdom that I have seen through all these comments and posts that adds up to ignorance, if something happens to Kevin, or Sam or to a police officer, according to today's logic, the blood will be on my hands. Be yourself. Subscribe to yourself through and by the Spirit. Why can't everyone see that is what we need and should be what we want? (This is a perfect example of where want and need are not a contradiction of itself.) As Jesus stated, your word is good enough. Don't forget that. So many people are lost and no matter what happens in your life, if you know who you are in Christ, then you are found. And that can never be taken away.
I see a lot of young musicians and actors, which please again do not stoke the fire by calling them rock stars or celebrities, being so foolish in nature and we give them a pass because, "well it must be difficult to grow up in the public eye." That is ridiculous. Choices are choices. If you're so easily influenced, maybe you need a spanking. (I know I do) I grew up learning my personality, not by tv, but by the people surrounding me, my experiences, and most of all God. And though I have made some bad decisions in my life, I turn on the tv and I see 50 and 60 year old men and women talking and acting like children. Wanting to be cool. What's cool about sounding like a moron?
All of these media tools can be used for things that are so wonderful, so beyond us. (And who do you think gave these men the idea for these media sites? And don't get me started on ChristianMingle, what a crock. What do you think people did before ChristianMingle that were Christians? On all the other sites, clicked the Christian box.) But as soon as a person hears something or has an idea, before even thinking or as the cliche goes 'sleep on it' they instagram it. Very seldom do I swear. But in this statement I feel it necessary. I don't give a shit. I don't care what you ate for breakfast. Which many times is contradicting when they are eating 8 pizzas to bulk up for a movie and yet working for Unicef. You couldn't spare, like 4 of those pizzas so you could pull of the role of Hercules? I'm not going to use the person's name.
I watch commercials and one of them used to be an organization formed from Christians to help the starving. Sally Struthers was the lead spokes person 25 years ago. Well they changed the name because they felt it was turning people away by using the word Christian. Now I see this old fat man who is about 280lbs walking through a village in Ethiopia with starving children. Does that not send a mixed message? In fact, I betcha the camera man is holding a big ol' sub sandwich while he's taping the starving kid. So my point is this, everybody jumps on the bandwagon when it's sitting right next to them. Does that make sense? I think it does. We have a responsibility. (Like feeding the 280lb fat man to the villagers. It would probably sustain them for a year. And on a side note, all you Christians who get up in arms when people use Xmas need to educate yourselves. It is not a term that was created by atheists, if you look it up it was a symbol of Christ, which was used when people would get together in mass for Christ hence Christmas. Though of course, many times why people use it is because they don't believe, well then don't celebrate Christmas. And when using it on twitter... C'mon we only have 140 characters and ten of those are taken away by the person you are sending it to, unless your last name is McConnaughey or Schwarzenneger. For instance why didn't Arnold use the Oak, or Matthew use AlrightAlrightAlright? Well, actually that's longer, but funnier.)
Margaret Cho is doing fundraising for homeless. Before I get started, I said I wouldn't use names, but I realize that in some cases that is cowardly. And as if we already didn't know this. So then, that would just make me passive aggressive, like Santa Clause. Anyway, what people don't understand when referring to the homeless is that we are so judgmental towards them out of ignorance, and there is so much more to this than just not having a home. You're dignity is lost. You have no pride, no self-worth. Though I did not need to be a doctor to know this, many people look past this. The physical and mental ramifications that come from poor hygiene to starvation, dehydration, sleep deprivation. So go outside in the elements, live in a box, eat once every week for a month and tell me if you could get yourself up and get a job. You couldn't. I have seen money being raised for a movie or a play. $50,000 in one week. But it has taken months to even raise half that amount to help the homeless. I'm not saying we have to give up what we have, I'm saying we can give up what we don't need. For every hour that someone is wasting their time on Instagram, they could be volunteering at a food bank. Be resourceful. Don't say I can't, or I'm trying, you are actually degrading your own self and creating limitations within yourself.
I have acted in a couple movies. They were 18 hour shoot days. I never had to pay for one meal or drink. Craft Services provided the food and beverages. Why is a movie contract or a record deal the end all be all of success? Personally, there's people that I had respected, and I emphasize the word "Had" that had gotten into these industries, some late in life working very hard, and have turned into complete jerks. Everything is about them. Self promotion, self promotion. Eventually we're gonna get tired of them. And let me tell you something, I have helped a lot of people, and yes exposure does help, but when you are doing something personally, why does there have to be a camera around? Discernment will tell you when that exposure is beneficial towards a cause or for your own ego. When you are just taking a random pic of you with a cancer patient, well that young child's day was made because you showed up. Your day was made by the "Likes" that you receive or the comments.
I had written something to Hugh Jackman who I have met several times. And I got a response back on Twitter from a girl saying "That sounds like something Hugh would say." Not addressed to just me, but to him. Kiss ass. No, it's not something Hugh would say, it's something I said. Hope all of this is adding up.
How silly is that? Don't make this mistake. Don't listen to someone because of who they are based upon fame or riches. Listen to them because of what they are saying and doing. I am not going to claim that I don't want to live my dreams and share my music and movies and help people through the forum that is fame. But when the day comes that I share what I'm eating for breakfast and take a pic of it, come over to my house and crack me right in the head. Just a good one, right between the eyes. Because unless I am answering a person's question directly, who gives a shit? Don't confuse your self-worth with self-importance.
God Bless.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Overthinking Withdraws Laughter
Two muffins are sitting in an oven.
The first muffin says, "Man, is it getting hot in here."
The second muffin says, "OMG It's a talking muffin!!!!"
Absolutely, irrevocably is the cutest, yet most ridiculous joke I've ever heard. C'mon really? Why would a talking muffin be surprised that another muffin talked? Now I'm gonna make it all serious , though is a great metaphor for how the world works today. Tell you what we'll figure it out at the same time.
The first muffin says, "Man, is it getting hot in here."
The second muffin says, "OMG It's a talking muffin!!!!"
Absolutely, irrevocably is the cutest, yet most ridiculous joke I've ever heard. C'mon really? Why would a talking muffin be surprised that another muffin talked? Now I'm gonna make it all serious , though is a great metaphor for how the world works today. Tell you what we'll figure it out at the same time.
Overthinking Withdraws Laughter
So I asked my wife, "What has four legs, a tail and barks?"
She replies, "A dog."
With disappointment in my heart I reply, "Oh. You've heard that one before."
She replies, "A dog."
With disappointment in my heart I reply, "Oh. You've heard that one before."
Food For Thought 14
There's a fine line between chivalry and chauvinism. Discernment will tell you which line not to cross.
How to know what we don't know.
When I was a young boy living in the time where there was only 3 channels on a tube powered television, my imagination was left to it's own means. In a manner of speaking, before I was corrupted, I always believed I could fly. How could this be? Where did this come from? I had never seen anybody fly. I had seen nothing of the sorts on television. Yet, there it was. As I was talking about this to my wife, she replied "Because we were meant to fly." My first reaction was, "Good point." My second was in the amazement of my wife's reply which brought me to discernment. What is discernment? It's really unexplainable. The same applies to grace. I then started thinking about being a young boy and until I read the story of Jesus walking on water I had never thought about it. Now why is that?
I was saved at the age of 8 years old. My bus driver at the time would offer to take us children to a local church after school. I had felt led to go. Though my mother was raised Catholic, my father and sister believers, this was not by their influence. It was by my own choice. Again, bringing me back to discernment. After reading the story of Jesus, living about a hundred yards from a lake, I walked down to the water where there was a dock. At this time I had absolutely no doubt that I could walk on water. Absolutely none. That confidence and conviction I have yet to reach again. At the last moment, there it was, doubt. There was no fear involved. There was a shoreline. If I stepped off the dock, the water was only two feet. The worst that could happen is that my clothes would get wet.
Bringing me right back to discernment. When I think about atheists I believe there are none. I believe most of them are angry with God or people choose not to believe. Which brings me back to the beginning of my story. How did I know these things or feel this way? Was it my imagination or was it discernment? A bit of a side track, on a funny note. Why do people who feel like they can fly always feel the need to jump off something for instance a roof. Okay, back to reality. There is something called Ockham's razor. This means the simplest answer in all probability is the correct one. Stay with me, this is all adding up. When the bible was written 12 men of faith were given many different scripts. They were to go away in secrecy and come back on a specific date and time having to choose which of the scripts should be put in what we now know as the Holy Bible. They all came back with the exact same books. The writers of the bible, though are not questioned as to being real, they have been said to have made this up out of their own imagination.
How and why? The stories of the bible link so perfectly together that when taken out of context they may contradict themselves, but when read from start to finish they are in perfect alignment, so much so that the imagination could not have possibly created these words. And without discernment there is no possible way that these individual men could have written stories on their own that would perfectly connect. Understand? And as we all have seen the ugliness of human nature, why write stories about men, other than themselves, about entities, about love, about God, about Jesus, about the Holy Spirit for the benefit of mankind, not for themselves.
So taking everything I've said from start to finish, from my childhood, from imagination, growing into a man, being corrupted, knowing things that should not be known from the beginning of my life. Well, that is discernment. It's not thought or instinct. The interesting thing is that we all have discernment, but we still have to pray to understand it.
A couple of interesting facts. I was watching a very famous man on television who said he has been blessed his entire life. Interesting enough to me that he used the word blessed, not lucky. Continuing on, he had stated that because of the horrible things in the world, though he wants to believe in God, he can't. What? That makes no sense at all. When I listen to atheists, they spend a lot of time complaining and trying to disprove someone and something they don't believe in. I don't believe in Santa Clause, but I don't feel the need to spend my time trying to disprove it to others.
The interesting part is, why are the most blessed, the ones who don't believe the most? An atheist would say well when you're suffering you need something to grasp or hold onto. Well, when I was a boy I was not suffering nor ill. I had no fear. I could never understand how people didn't believe. Though I have had my moments of questioning. So I ask you this, how many times in your life have you seen a person do something for someone else without having personal gain? Why would a group of men get together and write such an elaborate story for the betterment of mankind?
When in human nature have you ever seen that done? There's so many points that I could bring up, my wife would be typing for hours. So how do we know what we don't know? Because discernment tells us that we don't know it, which makes us want to. But remember, it is a gift. A gift that we have already been given, but may have never unwrapped and opened. Some may be asking, well Joshua, there are people who do that today. The simple answer to that is that we have a point of reference. We have the bible. A study guide, if you will, to look in to help give us answers to our questions. So I ask you this, what other book, what other writing or script can you do this with? Because it was written and given to us and for us and knowing that, my friends, is the example of true discernment.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
I was saved at the age of 8 years old. My bus driver at the time would offer to take us children to a local church after school. I had felt led to go. Though my mother was raised Catholic, my father and sister believers, this was not by their influence. It was by my own choice. Again, bringing me back to discernment. After reading the story of Jesus, living about a hundred yards from a lake, I walked down to the water where there was a dock. At this time I had absolutely no doubt that I could walk on water. Absolutely none. That confidence and conviction I have yet to reach again. At the last moment, there it was, doubt. There was no fear involved. There was a shoreline. If I stepped off the dock, the water was only two feet. The worst that could happen is that my clothes would get wet.
Bringing me right back to discernment. When I think about atheists I believe there are none. I believe most of them are angry with God or people choose not to believe. Which brings me back to the beginning of my story. How did I know these things or feel this way? Was it my imagination or was it discernment? A bit of a side track, on a funny note. Why do people who feel like they can fly always feel the need to jump off something for instance a roof. Okay, back to reality. There is something called Ockham's razor. This means the simplest answer in all probability is the correct one. Stay with me, this is all adding up. When the bible was written 12 men of faith were given many different scripts. They were to go away in secrecy and come back on a specific date and time having to choose which of the scripts should be put in what we now know as the Holy Bible. They all came back with the exact same books. The writers of the bible, though are not questioned as to being real, they have been said to have made this up out of their own imagination.
How and why? The stories of the bible link so perfectly together that when taken out of context they may contradict themselves, but when read from start to finish they are in perfect alignment, so much so that the imagination could not have possibly created these words. And without discernment there is no possible way that these individual men could have written stories on their own that would perfectly connect. Understand? And as we all have seen the ugliness of human nature, why write stories about men, other than themselves, about entities, about love, about God, about Jesus, about the Holy Spirit for the benefit of mankind, not for themselves.
So taking everything I've said from start to finish, from my childhood, from imagination, growing into a man, being corrupted, knowing things that should not be known from the beginning of my life. Well, that is discernment. It's not thought or instinct. The interesting thing is that we all have discernment, but we still have to pray to understand it.
A couple of interesting facts. I was watching a very famous man on television who said he has been blessed his entire life. Interesting enough to me that he used the word blessed, not lucky. Continuing on, he had stated that because of the horrible things in the world, though he wants to believe in God, he can't. What? That makes no sense at all. When I listen to atheists, they spend a lot of time complaining and trying to disprove someone and something they don't believe in. I don't believe in Santa Clause, but I don't feel the need to spend my time trying to disprove it to others.
The interesting part is, why are the most blessed, the ones who don't believe the most? An atheist would say well when you're suffering you need something to grasp or hold onto. Well, when I was a boy I was not suffering nor ill. I had no fear. I could never understand how people didn't believe. Though I have had my moments of questioning. So I ask you this, how many times in your life have you seen a person do something for someone else without having personal gain? Why would a group of men get together and write such an elaborate story for the betterment of mankind?
When in human nature have you ever seen that done? There's so many points that I could bring up, my wife would be typing for hours. So how do we know what we don't know? Because discernment tells us that we don't know it, which makes us want to. But remember, it is a gift. A gift that we have already been given, but may have never unwrapped and opened. Some may be asking, well Joshua, there are people who do that today. The simple answer to that is that we have a point of reference. We have the bible. A study guide, if you will, to look in to help give us answers to our questions. So I ask you this, what other book, what other writing or script can you do this with? Because it was written and given to us and for us and knowing that, my friends, is the example of true discernment.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
In the Meantime...
While we are processing stories we have decided to entertain you with entertainment.
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Food For Thought 12
Look forward; to your future by dealing with your past because it is always gaining on you.
Inspiration for Inspiration's sake
A lot of people have profound and inspirational things to say. I read and I hear a lot of them. My personal opinion, for those who are truly in need, especially the ones that are not getting help, it's not that easy. Sometimes people say these things to inspire themselves. The world is not candy canes and rainbows. It is very degrading to those who truly are in need and suffering to expect them to hear the words 'Everything is going to be alright,' and in most cases the people saying it walk away.
I am a Christian. But I have seen Christians being guilty of this more than most. Every emotion, good or bad, that we have will better us as long as the bad emotions do not lie in our heart. When I look to the story of Job, there is so much that is missed by people, especially Christians. For the fact that nothing happens out of God's Will, that means good AND bad, then do you just subscribe to "He is letting it happen?" Or "He is causing it to happen" I don't spend my time rebuking Satan. Or evil. Within my humble opinion, that is giving more power to evil. I go to God. With my thanks for blessings as well as my complaints. If you read the bible correctly, which can not be misinterpreted, before He had healed him, God spoke to Job and said, "For all the evil that I have put upon you." Think about that. Look it up if you have to. Don't take my word for it. Though, remember, your word is good enough. Simply, what I am getting at is the fact that the healthy and blessed that have never experienced true suffering (and when I say this you can throw out the "to each their own") really have no idea what they are talking about.
We look to God to provide. But the statement that we are our brother's keeper, in my interpretation, means it's our responsibility as well. Don't stand high on your mountain telling everybody "if you just do this, you'll get this." From my own personal experience and the people that I have seen in true suffering, this does not apply. Yet with the minimal amount of hope and faith they have left, they still have more than the people living on this planet combined. People starving to death. Having a terminal illness. Riddled with sickness and despair. Some for years. Some for decades. Having no medical treatment, no love, no friends, no family. Yet I have heard so many times, 'if your faith was greater..." Well you can fill in the rest. The problem is is that many of the people who have suffered have so much wisdom and faith and love their spirit shines yet no one will ever see it. No one will ever hear it. They have a platform, but have no forum. Many are looked down upon. And my problem is, as I have heard it myself and have experienced it, that Christians will say there is no way this person could be going through this if they were following the Word of God and had true faith. But it is contradicting for many Christians will say it is a test or for a purpose. I am not a man of religion because religion is made of man, for man and from man. I am a man of Christ. I will quote Jesus Christ himself with paraphrasing. Jesus said I will suffer you for you will learn more, well we all know the rest of that bible verse.
I was listening to a tv evangelist a while ago. They were talking about a story about a man who was paralyzed, mute and blind. Jesus told him that if he made it to the nearby water he would be healed. Though confusing, obviously there was a reason for why Jesus said this. It took the man over 30 years. The tv evangelist said, "If I were him I would have wiggled if I had to to get to that water to be healed sooner." What? What I would have liked to have said is,'You have no idea what you are talking about.' It is easy to look from the outside in and say this is what I would do. But it is not easy. And as God being all knowing, obviously there was a specific purpose, as He would have known that it would take the man 30 years. Therefore Jesus would have known, so there must have been something that had to be learned. What I am saying is don't be contradicting within yourself.
I don't use the word trying unless people are using that word to try. To me, that is lukewarm, either do or don't. They are trying to inspire for the simple sake of inspiration. What is inspiring about that? In my life there is only one man that I can relate to and that is Jesus Christ himself. I do not want to go through this anymore. This is torture and it is unreal. In fact it is surreal. But I am expecting my help from God. Yet the Spirit is telling me to help others through God. I know who I am in Christ, I will not waver in that. I know that what I have learned is from God and God alone. But I still had to make a choice. I will not stand here and tell anyone that it is going to be okay. Or that I will pray for them. Nowadays saying that is no different than using the word love. Both must come from the heart and whole heartedly. If we look beyond ourselves, or rather when we look within ourselves, we can see the truth. I do not doubt who I am or what I am here for. I don't understand why I have been given gifts that no man has been given but can not use or apply them. But the Spirit still drives me to do what I am doing. I don't have 3 million Twitter followers or 100 million face book followers. My platform is love through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. My forum is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I don't always speak about God. I believe there's a time and place for everything. You are not lacking in the eyes of God because your every thought and word is not of or about Him. People used to ask me, how can you play your music in bars if you are a Christian. Well, who else is going to plant the seed.
I have also been asked while in a bar drinking soda, "Do you drink?"
I reply "No." Though I have nothing against the responsible drinking of alcohol.
I have been asked, "Do you do drugs?"
I say ,"No."
One individual asked me, "Then how do you have any fun?"
My reply was this, "How do you if you can't remember the so called fun you were having?"
How long do we attend church, meaning for how many years, before we reach out as the bible tells us to, beyond the church? How much do you have to learn before you start teaching? If you don't do this, you are self-serving. Obviously, I'm not saying don't go to church. But the message of reaching out to others gets lost. Do you truly go to church to congregate and praise God when you are listening to one man who is no greater or less than you? What are your reasons for doing what you do? And lastly, Peter said I have learned to be all things to all people. Really take a moment to think about that. And understand what that means. And if you can't, pray for the discernment to understand. There are millions of questions that can be answered through that one sentence. Don't try to be happy. Enjoy life by being full of joy. Laugh. I am very silly to the point where many people think I am weird. But this is what I know. My sense of humor came from God. So when my wife laughs I know God is laughing. Laughing for me actually hurts, meaning physically. My body is beyond repair by man.
I don't need to understand why I am going through this to go through it. Even before I became ill, I was always able to understand other people's sufferings. I have been cooped up in a house for over three years in tremendous pain and sickness. Over a decade ago being told that I have one month to live. To be honest, I'm tired. But I keep pushing. I believe in my healing by God's hand. I don't understand why I haven't been healed yet. I do not expect medical treatment. I do expect healing. Or what the heck am I here for? Why was I given my wife? As if anyone else so young and beautiful would ever not walk away from me. Obviously, she is a sign and an example of a blessing and that there will be healing someday, hopefully soon. She wasn't put here just to be brought down and to lose so much at such a young age. And also I have adopted or rather taken in stray cats. 11 in fact and counting. That each one individually shows me love everyday. These little precious animals have shown me love, joy and the true spirit of the Lord. By the way I love dogs too.
I have not went into details about my illness or rather illnesses. Why not? For many reasons, but I have felt led to say what I have just said. And again that rhymes. I do not want to be bleak or morbid, sometimes I want to come on here and say the silliest goofiest things that come to my mind, but I haven't as of yet, Maybe the reason I don't is because it would be a contradiction to what I have just spoken. What I and many others are going through have reached far beyond the point of seriousness. So in summing all of this up, don't tell someone that everything is going to be okay when you don't know that. And that brings no comfort to them. Yes, someday in heaven it will be, but we're not in heaven yet. We don't know when that time will come.
Actually, there is one funny statement I would like to make, based upon what I had just said. This life and heaven is kind of like high school and graduating. Hence life. You go through school to learn, so you can graduate and move on. Yet, we have no idea what is waiting for us out there. Besides life itself and the hope of what life entails. So we are excited about graduating and moving to the next level, but we are scared, because what if high school is the best that it's ever going to get? We weren't put on this earth to suffer and then go to heaven. That again would be self-serving. What would we be learning that all of us will not eventually learn once we are in paradise? So whether you are the high school football star, or the so called nerd, in heaven we're going to all be the same. We deserve love on this earth.
We should expect everything as the bible says so. When you are healed your youth shall be restored sayeth the Lord. There I go again with the rhymes. What I am saying is to give each other's life meaning on this earth, for and through each other. Jesus died for more than just our sins. And when we are all in heaven together and we are truly loved, maybe we'll understand. We are meant to start the love here. Giving someone your heart does not take away from your own. Giving your time is so precious, but it will add years to your life. Live in joy through love, not in happiness through thought. Discernment is not thinking. It is not fleeting, it is without prejudice and bias, it is eternal.
One last statement, or rather question: When Jesus was on the cross he had said, "Father, why have you forsaken me?" Why do you think he said that? For everything he said and had done is filled with purpose, I believe this, I believe he was truly calling out with confusion and despair, I also believe that it is a perfect example for us. If Jesus Christ can be filled with confusion and doubt, full of pain and despair and cry out to his Father like that, then maybe this is an example to tell us that it is okay for us to do the same. Allowing us to understand, to not pass judgment on others for doing this, or on ourselves for wanting to do this.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
I am a Christian. But I have seen Christians being guilty of this more than most. Every emotion, good or bad, that we have will better us as long as the bad emotions do not lie in our heart. When I look to the story of Job, there is so much that is missed by people, especially Christians. For the fact that nothing happens out of God's Will, that means good AND bad, then do you just subscribe to "He is letting it happen?" Or "He is causing it to happen" I don't spend my time rebuking Satan. Or evil. Within my humble opinion, that is giving more power to evil. I go to God. With my thanks for blessings as well as my complaints. If you read the bible correctly, which can not be misinterpreted, before He had healed him, God spoke to Job and said, "For all the evil that I have put upon you." Think about that. Look it up if you have to. Don't take my word for it. Though, remember, your word is good enough. Simply, what I am getting at is the fact that the healthy and blessed that have never experienced true suffering (and when I say this you can throw out the "to each their own") really have no idea what they are talking about.
We look to God to provide. But the statement that we are our brother's keeper, in my interpretation, means it's our responsibility as well. Don't stand high on your mountain telling everybody "if you just do this, you'll get this." From my own personal experience and the people that I have seen in true suffering, this does not apply. Yet with the minimal amount of hope and faith they have left, they still have more than the people living on this planet combined. People starving to death. Having a terminal illness. Riddled with sickness and despair. Some for years. Some for decades. Having no medical treatment, no love, no friends, no family. Yet I have heard so many times, 'if your faith was greater..." Well you can fill in the rest. The problem is is that many of the people who have suffered have so much wisdom and faith and love their spirit shines yet no one will ever see it. No one will ever hear it. They have a platform, but have no forum. Many are looked down upon. And my problem is, as I have heard it myself and have experienced it, that Christians will say there is no way this person could be going through this if they were following the Word of God and had true faith. But it is contradicting for many Christians will say it is a test or for a purpose. I am not a man of religion because religion is made of man, for man and from man. I am a man of Christ. I will quote Jesus Christ himself with paraphrasing. Jesus said I will suffer you for you will learn more, well we all know the rest of that bible verse.
I was listening to a tv evangelist a while ago. They were talking about a story about a man who was paralyzed, mute and blind. Jesus told him that if he made it to the nearby water he would be healed. Though confusing, obviously there was a reason for why Jesus said this. It took the man over 30 years. The tv evangelist said, "If I were him I would have wiggled if I had to to get to that water to be healed sooner." What? What I would have liked to have said is,'You have no idea what you are talking about.' It is easy to look from the outside in and say this is what I would do. But it is not easy. And as God being all knowing, obviously there was a specific purpose, as He would have known that it would take the man 30 years. Therefore Jesus would have known, so there must have been something that had to be learned. What I am saying is don't be contradicting within yourself.
I don't use the word trying unless people are using that word to try. To me, that is lukewarm, either do or don't. They are trying to inspire for the simple sake of inspiration. What is inspiring about that? In my life there is only one man that I can relate to and that is Jesus Christ himself. I do not want to go through this anymore. This is torture and it is unreal. In fact it is surreal. But I am expecting my help from God. Yet the Spirit is telling me to help others through God. I know who I am in Christ, I will not waver in that. I know that what I have learned is from God and God alone. But I still had to make a choice. I will not stand here and tell anyone that it is going to be okay. Or that I will pray for them. Nowadays saying that is no different than using the word love. Both must come from the heart and whole heartedly. If we look beyond ourselves, or rather when we look within ourselves, we can see the truth. I do not doubt who I am or what I am here for. I don't understand why I have been given gifts that no man has been given but can not use or apply them. But the Spirit still drives me to do what I am doing. I don't have 3 million Twitter followers or 100 million face book followers. My platform is love through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. My forum is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I don't always speak about God. I believe there's a time and place for everything. You are not lacking in the eyes of God because your every thought and word is not of or about Him. People used to ask me, how can you play your music in bars if you are a Christian. Well, who else is going to plant the seed.
I have also been asked while in a bar drinking soda, "Do you drink?"
I reply "No." Though I have nothing against the responsible drinking of alcohol.
I have been asked, "Do you do drugs?"
I say ,"No."
One individual asked me, "Then how do you have any fun?"
My reply was this, "How do you if you can't remember the so called fun you were having?"
How long do we attend church, meaning for how many years, before we reach out as the bible tells us to, beyond the church? How much do you have to learn before you start teaching? If you don't do this, you are self-serving. Obviously, I'm not saying don't go to church. But the message of reaching out to others gets lost. Do you truly go to church to congregate and praise God when you are listening to one man who is no greater or less than you? What are your reasons for doing what you do? And lastly, Peter said I have learned to be all things to all people. Really take a moment to think about that. And understand what that means. And if you can't, pray for the discernment to understand. There are millions of questions that can be answered through that one sentence. Don't try to be happy. Enjoy life by being full of joy. Laugh. I am very silly to the point where many people think I am weird. But this is what I know. My sense of humor came from God. So when my wife laughs I know God is laughing. Laughing for me actually hurts, meaning physically. My body is beyond repair by man.
I don't need to understand why I am going through this to go through it. Even before I became ill, I was always able to understand other people's sufferings. I have been cooped up in a house for over three years in tremendous pain and sickness. Over a decade ago being told that I have one month to live. To be honest, I'm tired. But I keep pushing. I believe in my healing by God's hand. I don't understand why I haven't been healed yet. I do not expect medical treatment. I do expect healing. Or what the heck am I here for? Why was I given my wife? As if anyone else so young and beautiful would ever not walk away from me. Obviously, she is a sign and an example of a blessing and that there will be healing someday, hopefully soon. She wasn't put here just to be brought down and to lose so much at such a young age. And also I have adopted or rather taken in stray cats. 11 in fact and counting. That each one individually shows me love everyday. These little precious animals have shown me love, joy and the true spirit of the Lord. By the way I love dogs too.
I have not went into details about my illness or rather illnesses. Why not? For many reasons, but I have felt led to say what I have just said. And again that rhymes. I do not want to be bleak or morbid, sometimes I want to come on here and say the silliest goofiest things that come to my mind, but I haven't as of yet, Maybe the reason I don't is because it would be a contradiction to what I have just spoken. What I and many others are going through have reached far beyond the point of seriousness. So in summing all of this up, don't tell someone that everything is going to be okay when you don't know that. And that brings no comfort to them. Yes, someday in heaven it will be, but we're not in heaven yet. We don't know when that time will come.
Actually, there is one funny statement I would like to make, based upon what I had just said. This life and heaven is kind of like high school and graduating. Hence life. You go through school to learn, so you can graduate and move on. Yet, we have no idea what is waiting for us out there. Besides life itself and the hope of what life entails. So we are excited about graduating and moving to the next level, but we are scared, because what if high school is the best that it's ever going to get? We weren't put on this earth to suffer and then go to heaven. That again would be self-serving. What would we be learning that all of us will not eventually learn once we are in paradise? So whether you are the high school football star, or the so called nerd, in heaven we're going to all be the same. We deserve love on this earth.
We should expect everything as the bible says so. When you are healed your youth shall be restored sayeth the Lord. There I go again with the rhymes. What I am saying is to give each other's life meaning on this earth, for and through each other. Jesus died for more than just our sins. And when we are all in heaven together and we are truly loved, maybe we'll understand. We are meant to start the love here. Giving someone your heart does not take away from your own. Giving your time is so precious, but it will add years to your life. Live in joy through love, not in happiness through thought. Discernment is not thinking. It is not fleeting, it is without prejudice and bias, it is eternal.
One last statement, or rather question: When Jesus was on the cross he had said, "Father, why have you forsaken me?" Why do you think he said that? For everything he said and had done is filled with purpose, I believe this, I believe he was truly calling out with confusion and despair, I also believe that it is a perfect example for us. If Jesus Christ can be filled with confusion and doubt, full of pain and despair and cry out to his Father like that, then maybe this is an example to tell us that it is okay for us to do the same. Allowing us to understand, to not pass judgment on others for doing this, or on ourselves for wanting to do this.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Difficult Process
I have explained what we are doing here. What this site is about. The process is much more difficult than I had comprehended. Though my illness is part of the difficulty, I have now seen through this experience that it is taking much more time. I want to make sure that everything is done right. The business aspect of it is the most difficult. There are so many rules and regulations and of course the cliche red tape to work through. Thankfully I am not alone in this endeavor and we will not stop until our goal is reached. However, our goal is only reached when the help is given that we all need.
Food For Thought 7
Being Happy is an emotion that is a reaction of something. Having Joy is a condition of the Spirit. It's absolute. Happiness is fleeting and inconsistent: Joyfulness never wavers nor wanders. Being Joyful is never wondering.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Food For Thought 6
If we self serve, we are fallible. The end result of this is the consequence of having no purpose. And what purpose lies in that?
Declaration
I had spoken earlier about there is no reason to be living today, let alone doing anything at all. My question is why. In rephrasing, what I am stating is there is no scientific or medical reason, so who or what does that leave? As I am suffering greatly and have stated to the point of torture, I bare it with strength and grace, though many moments of my life are filled with confusion about this. About the message and my purpose and why must it be done this way. However, I believe we are to question. It's what the Spirit that lies inside of us is telling us to do. It strengthens us. Is there any difference between questioning God or having questions for Him? God states that nothing happens out of His will, absolutely nothing. Our heart would be empty if we turned to anyone else but Him for the answers. Many things in life are very complicated. Very difficult to understand. What we need to do is see beyond ourselves.
I am almost 40 and my wife just turned 26. I had met her when she was 20, married soon after. And even though I was in remission, and then became very ill again, we still got married and she has been by my side ever since. That is a purpose. And a blessing. It is difficult for me to explain the severity of what myself, my wife, have gone through apart, before we met, and what we have gone through together since we have met.
Every person on this planet believes they have a purpose. So I ask you, where do you think that comes from? How can we be so connected with this one thought? This one belief when we are all so different? Because there is one thing that we all possess that connects us all. The Spirit that lies within me, lies within all of you. Choosing to listen is very simple. It's choosing to look past ourselves and understand these simple explanations for the most complicated problems.
Not all solutions come easy. Not everything works out the way we want. But is what we want greater than what we need? And is what we need greater than the purpose that God has given for every single one of us? Make no mistake, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are three separate entities. They are connected through the Spirit of God, just as we are.
I will never choose man over God. Even in my times of suffering when I am at my lowest point and have cried out with anger, the perfect example has already been set for me. Jesus Christ himself had that exact same question, "Father why have you forsaken me?" There is a lesson in that that has been overlooked. But as of now it is not for me to tell you. It is for you to find out on your own. Though I am not wrong, if I were to be wrong about the existence of God then there is nothing but dirt for me after I die. But those who do not believe, if they are wrong, well that question is to be answered by you.
There is no greater opportunity in life than to serve the purpose of the Lord.
I am almost 40 and my wife just turned 26. I had met her when she was 20, married soon after. And even though I was in remission, and then became very ill again, we still got married and she has been by my side ever since. That is a purpose. And a blessing. It is difficult for me to explain the severity of what myself, my wife, have gone through apart, before we met, and what we have gone through together since we have met.
Every person on this planet believes they have a purpose. So I ask you, where do you think that comes from? How can we be so connected with this one thought? This one belief when we are all so different? Because there is one thing that we all possess that connects us all. The Spirit that lies within me, lies within all of you. Choosing to listen is very simple. It's choosing to look past ourselves and understand these simple explanations for the most complicated problems.
Not all solutions come easy. Not everything works out the way we want. But is what we want greater than what we need? And is what we need greater than the purpose that God has given for every single one of us? Make no mistake, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are three separate entities. They are connected through the Spirit of God, just as we are.
I will never choose man over God. Even in my times of suffering when I am at my lowest point and have cried out with anger, the perfect example has already been set for me. Jesus Christ himself had that exact same question, "Father why have you forsaken me?" There is a lesson in that that has been overlooked. But as of now it is not for me to tell you. It is for you to find out on your own. Though I am not wrong, if I were to be wrong about the existence of God then there is nothing but dirt for me after I die. But those who do not believe, if they are wrong, well that question is to be answered by you.
There is no greater opportunity in life than to serve the purpose of the Lord.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Allowing Advertisement For Greater Results
Through much thought and consultation, myself and several others have come to the conclusion that allowing ad space on this page will help enable us to speed up the process of reaching our end result, which is a documentary, a book, and most importantly to help those in need.
Biblically Speaking
Though I am paraphrasing, according to the Bible, God told Abraham that 'you would be famous amongst all the nations.' Jesus spoke that the love of money is the root of all evil. Many people get this confused with money simply being the root of all evil. It is okay to want and be famous. To want to be wealthy. It's where it comes from. The passion that derives from your heart. The creative. The ability to share with others. As well as to listen so that we can grow together. As I just checked on Twitter today, there is yet another site for the super famous. In my humble opinion, I find this ridiculous and contradicting. This allows for these certain individuals to have an even larger forum for their platform, as if we have not heard enough or seen enough of them. Self-promotion should not give you the emotion of self-importance.
I am quite taken aback by the fact (and yes, that rhymed) that certain people have to document their every move. When did this become normalcy and accepted? And we facilitate it. No matter what you do for a living, obviously promotion can be a great thing, whether you are a baker, a lumberjack, a musician, an actor. etc. I frankly am disgusted with the terms rock star and movie star. Have you asked yourself, what does this mean? Only in these two fields does this exist. I feel that I need to speak my mind on this because I understand human nature and that many people feel this way. The number of sheer followers on Facebook and Twitter somehow make people feel important, yet no relationship has been developed between many of the followers and following. There's even a site to put a price tag on what your Twitter page is worth. And it is based upon how many people follow you and how many you follow, an incentive to not follow others. This is ridiculous.
Every time I turn around I see certain people constantly promoting, not their work, but their daily routines: what they eat, when they workout, etc. What is this saying? What is this doing for the world? We talk about prejudice and racism; have we forgotten already about segregation? I am simply saying that self promotion should not give you self worth. I am not here to offend and I will certainly not bring up names. When I'm on Twitter, I see a lot of people asking to please Facebook me.
Yet, we all know the reasons why. I see certain people on Twitter that have never retweeted or favorite one person, when several have multi-millions of followers. According to Twitter guidelines, you must follow at least one person, though the contradiction lies in this. If you follow too many people without having enough followers, Twitter halts your ability to follow anyone else. I have a friend on Twitter that has around 100,000 followers and follows 78,000 and they stopped him from being able to follow anyone else. I have learned a lot about Twitter as of recent, though I had joined up years ago, I did not become active until a couple months ago. I have built great relationships with people. Friends are friends in cyberspace or not. Twitter keeps asking me questions about their site. Through this I have found out that their initial statement is that it's about Sharing and Caring. That's not true.
We have all seen the blue check mark. That has nothing to do with your followers or following. There are people that you may not know, may have never heard of that have it. Initially, I believed this to show an actual person that may have many false accounts taken out in their name. I was wrong. Twitter bases this through their own process, they determine it by whatever guidelines they deem fit. More segregation. Along with this blue check mark comes availabilities and opportunities that those who do not have it simply do not have. My question is why? No man is more important than another man. I do not believe in title. Sure, I think it's great to be able to talk to, in today's world, what we call a celebrity, which comes from celebrate. Shouldn't we be able to celebrate all life? Frankly, it's gotten out of hand. I believe Twitter can be a great resource. But it's heading towards a downward spiral.
The feed you receive is regulated by Twitter. Many of the people that I follow and follow me, I may not see their tweets for several days. So I personally go to their site and check it out, because they are my friends and family. You ask how and why can they be? Because we will argue and debate, cry and laugh, with and for each other. We're interested in the well-being of our friends on Twitter. Can there be a better definition of friends and family than this? I think not. I have blood relatives that I know less about than people that I have befriended on Twitter and Facebook. Some living halfway across the world. And I know more about them.
What I am getting down at... What my point is. Is we all need to be loved. We want to be liked. We need to be heard and we need to listen. It's the only way to grow. This comes through discernment of the Spirit. Whether you believe in God or not, whether you are angry with Him or not, what I have just spoken applies to everyone. My life story is one of torment and torture. There is no reason I should be alive today, let alone speaking this. And in actuality my wife is typing it because I am incapable. I have seen a lot of ugliness in this world and I'm tired of it. I know that I have not shared my story yet. It would take a very long time. And we all know, while living in suffering, it is hard to speak of it. I have had the fame and money early in my life. All my gifts and hard work have been stripped of me from horrific illness. Yes, I want to play my music, I want to have a wonderful life with my caring and loving wife. I have dedicated my life, as ill as I am, to helping others in the way that I can. We all need to relate. We all need a voice. Don't be afraid to use yours. And don't let someone or something take it away.
What I am doing here is a very long process. But it will come to fruition. Whether I survive the surgeries that I have been waiting to have. Or I am healed by the hand of God, or I simply die. I know that I have lived my life with dignity and with Truth. Why have we forgotten the greatest message of all? Which is to love each other? That we are our brother's keeper. We are all just people. And we all want the same thing. But more than that, we all need the same thing. If we just understood that about each other, by understanding ourselves, knowing who we are in Christ, things would change. People accusing and judging with their impatience, with their Me Me attitude. This helps no one and it especially does not help yourself. If we are all selfless than there is no reason to be selfish, for we are all getting what we need. And be sure of this my friends, there is a difference between need and want. Through my illness, I doubt there is anything, not one thing that I could not relate to with any person on this planet. Except for childbirth. (That's supposed to be funny.) I have so many stories pouring in. I want them all to be heard. It is a difficult process. Yet, nothing happens overnight. And how I, and everyone else, wishes it did. But if wishes were fishes, we'd have a bunch. Are you a fisher of man? Because in my opinion, we are all one Big Fish.
I have stated many times that to lead we must follow and to follow we must lead and Christ is the best example of this. Eventually, the ones who follow you, if you choose not to listen to them, they will choose to stop listening to you. What message is there in that? And what message do you want to send? I have seen people who love so much and help with all their heart and yet, only a handful of people may know what they do. Is it really necessary to tell everyone how great you are? I've always subscribed to this. Let them find out for themselves. Because we all have the ability and opportunity, when listening and acting through our heart to be great. It's not who we are that is great. Or what defines us. It's what we do. Do not be prideful, but take pride in who you are. Your life is a gift. All of you are a gift. From the man who works 20 hours a day and has a family and his greatest joy is to provide and love. To the woman who will never receive the recognition for the hard work that she does based upon her gender. Or even to the celebrity that is so famous, yet very few know how much they do and how much they give, because they are doing it without a camera. I am almost 40 years old. I have went through in my lifetime what most people would not experience in a thousand. The old saying, to each their own, may be true. I believe that we all feel that no one can understand or relate and sometimes that is true. But how do we know unless we open our hearts. I don't believe in the word trying. It does not exist in my vocabulary. I either do or I don't. There are many days that go by that I am incapable of eating, times when I can't even drink a sip of water. Nights where I will hallucinate, or not sleep for weeks at a time. My body is riddled with disease from no fault of my own. I want to share one last personal note. I am not confused with this world. I am confused with God. I know the bible inside and out. I know that perfect word does not always apply to this imperfect world. People are crying out and sometimes it seems as if God Himself is not even caring let alone listening. Many days I have no idea what's going on, but I know that I am not special, I am not greater, I know that I was given this gift by the grace of God as we all have been given it. Strength and grace. Love. Discernment. Sometimes, it becomes beyond difficult and yes, may be more than we can handle. I do not presume to know why. You can drive yourself crazy by trying to figure this out. But that is why, what I am saying is pure Truth. It is absolute. So please, keep sending your stories. There is nothing wrong with the fact that one of the reasons that you may be doing it is because it will be heard by the world. That is part of the point of why I am doing this. We are all everyday people. We are all ordinary. But we all are capable of doing extraordinary things. With all my love, I hope that you receive all the blessings that are meant for you. God Bless.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
I am quite taken aback by the fact (and yes, that rhymed) that certain people have to document their every move. When did this become normalcy and accepted? And we facilitate it. No matter what you do for a living, obviously promotion can be a great thing, whether you are a baker, a lumberjack, a musician, an actor. etc. I frankly am disgusted with the terms rock star and movie star. Have you asked yourself, what does this mean? Only in these two fields does this exist. I feel that I need to speak my mind on this because I understand human nature and that many people feel this way. The number of sheer followers on Facebook and Twitter somehow make people feel important, yet no relationship has been developed between many of the followers and following. There's even a site to put a price tag on what your Twitter page is worth. And it is based upon how many people follow you and how many you follow, an incentive to not follow others. This is ridiculous.
Every time I turn around I see certain people constantly promoting, not their work, but their daily routines: what they eat, when they workout, etc. What is this saying? What is this doing for the world? We talk about prejudice and racism; have we forgotten already about segregation? I am simply saying that self promotion should not give you self worth. I am not here to offend and I will certainly not bring up names. When I'm on Twitter, I see a lot of people asking to please Facebook me.
Yet, we all know the reasons why. I see certain people on Twitter that have never retweeted or favorite one person, when several have multi-millions of followers. According to Twitter guidelines, you must follow at least one person, though the contradiction lies in this. If you follow too many people without having enough followers, Twitter halts your ability to follow anyone else. I have a friend on Twitter that has around 100,000 followers and follows 78,000 and they stopped him from being able to follow anyone else. I have learned a lot about Twitter as of recent, though I had joined up years ago, I did not become active until a couple months ago. I have built great relationships with people. Friends are friends in cyberspace or not. Twitter keeps asking me questions about their site. Through this I have found out that their initial statement is that it's about Sharing and Caring. That's not true.
We have all seen the blue check mark. That has nothing to do with your followers or following. There are people that you may not know, may have never heard of that have it. Initially, I believed this to show an actual person that may have many false accounts taken out in their name. I was wrong. Twitter bases this through their own process, they determine it by whatever guidelines they deem fit. More segregation. Along with this blue check mark comes availabilities and opportunities that those who do not have it simply do not have. My question is why? No man is more important than another man. I do not believe in title. Sure, I think it's great to be able to talk to, in today's world, what we call a celebrity, which comes from celebrate. Shouldn't we be able to celebrate all life? Frankly, it's gotten out of hand. I believe Twitter can be a great resource. But it's heading towards a downward spiral.
The feed you receive is regulated by Twitter. Many of the people that I follow and follow me, I may not see their tweets for several days. So I personally go to their site and check it out, because they are my friends and family. You ask how and why can they be? Because we will argue and debate, cry and laugh, with and for each other. We're interested in the well-being of our friends on Twitter. Can there be a better definition of friends and family than this? I think not. I have blood relatives that I know less about than people that I have befriended on Twitter and Facebook. Some living halfway across the world. And I know more about them.
What I am getting down at... What my point is. Is we all need to be loved. We want to be liked. We need to be heard and we need to listen. It's the only way to grow. This comes through discernment of the Spirit. Whether you believe in God or not, whether you are angry with Him or not, what I have just spoken applies to everyone. My life story is one of torment and torture. There is no reason I should be alive today, let alone speaking this. And in actuality my wife is typing it because I am incapable. I have seen a lot of ugliness in this world and I'm tired of it. I know that I have not shared my story yet. It would take a very long time. And we all know, while living in suffering, it is hard to speak of it. I have had the fame and money early in my life. All my gifts and hard work have been stripped of me from horrific illness. Yes, I want to play my music, I want to have a wonderful life with my caring and loving wife. I have dedicated my life, as ill as I am, to helping others in the way that I can. We all need to relate. We all need a voice. Don't be afraid to use yours. And don't let someone or something take it away.
What I am doing here is a very long process. But it will come to fruition. Whether I survive the surgeries that I have been waiting to have. Or I am healed by the hand of God, or I simply die. I know that I have lived my life with dignity and with Truth. Why have we forgotten the greatest message of all? Which is to love each other? That we are our brother's keeper. We are all just people. And we all want the same thing. But more than that, we all need the same thing. If we just understood that about each other, by understanding ourselves, knowing who we are in Christ, things would change. People accusing and judging with their impatience, with their Me Me attitude. This helps no one and it especially does not help yourself. If we are all selfless than there is no reason to be selfish, for we are all getting what we need. And be sure of this my friends, there is a difference between need and want. Through my illness, I doubt there is anything, not one thing that I could not relate to with any person on this planet. Except for childbirth. (That's supposed to be funny.) I have so many stories pouring in. I want them all to be heard. It is a difficult process. Yet, nothing happens overnight. And how I, and everyone else, wishes it did. But if wishes were fishes, we'd have a bunch. Are you a fisher of man? Because in my opinion, we are all one Big Fish.
I have stated many times that to lead we must follow and to follow we must lead and Christ is the best example of this. Eventually, the ones who follow you, if you choose not to listen to them, they will choose to stop listening to you. What message is there in that? And what message do you want to send? I have seen people who love so much and help with all their heart and yet, only a handful of people may know what they do. Is it really necessary to tell everyone how great you are? I've always subscribed to this. Let them find out for themselves. Because we all have the ability and opportunity, when listening and acting through our heart to be great. It's not who we are that is great. Or what defines us. It's what we do. Do not be prideful, but take pride in who you are. Your life is a gift. All of you are a gift. From the man who works 20 hours a day and has a family and his greatest joy is to provide and love. To the woman who will never receive the recognition for the hard work that she does based upon her gender. Or even to the celebrity that is so famous, yet very few know how much they do and how much they give, because they are doing it without a camera. I am almost 40 years old. I have went through in my lifetime what most people would not experience in a thousand. The old saying, to each their own, may be true. I believe that we all feel that no one can understand or relate and sometimes that is true. But how do we know unless we open our hearts. I don't believe in the word trying. It does not exist in my vocabulary. I either do or I don't. There are many days that go by that I am incapable of eating, times when I can't even drink a sip of water. Nights where I will hallucinate, or not sleep for weeks at a time. My body is riddled with disease from no fault of my own. I want to share one last personal note. I am not confused with this world. I am confused with God. I know the bible inside and out. I know that perfect word does not always apply to this imperfect world. People are crying out and sometimes it seems as if God Himself is not even caring let alone listening. Many days I have no idea what's going on, but I know that I am not special, I am not greater, I know that I was given this gift by the grace of God as we all have been given it. Strength and grace. Love. Discernment. Sometimes, it becomes beyond difficult and yes, may be more than we can handle. I do not presume to know why. You can drive yourself crazy by trying to figure this out. But that is why, what I am saying is pure Truth. It is absolute. So please, keep sending your stories. There is nothing wrong with the fact that one of the reasons that you may be doing it is because it will be heard by the world. That is part of the point of why I am doing this. We are all everyday people. We are all ordinary. But we all are capable of doing extraordinary things. With all my love, I hope that you receive all the blessings that are meant for you. God Bless.
~Joshua Jet Vaughan~
Technical Difficulties
There are occurring problems dealing with the technical aspects of this site. They are currently being corrected, though it is taking longer than expected. This is delaying the process of the stories being posted. Thank you to all of those who have sent in their stories. As the kinks are being worked out, several stories will be posted very soon. Thank you for your patience.
Food For Thought 5
The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Food for Thought 3
The result from the lack of understanding is ignorance, yet ignorance is derived from the lack of understanding.
Food for Thought 2
You make a choice that you do not understand yet, but after understanding the choice you have made, would you make it again?
Review choice
Many stories will be posted soon. Each story is read, meticulously reviewed by myself and several others before being posted. As of now, this page is considered private from all advertisement, for it would be a contradiction in and of the message and content of this site.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Documentary and Novel
Some of the stories that are shared will be chosen to be put into a documentary and/or book. The stories that are chosen will be authorized and verified by myself, production company, studio, and publishing company. If a person chooses to release their story; they will be personally interviewed for this to be shared in these media forums. Most of the profits will go for charity and any of the people who have shared their story for their individual needs, which will be based upon their personal interviews for those who are in desperate need of financial and any other form of help.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Food For Thought 1
Why is it that those who need the least want the most? And those who need the most, want the least? #DifferenceBetweenWantAndNeed
So we begin...
I am waiting to share my story because this page is not about me. It is for and about everyone. Eventually I will share and if I have to start the sharing I will. Please, by all means, be yourself. When you do share, do not feel the need to censor yourself. Pain is angry. And blessings come in different forms. Speak your mind through your heart.
Please feel free to submit your story via email to be posted. Everyone is welcome to comment as well.
Please feel free to submit your story via email to be posted. Everyone is welcome to comment as well.
Speaking through your heart to make the world a little lighter.
I have started this blog for many reasons. There is much I have to say, yet more I would love to hear. I believe everyone has a story to tell. Good and Bad. We all have a voice and we all need to be heard. Here is your chance to share and care. With and for the people of this world. Whether it's funny, sad, happy, joyful, whether you're hurt, angry. If you're need is to share your dreams, to share your heart, simply to be heard. This is the place that you can call home. We are all ordinary; it is what we do that makes us extraordinary. Whether you are famous, rich, poor, lonely: through this we will all become a family. What we must learn is simple. Our words and our actions are only as good as the heart behind them. To lead we must follow. To follow we must lead. To realize that we know everything by understanding that we know nothing. And to realize that you are perfect by understanding that we will never reach perfection. Everyone has a story to tell. Here is your chance. We are here to learn and love through the grace of God.
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