Thursday, August 31, 2006

installation #1

Last weekend my family had a gathering/reunion. It was a blast, but definitely not complete because mamacita wasn't there! I was especially excited that Abe and Michelle were able to come down for the event.

Unfortunately all of the boat party pics are on Aly's camera, but I've posted some from the night before. We celebrated Clairecita's birthday at Vivo and Tambaleo...


Two birthday girls and Jerry Bueno


B-day party for Claire!

Monday, August 21, 2006

hateful email

I wish I had something more positive to post on this lovely Monday morning. This weekend we went tubing, or "toobing" as they say in San Marcos. Unfortunately I don't have many pics, but I'll try to post some this evening.

I was really disturbed by an email I received, and after responding to the original sender, I decided I would post it on my blog just in case anyone else is confused about this issue. What color is the Fox News terror alert today???

CAN A MUSLIM BE A GOOD AMERICAN?

Theologically- no. Because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon God of Arabia.
Christians’ allegiance is to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. How does religious allegiance have anything to do with patriotism?

Religiously- no. Because no other religion is accepted by his Allah except Islam (Qu ran, 2:256)
Many Christians believe that you’ll burn in hell if you don’t accept Jesus Christ as Lord. Once again, how does religious allegiance have anything to do with patriotism? Last time I checked we have neither a national religion or language.

Scripturally- no. Because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and the Qu ran (Koran).
How many times have Christians used the Bible to justify hateful things? Just ask Matthew Shepard’s family. Were his murderers good Americans?

Geographically- no. Because his allegiance is to Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
I’m not sure how turning in a certain direction to PRAY makes you less patriotic, but if we'll extend this argument to geography- what about American missionaries who leave the country to preach the “good news.” Should they be prosecuted as traitors??

Socially- no. Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
After consulting an actual Muslim friend of mine, I believe this to be a distortion of a verse from the Koran. This email leads me to believe that it’s the Christians who are teaching their children to stay away from the “brown” folk because they’re probably terrorists…

Politicallyno. Because he must submit to the mullah (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and Destruction of America, the great Satan.
There are many Islamic people who have fled their countries due to persecution or the chance for a better life. They support our government and abide by our laws. Many of them pray to Allah just as we pray to Jesus Christ- for peace, prosperity, safety and a state of wellbeing for the ones they love.

Domesticallyno. Because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Qu ran 4:34).
The Mormons also believe in marrying multiple wives. May I remind you that it is illegal to have multiple wives in this country, and although some are able to shirk the law, it is not an enigma exclusive to the Muslim community. Go visit any battered women’s shelter and you will find women of all creeds, races, and nationalities who were “scourged” by a man whether or not they were "disobedient." This is simply a matter of getting a grip on reality- domestic violence is not a problem that only Muslim women face.

Intellectuallyno. Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
If you’ll review what you may (or may not) have learned in 8th grade history, you might remember that we collectively espouse a concept known as “separation between church and state.” That’s what allows us- Christians, Jews, Atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, etc. to equally enjoy the benefits of our democracy. I believe there are several people, make that several hundred thousand people that would disagree with the Supreme Court if they began interpreting the Constitution by using the Bible as a point of reference.

Philosophically- no. Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Qu ran do not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
It is so easy to take things for granted when you were born into them. Did you ever stop to think that maybe some people come to this country to escape an oppressive situation? Maybe you should consider that the next time you bite into an apple and then talk, with your mouth open, about immigration reform. (If you don’t understand that last sentence, you’re more ignorant than even I thought).

Spiritually - no. Because when we declare "one nation under God," the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names.
The sad thing about this email and the people who continue to forward this trash is that they fail to do their research. Allah’s names include: the most merciful, the ever providing, the nourisher, the responsive, and the answerer. Sounds like love to me. The 48th name is “Al Wadud” which translates to loving, kind one. Apparently the person who created this email was either misinformed or just making up information, but either way he/she is an embarrassment to “good” Americans who promote peace and tolerance.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

La Cantera

This weekend we enjoyed some R & R* at La Cantera, outside of San Antoni0: http://www.westinlacantera.com/

The noteworthy components involved a wonderful swimming pool, Swedish massage, golf (for the guys, Mandrin wanted to play!), an amazing dinner at the Grey Moss Inn, and Brazilesque** brunches at the hotel. Natalie hated the pancakes w/ syrup and banana...huh babs?? ;P

This week we celebrate Aly's birthday on the 17th!

*I capitalize R&R because it's been much needed

**I guess I made up this adjective to describe the amazing breakfasts in Brazil...

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy second week of August.


Princess Lenora and her stylist.



At the Grey Moss Inn...filet minon, salmon, lobster, and carrot cake- oh MY! Natalie, how full were we??

laaaaa cantera


April and Natalie makin it happen...