Justice and Mercy

To me, justice and mercy are a pair of ideas that, while they don't always work together, they can be two of the best partners in judgement. Justice, to me, means upholding the law and punishing wrong-doers. However, mercy is being kind and compassionate to those in need. Because of that, it makes giving judgement to a person who is down on luck sort of difficult to one who has not done it before. Sometimes though, all it takes is a tender heart to give proper judgement and punishment to those who deserve it.

The Lord's Plumb Line

In the book of Amos, the Lord uses a plumb line as an symbol of his law. It is always straight, and to truly be with him, you have to walk that straight line perfectly. He used an object we know about and know to prove something 100% straight to signify his law being 100% straight.

Today, the message of Amos is to be kind to those who are unfortunate. Don't beat them down and take advantage of them due to the fact that they are poor. If you can, help them to get their feet back underneath them so they can get back to life. Also, keep with the Lord's law. He didn't write it for His own good. He did it for ours. Because he takes the time to pay attention to us and help us when we ask, the least we can do is follow the rules he has laid down in our benefit.

Becoming an Adult

This week, an assignment has me write about what becoming an adult means for me. It means I will be old enough to support myself. I will probably move out of Mom and Dad's house and into an apartment of my own, get a job, and probably go to college. What I look forward to for being an adult is maybe more freedom. I will be able to do what I want, but I will still go to Mom and Dad for advice for years to come. What I don't want to do as soon as I am an adult is probably get a family of my own. I want to make sure I have enough money to support a family before I even think of getting married. Mom and Dad both did that, and it turned out well for them. Do I want to become an adult now, no. I want to enjoy the last few years of "child"hood while I can before I have to become 100% responsible for myself. I could see myself becoming an adult and becoming independent by the time I am eighteen or nineteen years old. Until then, being a kid is what is important, and I am going to enjoy it.

Honeyed Fruit cake

Today I made a Honeyed Fruit Cake for school. It is a food normally eaten at Rosh Hashanah to symbolize sweet things for the upcoming year.

Here is the dough after I put it into the pans. It kinda looks like chocolate chip banana muffin mix. I blame the light and the fact that the pictures were taken on my Ipod. Sorry.

Here are the loaves after I finished baking them. The upside down one had its bottom burnt to the bottom of the pan, so it was a pain to get out. We will be having at least one of these beautiful loaves with dinner. Can't wait to try them!