Notes from Tommie

posted by tommie on Jun 13

It has been said and I say it again, “I have a dream…”

There is nothing in this world that one could take for granted, that is to except change. I dream of a world where love is the emotion that demonstrates the feelings of all. I dream of a world where faith is absolute regardless or religion or lack thereof. I dream of a world where one can be honest with all those around them without fear of abandonment, suffering, and pain. I dream of a world where I can finally rest.

Each day passes and this body deteriorates more and more. At first impression most place my age at near a decade over what I have actually lived. Is this a product of the life I have lived or is this the result of genes? Is my demeanor that of one aged and wise and if so does my spirit retain that sense of youth that I know should still be present somewhere deep within?

Death and rebirth. Light and dark. To put it simply, facts of life which some or all of us may or may not go through during this relative short stay on what we call earth. Constantly one, at least in my position, must ask not only why I was placed down in this realm but also why my soul was sent back after crossing the void into the hereafter. Fate and karma, luck and destiny.

To many as the body begins to decay our presence here is lost, to many more it signifies the soul passing on to the next realm or the next life. To those like me; well, that part has not yet been discovered. Sometimes it feels as though the life I was meant to live the moment my heart stopped beating. No longer do I have claim over the path but only the pace. Is this soul, this life, the one I was given or am I but a servant, no more than a dog, following the calling of my master?

To state that most people have no understanding of the true world that carries on around them, in my reality, is not a question but a statement of fact. Though it has many times been said the reality I lead is quite different than the reality of so many others around me. At this the question must be asked whose place is it to judge. Surely it is not the place of any mere mortal to judge, not when we as a people cannot fully agree on any one mindset or moral guidance.

For all of recorded history we, as a race, have disputed over personal gain as well as anything else that sounds like a reasonable excuse at the time. It is in our nature to not only destroy that which we dislike, but even more so that which we truly care about. Long has this been known and yet somehow we say it is wrong, we disapprove of those who live out their lives according to instinct and dismiss those who have any sense of higher calling as psychotic.

Where once stood shaman and druid, later became priest and monk, now we replace with any fleeting cultist movement that seems reasonable at the time. So quickly the ideals and faith of ye old times are dismissed despite the rich history, and significantly longer existence, of these beliefs that came before our time. Mankind has a natural inclination towards the mob mentality. So long as things go according to the plan or what is commonly believed none shall speak ill even if they know in their hearts for it to be wrong.

There once was a time when one could stand next to another as an equal, a true sense of family and of the pack to be shared. We are animals. Make no self indulgences of anything otherwise. This fact is written in our very genetic structure and in the history that we ourselves have recorded. Time and time again this world has collapsed only to be rebuilt in the image of a new empire, and new thought process.

So yes, I have a dream. I dream of a day when we wake up from this dream of self indulgence and the lies that help us to sleep at night. I dream of a world where one can be accepted for who and what they truly are. I dream of a day where love reaches true potential and the chaos that burns within the heart of all men finds its proper place in the balance of the world.

I have this dream, but to reach that dream soon I will be in sleep eternal. To see the light one must accept darkness eternal, for it is only in this acceptance that our hearts and minds can open themselves to the light that dwells within. Soon, my loves, soon this eternal slumber shall be mine own and I pray that those of you with a heart to care will find your peace as I know mine quickly approaches.

posted by tommie on Feb 21

So here I am less than a year and a half from when my term should rightfully come to it’s end, the closing to yet another chapter in this story of my life. Friends, family, and coworkers are all telling me to just wait it out and that everything will be fine; however, as each day passes I am considering more and more the ability to get an honarable discharge early.

The way it seems I am stuck in a mediocre position with basically no possibility for advancement due to my inability to stay in because of certain personal issues. It is true that I was raised with the mentality to never quit; however, I was also taught to never settle. Settling is what the Army feels like to me ~ the ability to succeed and actually accomplish something more has seemingly been taken from my options only to settle for just getting by.

With no chance of advancement but a relatively high chance of being extended to a full term (I don’t care about current policy, alot can change in the course o a year) to Afghanistan I am struggling to see any benefit to being stuck in a repetitive life of mediocracy. If you are going to do something aim for the best you can achieve.

In the end there are very few friends and even fewer coworkers that I actually trust enough to discuss these issues but it all leads to the same result: change. It is the only constant in life and sometimes has a greater effect then at other times. In any case I’m praying that everything will turn out the way that He would have me lead this life. It is, afterall, by his grace that I am still here to share my thoughts and beliefs with the world.

At the end of each day the only thing that can be known for sure – I am who I am based on several factors: nature, nurture, and by His will. No matter what may happen, no matter who accepts or rejects me, for better or for worse I will do what I feel is right. Our feelings are what guide us and are His messages to let us know how we are doing. Joy for doing right, sorrow for causing pain or not accepting his will, guilt for going against his will… So many human emotions that guide us each and every day, who am I to deny His messages to me?

With much love and thought, Tommie
(a.k.a. Pup)

posted by tommie on Mar 14

So here I am at a little after 22:00 and just got home… We were going to have crawfish today; however, that just wasn’t meant to be because the place that was supposed to have actually good crawfish this time of year ran out – along with everywhere else that normally would have any at all. So normally  I would be upset about that because I’ve been craving some good old crawfish boil for a good time now but I’m actually not feeling too bad considering everything that’s happened in the last couple of days.

On the vehicle, my mom and I are leavng in the morning for my uncle’s down in the houston area to hopefully find something within my price range (though as of right now my insurance company STILL hasn’t given me what they said they would and after calling a second time the price is lower than what they initially had totalled) but even this doesn’t aggravate me really. If I didn’t know any better I would swear I’d taken some kind of drug or had just enough to get tipsy but know I haven’t touched any substance to cause such a feeling.

Alls I can say for certainty is that at this precise moment in time I can actually find contentment in where He has put me. Though there really isn’t happiness there is still a reason to smile – sometimes it’s better to just step back and look at what you do have. Something people have been telling me for years now that I think I’m just now starting to actually realize. Who knows, it might actually help me in the long run to get through the rough times ahead. Despite all the things that went wrong today there was one thing that went right – it was a reason to smile…

I can’t say what it is or how it happens but every now and then under certain circumstances I can just smile. The entire world around us doesn’t matter and all of those negative things in life just seem to fade away – for just those few moments I can let go of everything that normally bogs me down and just be me, be a person that can just sit there in silence and smile.

It’s up to each and every one of us to find that place that we can go and to fight for it – right now I’m making my stand on what I think can make me smile regardless of the good or bad by doing the one thing that I am absolutely horrible at: being patient. For better or worse, for good and bad I’ll be here – I’ll always be Tommie. That ear to listen, shoulder to cry on, and arms to hold. I will be strong and have faith because it’s in Him that I have gotten this far and through the thick and thin of it He will lead me to where I belong.

Regardless of the outcome life isn’t where you end up but rather the journey you took to get there. Life is about the decisions we make day in and day out concerning not only ourselves, or even those that we care most deeply about, but also those that we don’t even know. So be honest. Be honest with yourself and to all those around you. If you have something that’s hurting or joy that is so overflowing it needs to burst out let it – share it with the world.

Just be you, we are all on the highway of life but each and every one of us decides when to turn off and take a little detour. For some of us that detour may be a little bit bumpy while for others it can be relatively smooth sailing the entire way it’s YOUR decision on which roads you’ll take and when you will get back on the highway and keep living life the way He wants you to. There’s happiness out there for us all – it’s our own decisions, wether selfless or selfish, that guide us there.

Be brave, be true, be proud of the you that is truly you, never change for anyone else but for what you want to change in yourself, be happy, be sad, but always know that there’s someone there for you. We can often look over the things right in front of us – even when we know it’s there sometimes we’re scared to take that leap. By heavens angels we are protected from scraping our feet against the stone: so take a step back, breathe, and trust. In the end things will turn out ok – it’s up to us and the free will He gave us to take ok and make it something more… and right now I’m here for you…

posted by tommie on Nov 6

First and foremost I’d like to give all of my readers a few good updates, as well as a few not so positive updates and/or rumors that have been circulating on this side of deployment.

1) At this point I should be home in little more than a weeks time, depending on when I actually get my flight out of here and how long I spend stuck in Kuwait.
1a) That means that I should be home through turkey day!
1b) We will probably celebrate christmas while I’m home too. 

2) My team leader told me just a day or two ago that I have been awarded with my promotion waiver that I’ve been waiting to hear news on for a while now. While I won’t be coming home a specialist, my promotion date is set for Dec. 1st – not bad for less than two years service. E-4

3) A couple days ago I finally got into contact with a young woman who just so happened to be the first love of my young life. So far as I know, and unless something changes that I’m currently unaware of, we’re planning on going to a renaissance festival during my R&R. Already working on what I’m going to wear!

4) My “corrective training” is finally done! Long story short I was late for internet guard duty so I got a week of training consisting of showing up to work a half-hour early with no off days or breaks, and general cleaning and other military nonsensical things.

5) Official mail cutoff date has been moved to Dec. 1st, after which we will no longer be receiving or sending any mail or such. Will still have internet access, just no mail or packages. If you can’t get something out here by that time, or can’t get it to me while I’m home, than it would be better to mail it to my home address if it is important.

6) RUMOR INSERT HERE: So the rumor goes that we MIGHT get back as soon as late december early january; however, I am still anticipating late january early february and there are some that are expecting as late as may with the new presidency. (which reminds me to congratulate any readers who supported Obama in the elections, and good luck to the republicans and the rest of us in-between for the next four years)

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Now for the religious half of this post-

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.”

So it was that the Lord our God created us in His image, and in His image we were created to be masters over all things of the earth and sea. Our daughters were so beautiful that even the Nephilim, or fallen ones, found envy in them. From birth it seems that we are taught to have faith in Him and His plan; however, I say to you know that we are the most beloved of all creations and it is solely in us that the gift of free-will was given. In Genesis we are told that “nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” While I hold firmly to most christian views I also believe that we, each and every one, are all divine beings brought into creation from and of the Spirit and His endless love. We are all a part of His greater power, His perfection, His intelligence, His wisdom, His joy, His love, and to a lesser degree we all are bestowed with His gifts over this realm that we call home.

The Lord our Father is master of us all but he named us as masters of the earth. If as one people we can truly accomplish anything than why shouldn’t we aim to bring an age of joy and peace to the world around us. All too often we look at and focus things that have gone wrong but I tell you now to embrace the arms of love; turn away from anger, hate, and fear. That which you embrace will be brought to you in ever greater numbers. Whatsoever you ask for in prayer have absolute faith and your prayers shall be heard – there is no room for doubt when it comes to faith.

For the most part of my nineteen years people have asked me how I could be so carefree and not worry about the future or taking care of my most basic needs, though I always knew the answer I never could give that answer a voice; however, today I tell you that it is absolute faith that rewards absolutely. It is a never ending resolve and absolute faith that has taken care of me and continues to care for me still – believing in Him to supply my needs and give me strength when emotional or physical weakness causes me to stumble.

The important thing to remember is that even when you KNOW you’re going to be taken care of you will never know exactly how and sometimes you will end up finding the answer somewhere you never would have thought of, or even sitting right atop your desk. The other day when I got an e-mail from Lauren I was reminded of just how powerful prayer and believing can be: in all honesty I had and continue to pray for someone that can understand me and embrace me for who I am, and after about three years of not having a real conversation or any real contact at all we talked on the phone for an hour and a half just catching up. HOPE and FAITH are the human conditions: without these man cannot survive, indeed, he has no purpose or will to survive.

Believe not in a better tomorrow for that is only making an excuse before-hand and drawing ever more negative things into your lives, the time to believe is today – change the world today. Only by embracing joy, love, and one another will tomorrow become brighter and we can make that all happen today just by embracing the good gifts we have been given and drawing ourselves away from the hurts and pains of life, take that step with me into a brighter today and a better tomorrow for our loved ones.

A bit of inspiration hopefully, Tommie Lee Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)

posted by tommie on Jun 6

In our day to day lives it is important that we always humble ourselves and ‘our’ works as little more then a contribution towards His ultimate plan.  Should we do this, and truly believe it, then when we do ask for something it shall be granted. With true faith the Lord will give us anything and everything that the soul needs.

According to: Alma 7:23 (The Book of Mormon)
²³And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and love-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do recieve.

As the word say we must be submissive and full of patience. With that being said I must submit my own and say that not everything He gives us is simply handed over. Sometimes we must persevere and press forward to attain the gifts He has for us. Still we must remember to be truly thankful that whatever we have recieved.

Throughout my entire life I have always had the ability to have a ‘feel’ for people; what they feel and who they are. Even with that gift I have always lacked the courage to stand up for myself. The only strength mustred was for those around me. Here today I stand firm and resolved that I will go after the gifts God has put before me. I won’t give up on the things that I have seen. I know that even should I fail in my own endeavors He will lift me up and give the strength to continue on with His work…

A little bit restless but undeterred from the dreams that come while awake, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)

posted by tommie on May 27

Before I get to far into this post I would like to go ahead and warn you that you may or may not agree with me in my beliefs on given topic; however, I humbly ask that you not attack my opinions. A peaceful, and civil, debate I’m open to but flat out attacks just provoke. The topic at hand is homosexuality and I would like to start off with ten interesting points provided by Psychology Today:

“1. [10 to 12 percent of men are gay.] False, 2 to 6 percent of men are gay.
2. Gay men have longer, thicker penises than straight men, on  average.
3. As children, most gay men display gender-bending behavior, like dressing up in their sisters’ clothing or playing with dolls.
4. In general, gay men are worse then straight men at certain cognitive skills, like reading maps, spatial orientation, finding missing objects, and packing trunks.
5. Lesbians are better than straight women at certain spatial, navigational, and language tasks.
6. [Men with the most masculine voices tend to be straight.] The voices rates as most masculine are those of gay men (and the most feminine are those of lesbians).
7. [Gay men have distant fathers, suggesting that levels of childhood affection have an effect on on sexual orientation.] False, though some fathers may become distant in reaction to childhood gender nonconformity of boys who are born gay.
8. The more older brothers you have, the more likely you are to be gay.
9. [Sexual orientation correlates with whether you are right- or left-handed.] True, Homosexuals are 39 percent more likely to be left-handed or ambidextrous.
10. The ratio of the lengths of the second to fourth fingers predicts sexual orientation.”

In case you hadn’t realized, or haven’t been keeping up, my personal opinion on homosexuality is that we should accept it in our society and support the gay communities rights as human beings. Even if you don’t support that select lifestyle you shouldn’t try and attack their ability to try and be happy. As Americans we are all entitled to that ‘pursuit of happiness’ and for us to downplay a group of our citizens based on their sexuality is, to me, that same as race or religion. We didn’t support nazism and we shouldn’t support a political attack on the gay community.

All too often I have heard, comming from the highschool debate forum as well as my military background thus far, people attack the gay community for this or that. I think that the single most argument that honest to God pisses me off the most though is that two homosexuals are incapable of properly raising a child or becoming married. I understand a moderate amount of both the religious and political views on the subject and that only pisses me off all the more.

To the general religious world: “It’s against His will,” or “God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.” While that may be  true He also made all the animals to serve us and to live in and be a part of our natural existance. The ‘natural argument’ stands no place for me as humans aren’t the only creatures to exhibit homosexual tendancies. His will is His alone and no mortal can convince me that they truly know His plan.

If you disagree with the lifestyle or have a friend ‘in need’ then pray about it and let God speak to the one in question. For He has said (off memory here so don’t actually have the verse number) “judge not lest ye be judged, and should you judge your brother then by that same standard shall you be judged” As humans we have all, and I don’t care WHO you are (not does the bible as we are brought into this very world with sin of the flesh already upon us), commited sexual sins at one point or another (of the actual flesh or of the mind, which is just as bad if not worse according to the bible) So do ME a favor and don’t judge another and ignore your own sins. To me, get right with God and ask for His help with your friends don’t take it into your own hands because I myself am not worthy of judging another.

From a political standpoint people argue that as they’re not actually able to reproduce they aren’t entitled to the legal side of marriage or that ‘it just doesn’t make sense for you two to be joined.’ Marriage is both good and bad by political standards and I believe that if two should want to be joined then who are we to deny that. As much as people rant and rave marriage did NOT start as a religious item, rather a LEGAL union between two people for property or some other item of value (usually attached to a dowry [however you spell that] of some kind usually on the maternal side).

In the end your views are going to be yours and there’s nothing that will change my opinion (they tried in junior/high school, basic training, and a.i.t.) But I maintain this, should you judge another for their sexuality then consider yourself before placing that judgement if you disagree with homosexuality. To me it always has been and always will be an individual basis, because I refuse to believe in a God that would not give all the same board and dice to play with like a game of D&D. Though the guidelines may be similar each characters particular rules depend on how they’re put together. What’s right for one may not be right for all.

Although I’m sure I’ll talk about this again that’s all I’ve got for now so I’ll talk to you all later if you are actually keeping up with my posts. More then lack of thoughts I have lack of time and need to wash up and get some sleep. The main reason I went ahead and posted this is the actual headline that caught my eye on the magazine was “Dare To Be Yourself,” it wasn’t untill I started reading it that I realized there was an article on homosexuality.

Reminding us all to love those around us and accept even if we don’t support, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)

posted by tommie on May 23

At some point in our lives we all become tired, each and every one will become weary in mind, body, or soul, if not all three. It is during these times that we are tested in our faith of a greater power then that of simple mortality. For as simple creatures we have simple thoughts and sometimes find it difficult to look beyond the veil into the power that lies beyond. Step back, breathe, and remember that you are alone. No matter how great or small you may be as a person you shall never be forgotten.

The bible not only tells us that we won’t be forgotten but also gives the promise that our Lord will be there to lift us up when we are weak and weary. According to: Isaiah 40:29-31 (Amplified Bible)
²⁹He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].³⁰Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; ³¹But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

As you can see with your own eyes the only condition for him to grant us strength is for us but to look for and expect him to give us help. Should we but reach out and take that hand to help us up it will be there; I, on a very personal level, have felt this strength time and time again, especially since I’ve joined the military. Times of seperation, sickness, or pain, these are all times to become weary with trying and there are so many more; however, give your faith in the Lord that all shall be well and you will “walk and not faint or become tired.”

Each time that I feel like giving up or feel abandoned (one reference that I’ve actually made about myself ‘feeling like a puppy dropped out the window of the truck, knowing that it was an accident and that they’d turn around to come pick you up… you just knew it…) I try and step back and remember all the things I have overcome with the power of prayer and patience. While running away from home I came across some new friends who pulled me into a new family, a local church where I met a girl that I spent over two years of my life with. One night after a long day of class in AZ, and a very emotional week, I met a girl who could manage to pull a smile and actually listened to my story.

For some reason I have always seemed to grow stronger when faced with adversity or pure exhaustion and I partially claim that to be in my Roberts’ blood; however, most of that is attributed to God. At any time that my heart has faltered or my strength has failed me he brought me back and put me in a place of light. It may not have been as quickly as I desired but it was always for the best.

Remember in your own day to day struggles that there is always someone there for you to talk to, and he will always grant you the strength needed to carry on. No matter how great the obstacle it can be overcome with the combined strength of yourself and your faith. Should place full faith in Him then your own wings shall be lifted to take you into flight and marvelous things can happen.

Always working towards and hoping for a better tommorow then today, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)

posted by tommie on May 22

In the past I have spoken about a plan for each of us, regardless of if you believe in a divine power, and have said time and time again that we each have a purpose. Today’s focus is on that purpose according to the words given us by the words passed down from one generation to the next.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31(New Living Translation)
²⁷ All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. ²⁸ Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. ²⁹ Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? ³⁰ Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! ³¹ So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

 The point of these verses, in my humble and honest opinion, is that though each of us is different we all contribute to the same goal. To a christian that would be His will. From the experiences in my own life I have been given the gift to be a living miracle, by walking from death unscathed, and to perform miracles by bringing a smile to those around me. To some that may not seem like much; however, over the course of my eighteen years one of the many lessons learned is to find an appreciation in the simple things. If we should find ourselves enthusiastic about something as small as a butterfly then I ask you to imagine the joy from something truly awe-inspiring and great to the masses.

Look yourself in the mirror, go ahead, and try to find something in your life to be enthusiastic about. Search behind the visible surface for the talents given you; that isn’t to say that you should accept any inherent weakness, on the contrary, should you offer yourself up for His plan then these seemingly would-be flaws may be washed away and replaced with an entirely new strength. Take for instance someone weak in communication: should that person pray to become a vessel of light that is our Lord he may take said weakness and make her into a messanger of the word.

Following in accordance with the old saying: the one may be weak but the many we are strong, take it upon yourself to discover what your place is in the hierarchy that is, and I do hesitate to use this word, destiny. As the book says we can’t all be apostles or prophets, teaching and healing aren’t made for all either; however, each of us does have a place and serve a purpose. Be not content with a life of mediocracy when you can aim to excel. Take your strengths, build upon them, and overcome what weaknesses you have been given. No matter how great or strong you think you are there is always someone else that thinks of you as their whole world. Brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, I ask you all to take each other by the hand and walk with me, work with me, towards a brighter future for us as a human race.

Hopeful for a better tomorrow where we can all work together, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)

posted by tommie on May 21

As a soldier I’m faced with day-to-day actions that could place those around me in harms way, friend and foe alike. All too often it becomes easy for us to lose ourselves in the adrenal rush of the moment and make a decision that shouldn’t have been made; I’m sure you’ve heard of at least one occasion in the news, a time when a soldier pulled the trigger too early or realized what he’d already done too late. It is in these times that we should take a second, however brief, to step back and pray on our next course of action. Personally, in any competition that I’ve been in there has always been that feeling that it is wrong to pray for your own victory. It isn’t the Lords way, that is the mortal way. Instead we should look up above our own lives and pray that His will be served above our own. That brings me to today’s verse.

Psalm 7:3-5 (Amplified Bible)
³Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, ⁴If I have paid back with evil him who was at peace with me or without cause have robbed him who was my enemy, ⁵Let the enemy pursue my life and take it; yes, let him trample my life to the ground and lay my honor in the dust. Selah!

My life isn’t something great or to be marveled at unless God himself wills it to be so; and as such, if any of my own actions seem great it is because of the strength he has placed in me. He has a plan for each of us regardless of if you believe in it, the better question is ‘how can I help His plan come to fruitation?’ Sometimes we will stray from that path for our own benefits or reasons. Most of us at one point or another have done another wrongly for selfish gain. It is because of this instinct, this bit that is humanity,  that I pray not for victory over mine enemies but instead for justice.

If I have truly done those that would stand against me wrongly then I ask the Lord to show me that weakness and offer me up to them. If my life has been lead to a point of chaos and destruction, a life of sin and selfishness, then I am no longer serving his purpose and ought to be made an example of before the world to show the power that is His. Be it my life that is taken or some other punishment that would seem more fitting I believe in a just God that would treat all of his children fairly and not show his support for one undeserving.

Try and take a moment each day to look back and think about if you have done wrong towards someone, be they friend or foe. If you find that the answer is yes then do what steps you can to correct that misdeed before you lay down your head that night. It may even be something as simple as sending an e-mail or a phone call to say that you’re sorry. If you must wage war, as our country is now, then wage war in an honest manner and treat your enemy with the dignity that a christian should treat any other person. In the end all of us shall be held accountable for our actions by both judge and jury; on this most religions agree. So though my words come from the teachings of christianity they are important lessons for us all.

Reminding us all to do as we believe is right, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)

posted by tommie on May 19

Continuing on the theme of love I have another set of verses that deal with this issue. To me it always has been the most important aspect of humanity that one should be able to love, not only himself but also those around him. For if one is truly not capable of compassion then what place is there on this earth? Our sole purpose, as a part of the christian community, is to spread the love and joy that becoming one with the Lord can bring to those around us. If keep nothing but hatred within our hearts then I ask how can this be done, you should always remember:

1 John 3:10-11 (King James Version)
¹⁰In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. ¹¹For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Regardless of your personal faith it’s too easy to ‘look to your left and right’, as they so often tell you to do in the military, and see how each individual can impact the community as a whole. If you let hatred overwhelm you then happiness becomes unattainable, and who in this world would truly desire to lead an unhappy existance? This is my primary goal in life: to love those around me with a caring and forgiving heart, bring peace to those that bear a burden, forgive those that would do me harm, wipe away the tears of sadness, and bring a joyful smile to those in need. I can’t honestly say that I love every person that walks the earth in an equal share; however, what I can say is that if asked I would do my best to help someone in need.

In age I am little more then 18 years; however, I have faced the hands of death and returned to the realm of life. Partially due to that experience my outlook is generally to look for light within the darkness, because once you examine a person and discover the truth then you can bring it out to the world and from truth we can bring light. No matter how dark or desperate a person may seem there is always a reason, there is always that feeling, always that very same beat of the heart. All too often I have heard close friends say that they ‘give up’ on trying to feel love, or emotion in any sense, and I can’t agree with that. Had you honestly given up, as is the case with every individual I’ve dealt with concerning said issue, you would no longer be able to show an honest smile or shed tears of love and sadness.

It is because of love that we can’t find it within ourselves to give up, and I don’t think we should give up on each other. So ‘look to your left and right,’ find someone that you personally care about and challenge them as I challenge you now: take each day as a chance to reach out and let someone you know feel the warmth of love. If we all took that attitude each day there’s no telling how far we could come as a race, as humanity, as the ‘children of God.’

With much love and all the faith a soldier can muster, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)