Mental Illness Is Not Increasing

Perspectives On Mental Health

The following opinion is my own and is not intended to have any authoritative value. Due to the nature of psychiatric drugs please do not stop taking your medication and contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

I have casually studied psychology and counselling methods over the years. The study of the mind is indeed a very broad and subjective field. I have learned that one of the best roles a psychologist or mental health professional can play is that of a teacher or guide. In essence, you do not tell a person that they have this disorder or that disorder. Such information is not helpful. Instead one ought to help a person to live with themselves, and then to help them live with others. Proper communication is a big part of this, but something often neglected is that of love (1 Peter 4:8).

Ultimately though a mental health professional is not the solution and such involvement should be minimal at best. Primarily, the sanity of the society is the responsibility of the parents. Many studies show a direct link between the failure of the parents and the struggle of their children, as well as general dysfunction in the society at large. Any other authority figures should not seek to be authoritative as the child naturally recognises this disposition on its own. The same can be said in the case of authority figures for adults. Rather such figure should likewise embrace their roles as leader and guide. Everyone else who remains shall seek to be a friend.

It doesn't matter whether you know a person for a moment or for many years because we should always and everywhere seek to love our neighbour as our self (Mark 12:31). You will not always succeed at such a task, I should know. Make peace with this reality. All that haunts me now are those last remaining moments in time when I have been so cruel to another. I relive those memories over and over again (Psalm 51:5) and I say to myself, "You do not remember all of the details of what really happened, so do not be hard on yourself for what you think you remember happening. Nor are you aware of all of the circumstances and what is was like to be in that other's shoes. You hurt someone, it happens. Let it go and do not do that thing again (John 7:53-8:11)." Eventually I begin to believe myself and move on. With all of these things thus far, you are well on your way to keeping mental illness at a minimum. Yes, a great deal of mental illness can be traced back to incidents and encounters with other people and how we deal with such things.

It does beg the question though; how much mental illness is there in the world at this moment? I do not know. What I do know is that it is no where near as high nor is it necessarily increasing as the media would lead us to believe. For example, it is no coincidence that when pharmaceutical companies attained permission to advertise anti-depressant drugs on television, that supposed cases of depression increased dramatically. These numbers in turn are used as evidence that the incidence of depression is indeed increasing and thus more drugs and funding are needed. It is a vicious cycle.

Media is so effective that we even describe normal behaviours as being disorders. I have heard too many lively and creative people refer to themselves as having ADD or ADHD. Naturally organised people or those who are attentive to detail refer to these lovely attributes as OCD. Shy, introverted, or socially awkward people are referred to as being autistic which I think is an affront to genuinely autistic people. Finally, the thing that really grinds my gears is when beautiful, innocent children are referred to being ADD or ADHD. This is normal youthful behaviour. Aside from that, when you give children processed food and sugar guess what? They can get particularly energetic and obnoxious. If you're having a hard time keeping up you either need to work out more often or perhaps you've forgotten what it feels like to be alive. Don't you dare label those children for something that is obviously at fault with your own self!

In addition, there is this so called clinical depression which means you have a chemical imbalance in your brain. The thing is though a chemical imbalance of this degree is simply a myth. A chemical imbalance is diagnosed the same way ADD is - a compiled list of symptoms. We can know it isn't real because there is no legitimate biological test you can take that will tell you if you have this type of imbalance. There isn't even a blood test! Certainly there are studies that have looked at this claim, but they are inconclusive. They can't tell what a chemical imbalance is either. Thus if it isn't a real biological issue, you can't honestly prescribe a biological solution - a pill - to resolve the issue. 

Unless of course the pill in question is a placebo. In fact, a sugar pill would actually work wonders in this case. Often when people think they are getting better, they really do begin to get better.  Depression is basically the blues, and it is very normal to experience. Indeed, a person will be depressed many times as they experience the highs and lows of life. Depending on the situation and person, depression will vary from mild to severe (manic). One can better safeguard themselves by developing healthy coping mechanisms. Of course, self-medicating with food or drugs such as alcohol are not healthy and therefore are recommended against their use. Communication with a trusted person is also invaluable to anyone.

Other supposed disorders such as bipolar are imaginary as well. Many people "diagnosed" with this quite often bring it on themselves. Yes, I really just said that. I've noticed that many such people are more sensitive than most so obviously disciplining their emotions would be very important. I'm not saying one should be unemotional, but I am saying you ought to get to a point where you can feel and experience, and then choose how you want to respond. Critical thinking and communication skills are very crucial as is proper stress management. Those diagnosed as bipolar often lack some or all of these things. Do no be ashamed; you can do something about it.

Suicide is a big topic in the news these days and some very good things are being said about how it can be prevented. Did you know that, with some exceptions, incidences of suicide are not increasing? Due to its nature it is something that is not talked about and because suicide is not talked about when we hear of incidences on the news it seems like there is an epidemic. In truth, several people kill themselves every day and unless it can be sensationalised you will not hear about it on the evening news. Talking about suicide does not increase the incidence of it, but rather the suicide rate goes down. This is because by talking about it people are more able to confront the issue which means more people who are considering suicide will get help. This is one of those occasions when you should absolutely seek the guidance of a mental health professional. 

The exception to the average suicide rate is the rate of suicide by members in the armed forces - the military. In the United States alone, there are 18 military suicides every single day. Yes, you read that right - 18 suicides every day. Part of the reason pertains to politics and the ethics of war which is a topic for another day. The main reason the rate is so high is because of instead of helping them deal with what they have experienced they are instead pumped with drugs. The real solution involves comprehensive support, compassion, and a lot of time. The rate could be further managed by including many of the things discussed in this post in any and all training as well as maintained throughout one's regular service.

The final topic I would like to discuss is bullying which like suicide has also been getting a great deal of media attention as of late. Did you know that incidences of bullying are not increasing? In truth, the rate of bullying is pretty static, but our awareness of it is not. There is not a single human being who has ever walked this earth who has not been bullied at some point in their life. Even Jesus Christ was bullied (Luke 4:29; Luke 22:63-65; Matthew 27:41-44). Bullying comes in a variety of forms and may be subtle or blatant. We often think of school peers as being the main source of bullying, but it can also occur among friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers. I want you to know that you are not alone. Indeed, you have never been alone (Psalm 23; Matthew 28:20).

Why Post-Secondary Isn't For Me

I've looked into several trade schools, colleges, and universities - some of which in other countries. It simply isn't for me, at least at this stage in my life. Just the other day I was browsing undergraduate programs and found myself thinking what I usually think, "Why can't I take them all!" People pursuing multiple degrees of course is not something unheard of. However, something new occurred to me. I started looking at these program listings as a sort of challenge, a topical list of books I ought to read. In truth, one could probably use the course listings of a given program to closely mimic what one ought to learn if they wanted to teach themselves. Doesn't work for every topic of course, but a great deal of them you could do that.

In addition to wanting to take everything, I take issue with the four year time commitment a baccalaureate typically requires. From my purely recreational study of educational philosophy I can say with much certainty that most baccalaureates could be attained in two years or less. The official reasoning behind the extended time commitment is to prevent students from becoming overwhelmed with their schedules. The real reasoning behind it is rather simple - schools make more money this way. Post-secondary is a very lucrative industry, especially given it's easy access to taxpayer funds through student loans.

The way post-secondary is stretched out and taught doesn't particularly jive well with how I personally learn. While I'm almost always learning new things each day, whenever something is of great interest to me I usually seize that interest, dive in, and learn as much as I can. My reason for this seemingly obsessive behaviour is because I grasp topics with greater ease and retain a greater amount while I'm interested, then I would if I was trying to just trudge through it. So really, it's a more efficient way for me to learn.

Of course, the way post-secondary could work in my favour is by basically first learning all that I can on my own. Most universities have exceptions to the time commitment and so if I prove proficiency by way of exams I could make up some of the requirements and very likely earn my baccalaureate in two years like I ought to, and likely with high honours as well.

Some universities, such as the University of Alberta, allow non-students to audit a wide variety of courses. This means that you could take a given course just as you normally would, but you get no credit for it and is great if you're simply interested in learning more about what interests you. Not to mention, it's about 50% cheaper than pursuing an actual degree. I can see myself utilizing this so that I can sit in on some of courses taught by Professor Stephen Kent who is a renowned expert on Scientology, among other things.

Speaking of cost, post-secondary expenses are through the roof! Part of my reasoning for looking at foreign schools is because countries with a weaker currency compared to my own often offer the same decent quality at a cheaper cost. For example, the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines offers a high standard of education which is often associated with McGill, Oxford, or Stanford. Now, the Philippine Peso is very cheap compared to the Canadian Dollar, and so a full four year BA in Communication Arts with everything included only actually comes to about $1600 in Canadian funds. Even if I fly back and forth from Canada for all my major breaks it is still cheaper than the cheapest Canadian school.

At the end of the day, it's like I said to a friend recently. As long as I can learn what I want to learn on my own, I see no need to pursue one very expensive piece of paper. Besides, there are a number of people in public life who have degrees and who really should consider getting a refund for those degrees. For example, Prime Minister Stephen Harper should ask for a refund on his economics degree because it's obvious he failed to grasp key concepts let alone can he manage a basic budget.

Killer Instincts, Or The Other

Dear my most beloved friend,

It is a strange thing, isn't it? The animals we keep as pets. We think of dogs as furry children forgetting, or perhaps unaware, of their carnivorous nature. Yes, they obey our commands if well trained and do afford us many cuddles, but have you ever watched a pack of wolves hunt? It makes you think twice. Or, how about cats? Usually perceived as having a, "I'm better than you," attitude, we blissfully set aside the fact that a house cat is really a tiny murderous ninja.

What about ourselves? Have you ever witnessed a sleeping infant? So harmless, so precious... Yes, it is hard to imagine that this heart melting little being could very well grow up to be the most deadly creature to walk the earth. Indeed, looks can be deceiving. Please, do not fret at what I have said. Do you deny your own self? Have you so easily forgotten the horrors done by your own hand and the words uttered by your very lips?

We mean well of course in most of what we do. Is it not true, however, that some of the very worse things in all of human history have been done with the best intentions?  One need only look to our wars and rumours of wars. What great carnage has been perpetuated in the name of peace! Some blame religion, others blame greed. At some point, however, each war fought and won or lost has been proclaimed in the name of peace.

Century after century, decade after decade there is always some war for the betterment of the people. "We shall colonise these lands and make civilised people of these savages." "These people don't know any better, and if we could give them real democracy - free them of their regimes - then they would live better lives like us." Has violence, suffering and death and death by human hands ever made anyone see the light?

Do you know how ideas die, if only for a time? I'll give you a hint, it isn't by censorship or the exterminating of all those who cling to such ideals. Ideas fade simply with time and love. With these people shed their false ideologies and embrace Truth.

Our Lord said, "Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20) He did not say to do these things and if the people resist you, invade their lands and make the peoples your slaves until they see things your way. Nor did he say that to achieve such things one ought to take over the governments of the world and make laws concerning what Jesus has said. In fact, that was what Jesus Christ delivered us from in His coming. We ought to put our faith in Jesus Christ, not our politicians and not the area in which we reside.

You see unlike our cats and dogs who will always be in the state of death, the child -regardless of age- is free to choose to remain in this very same state, or to give ourselves over to our greater nature given to us when we are made anew. It's this greater nature that God has intended for us all - even you.

Imagine, my dearly beloved, a world where the Gospel has been preached and believed.

Peace be with you.

P.S.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

What Do You See?

I don't know what you see in me;

Kindness, goodness, charity.

You say I'm smart, even brilliant,

What does it all matter in the end?

What do you see?

Tell me what do you see?

I see an empty soul, so alone

Please save me!

You see me as calm, cool, and collected.

Bringing water to you lips in desert straights

But I'm drowning inside,

This is more than I can take!

What do you see?

Tell me what do you see?

I see an empty so, so alone

Please save me!

You tell me I'm beautiful,

When I'm just ordinary.

I make you laugh,

But I'm not trying to be funny.

What do you see?

Tell me what do you see?

I see an empty soul, so alone

Please save me!

What does it all matter in the end you repeat.

Tell me could I love you that first chance we meet?

You don't see it now, that's why I'm here.

You are my inspiration, each breath I hold dear!

What do you see?

Tell me what do you see?

I see an empty soul, so alone

Please save me!

What do you see?

Tell me what do you see?

I thought I was lost,

But you found me and saved me.

Complete State by State US Presidential Election Results 2012

The following are the state by state results of the US Presidential poll results in which great care was taken to include third party results. These amounts are not final and will likely be updated accordingly.

Alabama
No Data Available

Alaska
(Source)

Barack Obama: 61 281 or 40.88%
Mitt Romney:  81 878 or 54.62%
Gary Johnson:  3 756 or 2.51%
Jill Stein: 1 484 or 0.99%
Write In: 1 502 or 1.00%

Arizona
No Data Available

Arkansas
No Data Available

California
(Source)

Barack Obama: 3 229 794 or 57.0%
Mitt Romney: 2 306 801 or 40.7%
Gary Johnson: 54 444 or 1.0%
Jill Stein: 33 322 or 0.6%
Roseanne Barr: 21 962 or 0.4%
Thomas Hoefling:  16 394 or 0.3%

Colorado
(Source)

Barack Obama: 994 059 or 50.24%
Mitt Romney: 942 254 or 47.63%
Gary Johnson: 23 944 or 1.21%
Jill Stein: 5 093 or 0.26%
Roseanne Barr: 3 468 or 0.18%
Thomas Hoefling: 471 or 0.02%
Virgil Goode: 4 618 or 0.23%
Rocky Anderson: 910 or 0.05%
Stewart Alexander: 208 or 0.01%
James Harris: 137 or 0.01%
Gloria La Riva: 206 or 0.01%
Merlin Miller: 200 or 0.01%
Jill Reed: 1 965 or 0.10%
Thomas Robert Stevens: 168 or 0.01%
Samm Tittle: 596 or 0.03%
Jerry White: 137 or 0.01%

Connecticut
(Source)

Barack Obama: 128 251
Mitt Romney: 109 078
Gary Johnson: 2 277
Rocky Anderson: 12 590

Delaware
(Source)

Barack Obama: 242 547 or 58.6%
Mitt Romney: 165 476 or 40.0%
Gary Johnson: 3 882 or 0.9%
Jill Stein: 1 939 or 0.5%

Florida
No Data Available

Georgia
(Source)

Barack Obama: 1 745 496 or 45.40%
Mitt Romney: 2 054 059 or 53.43%
Gary Johnson: 44 775 or 1.16%

Hawaii
(Source)

Barack Obama: 194 220 or 71.4%
Mitt Romney: 72 047 or 26.5%
Gary Johnson: 2 226 or 0.8%
Jill Stein: 1 877 or 0.7%

Idaho
No Data Available

Illinois
No Data Available

Indiana
(Source)

Barack Obama: 906 613
Mitt Romney: 1 101 971
Gary Johnson: 38 950
Jill Stein: 137
Thomas Hoefling: 7
Virgil Goode: 69
Stewart Alexander: 5
Jill Reed: 4
Denis Knill: 9
Missionary-Tracey Elaine Blair: 21
Randall Terry: 5


Iowa
(Source)

Barack Obama: 810 391 or 51.86%
Mitt Romney: 724 109 or 46.34%
Gary Johnson: 12 774 or 0.82%
Jill Stein: 3 723 or 0.24%
Virgil Goode: 2 991 or 0.19%
Gloria La Riva: 362 or 0.02%
James Harris: 440 or 0.03%
Jerry Litzel: 1 001 or 0.06%
Write In: 6 851 or 0.44%

Kansas
(Source)

Barack Obama: 425 037 or 38%
Mitt Romney: 670 033 or 60%
Gary Johnson: 19 672 or 2%
Chuck Baldwin: 4 663 or 0%

Kentucky
No Data Available

Louisiana
(Source)

Barack Obama: 781 733 or 40%
Mitt Romney: 1 149 054 or 59%
Gary Johnson: 17 975 or 1%
Jill Stein: 6 873 or 0%
Virgil Goode: 2 461 or 0%
Rocky Anderson: 1 319 or 0%
James Harris: 384 or 0%
Jerry White: 352 or 0%
Samm Tittle: 1 748 or 0%
Jack Fellure: 503 or 0%
Peta Lindsay: 583 or 0%

Maine
No Data Available

Maryland
(Source)

Barack Obama: 1 523 788 or 61.4%
Mitt Romney: 904 488 or 36.5%
Gary Johnson: 27 714 or 1.1%
Jill Stein: 15 547 or 0.6%
Write In: 9 465 or 0.4%

Massachusetts
No Data Available

Michigan
(Source)

Barack Obama: 800 788
Mitt Romney: 840 766
Jill Stein: 7 856
Virgil Goode: 5 776
Rocky Anderson: 1 762

Minnesota
No Data Available

Mississippi
No Data Available

Missouri
(Source)

Barack Obama: 1 215 031 or 44.3%
Mitt Romney: 1 478 961 or 53.9%
Gary Johnson: 43 029 or 1.6%
Virgil Goode: 7 914 or 0.3%

Montana
No Data Available

Nebraska
(Source)

Barack Obama: 290 257 or 37.82%
Mitt Romney: 464 232 or 60.49%
Gary Johnson: 10 627 or 1.38%
Randall Terry: 2 343 0.31%

Nevada
(Source)

Barack Obama: 529 005 or 52.30%
Mitt Romney: 462 607 or 45.73%
Gary Johnson: 10 908 or 1.08%
Virgil Goode: 3 234 or 0.32%

New Hampshire
No Data Available

New Jersey
No Data Available

New Mexico
No Data Available

New York
No Data Available

North Carolina
No Data Available

North Dakota
(Source)

Barack Obama: 124 490 or 38.70%
Mitt Romney: 187 586 or 58.32%
Gary Johnson: 5 213 or 1.62%
Jill Stein: 1 357 or 0.42%
Virgil Goode: 1 179 or 0.37%
Write In: 1 850 or 0.58%

Ohio
No Data Available

Oklahoma
No Data Available

Oregon
No Data Available

Pennsylvania
No Data Available

Rhode Island
(Source)

Barack Obama: 262 444 or 62.9%
Mitt Romney: 146 295 or 35.1%
Gary Johnson: 4 162 or 1.0%
Jill Stein: 2 261 or 0.5%
Virgil Goode: 408 or 0.1%
Rocky Anderson: 379 or 0.1%
Peta Lindsay: 121 or 0.0%
Write In: 1 325 or 0.3%

South Carolina
(Source)

Barack Obama: 804 147 or 43.85%
Mitt Romney: 1 004 773 or 54.79%
Gary Johnson: 15 452 or 0.84%
Jill Stein: 5 122 or 0.28%
Virgil Goode: 4 531 or 0.25%

South Dakota
(Source)

Barack Obama: 144 980 or 39.86%
Mitt Romney: 210 536 or 57.89%
Gary Johnson:5 795 or 1.59%
Virgil Goode: 2 371 or 0.65%

Tennessee
(Source)

Barack Obama: 957 408 or 39.07%
Mitt Romney: 1 457 441 or 59.48%
Gary Johnson: 18 538 or 0.76%
Jill Stein: 6 491 or 0.26%
Virgil Goode: 5 987 or 0.24%
Rocky Anderson: 2 624 or 0.11%
Merlin Miller: 1 732 or 0.07%

Texas
(Source)

Barack Obama: 3 282 658 or 41.53%
Mitt Romney: 4 540 275 or 57.19%
Gary Johnson: 87 801 or 1.10%
Jill Stein: 24 378 or 0.30%
Thomas Hoefling: 167 or 0%
Virgil Goode: 776 or 0%
Rocky Anderson: 230 or 0%
Stewart Alexander: 80 or 0%
Avery Ayers: 1 141 or 0%
Thaddaus Hill: 56 or 0%
Andre Barnett: 41 or 0%

Utah
(Source)

Barack Obama: 227 736 or 24.91%
Mitt Romney: 664 416 or 72.69%
Gary Johnson: 10 984 or 1.2%
Jill Stein: 3 348 or 0.37%
Virgil Goode: 2 551 or 0.28%
Rocky Anderson: 4 696 or 0.51%
Gloria La Riva 342 or 0.04%

Vermont
No Data Available

Virginia
(Source)

Barack Obama: 1 868 191 or 50.57%
Mitt Romney: 1 767 692 or 47.85%
Gary Johnson: 30 307 or 0.82%
Jill Stein: 8 444 or 0.23%
Virgil Goode: 13 623 or 0.37%
Write In: 6 084 or 0.16%

Washington
(Source)

Barack Obama: 1 062 561 or 55.22%
Mitt Romney: 822 611 or 42.75%
Gary Johnson: 20 117 or 1.05%
Jill Stein: 10 442 or 0.54%
Virgil Goode: 4 592 or 0.24%
Rocky Anderson: 2 415 or 0.13%
Peta Lindsay: 667 or 0.03%
James Harris: 695 or 0.04%

West Virginia
(Source)

Barack Obama: 161 113 or 35.31%
Mitt Romney: 285 238 or 62.52%
Gary Johnson: 4 323 or 0.95%
Jill Stein: 2 990 or 0.66%
Randall Terry: 2 576 or 0.56%

Wisconsin
No Data Available

Wyoming
No Data Available

I Thought I Was In Love Once

This thing has been both a blessing and a curse to me. A blessing because of the invaluable things I learned that I probably would not have learned otherwise. A curse only in the perceived rejection and humiliation that I shall surely receive when people discover how truly pathetic I am. People seem to always think highly of me, or at least they seem to. I certainly have done nothing worthy of such generous consideration. Maybe it's because I'm still a bit hung up on the past what with being bullied and all. Certainly I trust people, but I'm still a bit weary of it. I'm also shy so that probably doesn't help much.

At the time I was very much young in the Faith. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I was still stumbling around in the darkness. Then a hand reached out and steadied me. Neither of us remembered exchanging details, but one day towards the end of February of 2007 he messaged me on MSN wondering who I was. We talked for a bit and agreed we probably crossed paths on Habbo as that seemed to be the only logical explanation. Towards the middle of March that same year  he contacted me again and we talked some more. Then he would regularly message me and I would regularly message him. We would talk for hours and never run out of things to say. In either May or June he when he (living in British Columbia) flew to Ontario to be his e-girlfriend's real life prom date I was totally rooting for him. That he would go to such great lengths totally illustrates his character. In our talking we bonded over similar histories - both bullied, both outcasts at school, etc. Despite this he was that guy that gave everyone a fighting chance and helped whomever he could.

You've got to understand that no one had ever showed such tender loving care towards me before. I'd had a few friends along the way, but for the most part they were all surface friendships. No one ever really asked me how I was doing and was serious about listening to my answer. So here comes this knight in shining armour and I was like this abandoned puppy and it was all I could do to not fall hard on my face for him. I was so very glad he had an e-girlfriend and put my energies into supporting them instead of focusing on me. You can imagine how stunned I was when a few weeks after he came back from the cross-county prom date they broke up. Things were going so perfectly! Now here I was split between cheering and consoling him. I tried my best to do the right thing, but he was not fooled. Turns out Cody can read minds.  It certainly seemed like he did because our only contact was text via MSN and so without body language or facial expressions he always knew when I was hiding something from him. From him I learned that the way we type alters by what we're doing or feeling. I will usually type complete sentences and so I've had a few friends freak out at me when I type in lower case since then. It's typically an indicator that I need sleep. Anyway our friendship continued to deepen until the lines began to blur and a sort of pseudo friends with benefits relationship formed. When I went back to school come fall I rejoiced because I didn't have to worry about crushing on any classmates. Someone finally wanted me. However, for him it was just that, but for me it developed further. In being perceptive as he always was Cody did try to dissuade my intentions, but to no avail. I wasn't going to come so close and just be content. Naturally as a result I saw what I wanted to see - that we both loved each other.

Before we began talking that very first time I was a master builder. I had designed and built this great and beautiful wall around myself so as to be sufficiently shielded from any rejection or humiliation. Then here comes Cody waltzing along and with one touch my brilliant wall came falling down; he scattered my defences all around. He always knew exactly what to say to get me to open up to him or having me feeling this or that. Always so gentle and disarming. I confessed many fears and anxieties to him and in turn he helped me to confront a lot of it. Before him I trusted no one and was convinced that no one wanted me. Thanks to him I now do trust people, but I'm still a bit weary about it all - like I said.

I truly do believe that the Lord used Cody to teach me what love really was (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; John 15:13) but I wouldn't understand this until later when the fog had cleared away. I learned a lot about listening and communication from him, and especially his particular counselling style was invaluable. He softened my hardened exterior and got me to deal with negative emotions in a healthy manner instead of burying them down deep inside me as I had become accustomed only to eventually break down and cry myself to sleep every couple of months or so. He would also teach me harder lessons as well.

However, as with all good things it often seems, this very good thing indeed became corrupted. Towards the end of things he confided in me that in the beginning he had actively tried to flirt me which means he was essentially cheating while I was mostly unaware and just thought he was being friendly. I say mostly because in truth towards the end of their relationship I began to return his advances. Sure I wasn't the instigator, but I know I'm just as guilty - even though he begged me not to blame myself for the fall of his relationship which is something I agree with him on. I learned from this how weak, stupid, and immoral I could really be. Evil even I would say. What I would proudly say I'd never do or even think, I now saw that I was capable of so much more than what I actually did. It was very sobering. Sadly, it doesn't end there.

We would talk for literally hours. Sometimes from the moment I came home until when I went to bed, and sometimes even during class if I had access to a computer. Over one of my breaks from school we made an unbreakable record by talking for about eight hours straight -and this was of serious discussions about life and whatnot too. You see we were both deep thinking paragraph type people. He understood me and I understood him. Sometimes we'd finish each others thoughts. We never fought of course, until the bitter end. You can't argue with someone when you're always on the same page with them. It was boring though. I know a lot of women say they want a man who understands their every whim, but it's gets boring. There's no reason to discover the other person. Now the sad part is that we sexted. I know and understand stating this fact and more drastically changes how I'm going to be thought of for now on. I don't care though because I know I deserve whatever judgement I receive. And plus, if I ever get into politics this is already out there and by my own hand, so I don't have to worry about any political leverage against me. In any case the sexting was great, it really was. When I spoke to a few friends who sexted their fellas this confirmed that I was getting it from a master. The longest session we had was about three hours. Like I said, we are both paragraph people. The dose of endorphins sustained over a long period of time really did me in though. This ultimately convinced me that we loved each other. When we began sexting our conversations essentially came to a stop. From my studies in sexuality and morality later on I learned that my experience was not unlike those of teens which actually participated in physical sexual relations. Mine was merely the intellectual equivalent of such things.

In April of 2008 is when it all finally derailed. We were barely talking with each other, and when we did it had mostly bitter tones to it.  Two weeks later with no word from him, and it was over. I was devastated and angry though mostly because he'd had the nerve not to say goodbye, but he knew that would have just destroyed me. It was better in my case to wonder then to know for certain why. He came back a year or so later, just before Canada hosted the Winter Olympics in fact, and I was able to forgive him for his abandonment and made proper goodbyes. And when he was finally gone for good I breathed a sigh of relief and was happy. I was finally at peace. This time around I had put my trust in the Lord and kept my eyes on him just as I should have done all those times before. This is probably the most vital lessen the Lord taught me through Cody. By the way, I haven't sexted in years and years for the Lord has delivered me from this body of sin. The second most important thing I learned -and Cody made me promise I'd never forget this and spent the most time proving it to me- is that I am beautiful and should see that indeed I am.

The Story of Creation

"And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels: And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And that great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduceth the whole world; and he was cast unto the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying: Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: because the accuser of our brethren is cast forth, who accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of the testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death." (Revelation 12:7-11)

"In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved over the waters. And God said: Be light made. And light was made. And God saw the light that it was good; and he divided the light from the darkness. And he called the light Day, and the darkness Night; and there was evening and morning one day.

"And God said: Let there be a firmament made amidst the waters: and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made a firmament, and divided the waters that were under the firmament, from those that were above the firmament, and it was so. And God called the firmament, Heaven; and the evening and morning were the second day.

"God also said: Let the waters that are under the heaven, be gathered together into one place: and let the dry land appear. And it was so done. And God called the dry land, Earth; and the gathering together of the waters, he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And he said: Let the earth bring forth the green herb, and such as may seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, which may have seed in itself upon the earth. And it was so done. And the earth brought forth the green herb, and such as yieldeth seed according to its kind, and the tree that beareth fruit having seed each one according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.
"And God said: Let there be lights made in the firmament of heaven, to divide the day and the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years: To shine in the firmament of heaven, and to give light upon the earth. And it was so done. And God made two great lights: a greater light to rule the day; and a lesser light to rule the night: and the stars. And he set them in the firmament of heaven to shine upon the earth. And to rule the day and the night, and to divide the light and the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And the evening and morning were the fourth day.

"God also said: Let the waters bring forth the creeping creature having life, and the fowl that may fly over the earth under the firmament of heaven. And God created the great whales, and every living and moving creature, which the waters brought forth, according to their kinds, and every winged fowl according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And he blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the waters of the sea: and let the birds be multiplied upon the earth. And the evening and morning were the fifth day.

"And God said: Let the earth bring forth the living creature in its kind, cattle and creeping things, and beasts of the earth, according to their kinds. And it was so done. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, and cattle, and every thing that creepeth on the earth after its kind. And God saw that it was good. And he said: Let us make man to our image and likeness: and let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole earth, and every creeping creature that moveth upon the earth. And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. And God blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth. And God said: Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed upon the earth, and all trees that have in themselves seed of their own kind, to be your meat: And to all the beasts of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to all that move upon the earth, and wherein there is life, that they may have to feed upon. And it was so done. And God saw all the things that he had made, and they were very good. And the evening and morning were the sixth day." (Genesis 1)

"Now the serpent was more subtle than any of the beasts of the earth which the Lord God made. And he said to the woman: Why hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise? And the woman answered him, saying: Of the fruit of the trees that are in paradise we do eat: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of paradise, God hath commanded us that we should not eat; and that we should not touch it, lest perhaps we die. And the serpent said to the woman: No, you shall not die the death. For God doth know that in what day soever you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened: and you shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil. And the woman saw that the tree was good to eat, and fair to the eyes, and delightful to behold: and she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave to her husband who did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened: and when they perceived themselves to be naked, they sewed together fig leaves, and made themselves aprons.

"And when they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in paradise at the afternoon air, Adam and his wife hid themselves from the face of the Lord God, amidst the trees of paradise. And the Lord God called Adam, and said to him: Where art thou? And he said: I heard thy voice in paradise; and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself. And he said to him: And who hath told thee that thou wast naked, but that thou hast eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat? And Adam said: The woman, whom thou gavest me to be my companion, gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said to the woman: Why hast thou done this? And she answered: The serpent deceived me, and I did eat.

"And the Lord God said to the serpent: Because thou hast done this thing, thou art cursed among all cattle, and the beasts of the earth: upon thy breast shalt thou go, and earth shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel. To the woman also he said: I will multiply thy sorrows, and thy conceptions: in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, and thou shalt be under thy husband's power, and he shall have dominion over thee. And to Adam he said: Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat, cursed is the earth in thy work; with labour and toil shalt thou eat thereof all the days of thy life. Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou eat the herbs of the earth. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return to the earth, out of which thou wast taken: for dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return. And Adam called the name of his wife Eve: because she was the mother of all the living. And the Lord God made for Adam and his wife, garments of skins, and clothed them.

"And he said: Behold Adam is become as one of us, knowing good and evil: now, therefore, lest perhaps he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever. And the Lord God sent him out of the paradise of pleasure, to till the earth from which he was taken. And he cast out Adam; and placed before the paradise of pleasure Cherubims, and a flaming sword, turning every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." (Genesis 3)

Behold, the creation account in Revelation indeed is very true, as it is in Genesis. However, the creation account in Genesis is not to be taken literally. For example, did you know that in the account there actually is no literal snake, let alone a talking one? If one were to consider the ancient Hebrew - of which there are four different Hebrew versions of the creation account in Genesis- the word typically translated as serpent is in Hebrew "הֵילֵל" (hay-lale') which means "shining one." This fits the context of the creation account in Revelation as well as what Isaias prophesied in Isaiah 14:9-24. What then are we to make of the creation account in Genesis? Well, the following is my humble take on it.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. No one knows exactly how He did this and perhaps we shall never know. What we do know is that first there was nothing (except God) and then there was something. This transition of sorts is what could be called abiogenesis, or as it is more commonly referred to, "The Big Bang Theory." After this initial creation we see in Genesis a progression as God begins with the lower and simpler creatures to more advanced creatures, and finally to humans. If that sounds familiar to you it's probably because I just gave you a very basic description of evolution. You may be wondering that if indeed God used evolution, would He had not said as much? Thus you may think that the two are not compatible, eh?

First of all, the details of how we are created are not important in terms of salvation history. The main point we are to take away from the creation account in Genesis is not how God created us, but simply that God did create us. In the end how He made us isn't important; what is important is that He made us. If we look to the account in John 2:1-12 of the Wedding in Cana we see that Jesus Christ turned water into wine. The point is not how He did it insofar as the molecular conversions (and so we are not told such things), but rather we are to know simply that He did it and why - because He is God incarnate.

Secondly, we must understand what science is. Science comes from the Latin "scientia" which means to know, knowledge. What is the knowledge? Science is our collective knowledge of what we perceive of the Wisdom of God which binds the universe and all that is in it. Indeed, the various laws of physics, chemistry, biology and so forth are essentially what we perceive of the Wisdom of God thus far. How then ought we understand evolution in this sense? Evolution is simply a specific body of knowledge which we have perceived of the Wisdom of God as it pertains to how the creation got from its initial creation to where it is now. Consider the following:

"The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth, hath established the heavens by prudence. By his wisdom the depths have broken out, and the clouds grow thick with dew. My son, let not these things depart from thy eyes: keep the law and counsel: And there shall be life to thy soul, and grace to thy mouth." (Proverbs 3:19-22)

However, many creationists will not argue with me on these points. Instead they tend to focus on the idea that according to evolution man evolved from apes which seems offensive to them for some reason. It isn't very logical to get upset over this and I believe it has more to do with pride than anything. First of all, the Bible does not say that mankind just popped into existence. What it does say is that woman came from man (Genesis 2:21-25) and that man himself came from slime (Genesis 2:7). So you did not come directly from God, but from what God had already created. So then why take issue with the idea that man comes from apes? Did not God declare all the creation preceding man is good? It's actually quite funny to me because a common thing I'll hear from creationists like Ken Ham is that they'll exclaim that evolutionists say we come from a primordial soup (which is true) and with such disdain as if this is so horrible. Well, as I just pointed out it actually is in Scripture! I'm aware of course that some texts say that man was created from dust and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, if you go back to the beginning just after abiogenesis and where the earth is formed, you'll find that evolution teaches that we ultimately come from dust. So it works both ways and there is no contradiction with Scripture and the theory of evolution. God is the author, evolution is the means.

As we go on with our study of creation we find that some how from two people there are suddenly entire nations. Once again, we are not told the precise process by which this occurred so we can safely assume that this information isn't important in salvation history. What we do know is that despite man's now fallen nature the Word of God is fulfilled and all of life -man included- went forth and did multiply. Evolution of course offers a very tedious explanation of how two humans could possibly become many. We know that the many were very sinful so much so, we are told that God sent rains and flooded the world saving, but a few. The Catholic Church teaches that we do not actually have to believe that a flood literally happened, and biblical scholars consider that this event is prehistory (real history begins with Abraham see Matthew 1:1-16).

However, I am comfortable with the idea that perhaps God really did flood the earth saving but a few. The wasn't one single global flood of course, as there isn't really any geological evidence to suggest that. There is though geological evidence to support the idea that there were several localised yet massive floods not all at the same time, but close enough. And lo, there is simply too much anecdotal evidence from hundreds of cultures all over the world which contain similar details to the account of Noah and the flood to deny the possibility.

"The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands. Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge. There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard." (Psalm 19:2-4)

In the beginning God created man. Man was tempted to believe that he could exist apart from God - even that he could be god himself. God in a sense gave man what he wanted and  sent him out from God's presence. Man now apart from God was naked and blind and yet in his longing for God he created his own gods which became idols to him. At first, man saw the touch of God on nature and man in seeking after God sought to deify nature. This today is what we call the primitive and animistic religions - some of which still exist today.

As mankind multiplied and subdued the earth his perception of God changed also. As man advanced he began to focus on the image and likeness of God by the deification of man himself. Deified humans were often those that were considered above the average man. I hypothesise for example,  that the ancient Egyptian god Osiris was a man who not only created the ancient Egyptian script, but also disseminated it to the public. In fact, it would not surprise me if many of the ancient Egyptian gods were people of the highest class in their society.

Overtime demons were also deified along with man (just as Lucifer and Eve together corrupted Adam) which gave rise to religions such as Hinduism. By now everything and everyone - for man was aware of the touch of God on all of creation - was deified and so pantheistic religious - that is, everything and everyone is of God and therefore is god - also came on the scene.

In the meantime, man had matured in his starvation and longing for God so much that God once again personally reached out to man which is what he did with Abraham (Genesis 12). For a time man was permitted to grow comfortable with the fact that all of his longing was not in vain and that indeed God is. When man was sufficiently filled with faith God reached out to Moses and gave him the Law (Exodus 20) which allowed the people to understand and come to know God more intimately. It was by the Law and the prophets that man first came to know Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness we all have received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."  (John 1:1-14,16-17)

"For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names: That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

"God, who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, In these days hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the figure of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high. Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:1-4)

What about the religions that came after Christ? Remember, man is still fallen although we in Christ, are confident, and have a good will to be absent rather from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) For the expectation of the creature waiteth for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that made it subject, in hope: Because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For we know that every creature groaneth and travaileth in pain, even till now. And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen, is not hope. For what a man seeth, why doth he hope for? But if we hope for that which we see not, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:19-25) And he that sat on the throne, said: Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me: Write, for these words are most faithful and true. (Revelation 21:5)

So it is that many of the old religions still remain until that final day, and many new ones are sure to come to be though under the same lie that first deceived Eve. Many of them such as Islam and Protestantism seek to put man under the old law in which he must try to save himself. Others such as with the New Age, Scientology, Mormonism, and the "spiritual, but not religious" crowd to some degree all think either are or will become gods.

I'm almost completely convinced there are no real genuine atheists out there. Everyone who is not right with God naturally deifies something be it themselves, knowledge, money, or some other aspect. Most who would call themselves an atheist are really only agnostic or deist. Therefore in light of all of this presented to you today, if indeed a genuine atheist exists then they are a fool (Psalm 14:1).

Some of you may wonder though, having likely seen Zeitgeist, what to make of various figures in different religions seeming to have similar details to the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would say you ought to expect it and I've already told you why.

"The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands. Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge. There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard." (Psalm 19:2-4)