It was the beginning of October 2013 when a harsh blizzard killed thousands of cattle in South Dakota. Farmers aren’t rolling in the dough just because they own their own businesses. In fact most farmers struggle month to month to pay bills and provide for their families, borrowing money from banks and other sources of loans. They are one of the last groups to receive any help from government aid, if they are helped, and most are forgotten by the general public as long as grocery stores have what people need farmers aren’t even considered. They are working before the sun rises, even in the longest days of the year, and don’t come in from work until long after the sun goes down. Vacation is a foreign thought for the majority of farming families and hard work is the norm. They don’t receive paid holidays, employer paid health insurance, pensions, or sick days. I would have to say they are the hardest working citizens of this country and the least appreciated.
So when this blizzard struck in early October and killed off their herds there went the income they were depending on to put food in their children’s bellies, mortgage payments, car payments and money for machinery repairs leaving nothing in their pockets to help rebuild their herds. Government assistance was nowhere to be seen from Washington D.C. as they were battling each other over where to spend our money and not to mention the shutdown. Another oversight was the expiration of the Livestock Indemnity Program, another government assisted letdown to our country’s farmers.
So who steps in wearing the super hero cape for these suffering farmers? Other farmers! Ordinary people are able to donate funds to a group called Heifers for South Dakota and they purchase cattle and pay transportation costs to get them all the way out to the farmers of South Dakota. Other farmers, or ranchers, from around the U.S. are also donating heifers to the families of South Dakota. In one January 18th post on Heifers for S. Dakota’s Facebook page they write, “Value of the cattle we have gotten into the hands of those who are hurting is in excess of $1.25 million.” I would say that is a far better job than any government official could have done for these hard working Americans.
Hats off to these Americans helping Americans! To the farmers and ranchers who have stepped up, living with their own financial struggles and strains, to assist those in greater need them themselves at this time. To the non-farming Americans who have stood up and taken notice of the devastation on these South Dakota families and have offered their own hard earned dollars to get them back on their feet again. This is the America I am proud to belong to!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pledgeheifer
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Change or Complain, Which is it?
Another election has come and gone. Thankfully, in some regards, it was an off year election. One of minimal consequences to most but to states like Virginia and New Jersey it was of gubernatorial importance. It seems that today 'moderate' is the key word a majority of voters are looking for while 'conservative' is the plague of suffering.
Americans complain of being taxed beyond fairness, however they continually vote in the party that is known for establishing new and raising old taxes. They complain of illegal aliens coming in to the country yet they cast their vote for the party which supports amnesty for those who have already shown they do not respect our laws. They complain of healthcare costs, they 'get what they asked for' in the Affordable Health Care Act and it isn't all that it was promised to be so now they complain about what is there on the table. They complain about their guns being taken away yet they don't exercise the power invested in them by the Constitution to vote in supporters of the 'Right to Bare Arms.'
Finicky, finicky Americans! Miserable and handicapped to see the bigger picture! Change comes in stages not in one election and not by allowing the same party to reek havoc throughout our current government. You may not be satisfied with a two party system but in order to stop the bleeding we must quell the hemorrhaging of today so that we can work towards change tomorrow. I find it amusing that those who cried the loudest for change in our political setup during the Presidential election of 2012 have been silent since November 7th, 2012. Is it really change you want or just the right to complain? As I look at the picture before me I would say it is the latter.
Americans complain of being taxed beyond fairness, however they continually vote in the party that is known for establishing new and raising old taxes. They complain of illegal aliens coming in to the country yet they cast their vote for the party which supports amnesty for those who have already shown they do not respect our laws. They complain of healthcare costs, they 'get what they asked for' in the Affordable Health Care Act and it isn't all that it was promised to be so now they complain about what is there on the table. They complain about their guns being taken away yet they don't exercise the power invested in them by the Constitution to vote in supporters of the 'Right to Bare Arms.'
Finicky, finicky Americans! Miserable and handicapped to see the bigger picture! Change comes in stages not in one election and not by allowing the same party to reek havoc throughout our current government. You may not be satisfied with a two party system but in order to stop the bleeding we must quell the hemorrhaging of today so that we can work towards change tomorrow. I find it amusing that those who cried the loudest for change in our political setup during the Presidential election of 2012 have been silent since November 7th, 2012. Is it really change you want or just the right to complain? As I look at the picture before me I would say it is the latter.
Friday, March 29, 2013
A Vacation Full of Lessons
A week of vacation in South Carolina, ahhhhh, to a point. I have learned a few lessons on this week of no responsibilities, the freedom to nap at will and more sunshine in a week than I've seen all winter in Ohio!
Lesson 1: Do my words and my actions portray the same me? I don't want to be someone who is easily angered, selfishly driven and in need of constant control. I want to be level headed in the face of change, thoughtful of others and their desires and willing to allow others to lead so that all can enjoy time spent together. Temper tantrums do not equate level headedness, or selflessness, or a willingness to give up control. Seeing this in others makes me take a step back and view my own actions. How do I respond to others when the heat is on and when I may be tempted to slip into a foul mood?
Lesson 2: Communication + personal responsibility = a happy vacation!! If something in the plans remains an unknown communicate with everyone else either by phone or in person. Don't assume and don't sit back and wait for someone to do the contacting, be the one who initiates the communication so that there are no unknowns in the schedule. If I fail to communicate with someone else and plans get jumbled I should take personal responsibility for not acting on communicating, don't blame the other person! Sure it would have been nice for the other person to call or ask but if I didn't do either then how can I blame the other person(s).
Lesson 3: Have a plan laid out within the first day of vacation and share it with the group. Work in multiple plans if there are several things you want to do together. Don't wait until the last minute to schedule a big event because it will never come about as planned if you do. This goes back to number 2, communicate! No one person should be in charge of vacation plans or event scheduling during vacation. Prior to making those reservations or big plans bring it before the group so that everyone is on the same page or cancellations will become the name of the game.
Lesson 4: Small, family vacations are the best!! The less people along the fewer the complications.
When the lessons have been acknowledged and appreciated I can say we enjoyed our time here with family! Cousins have enjoyed their time together, brothers have laughed together and great-grandchildren have left their imprint on their great-grandparents hearts. All is right in the world once again.
Lesson 1: Do my words and my actions portray the same me? I don't want to be someone who is easily angered, selfishly driven and in need of constant control. I want to be level headed in the face of change, thoughtful of others and their desires and willing to allow others to lead so that all can enjoy time spent together. Temper tantrums do not equate level headedness, or selflessness, or a willingness to give up control. Seeing this in others makes me take a step back and view my own actions. How do I respond to others when the heat is on and when I may be tempted to slip into a foul mood?
Lesson 2: Communication + personal responsibility = a happy vacation!! If something in the plans remains an unknown communicate with everyone else either by phone or in person. Don't assume and don't sit back and wait for someone to do the contacting, be the one who initiates the communication so that there are no unknowns in the schedule. If I fail to communicate with someone else and plans get jumbled I should take personal responsibility for not acting on communicating, don't blame the other person! Sure it would have been nice for the other person to call or ask but if I didn't do either then how can I blame the other person(s).
Lesson 3: Have a plan laid out within the first day of vacation and share it with the group. Work in multiple plans if there are several things you want to do together. Don't wait until the last minute to schedule a big event because it will never come about as planned if you do. This goes back to number 2, communicate! No one person should be in charge of vacation plans or event scheduling during vacation. Prior to making those reservations or big plans bring it before the group so that everyone is on the same page or cancellations will become the name of the game.
Lesson 4: Small, family vacations are the best!! The less people along the fewer the complications.
When the lessons have been acknowledged and appreciated I can say we enjoyed our time here with family! Cousins have enjoyed their time together, brothers have laughed together and great-grandchildren have left their imprint on their great-grandparents hearts. All is right in the world once again.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
A Double Whammy of Reflections
I need to rediscover this blog thing. Too often I find myself 'blogging' in my head while I am in the shower, driving to or from work or I am laying in bed at night rehashing my day in my barely conscience mind. I have the desire, however, I just lack the discipline it takes to sit myself down at a computer and tap out my thoughts onto a white screen. But I am sure I have shared my blogging struggles before so I will spare you the whining.
One good thing of having a birthday in the beginning of the new year is not only have I had to think through the past year because of the start of a new year but I also get to think of the past year of my life and the changes I need to make. I get a double whammy of reflection in the start of the new year.
My motto for the day of my birth was, "It's my birthday and I am not going to do anything I don't want to do." Well that day has slipped through the hour glass and it is now January 13 which means, as I tell my kids, "Sometimes we have to do the things we don't want to do." I now have to put my hand to the plow, sow more seeds and harvest what grows in this next year of my life.
I have spiritual goals, to finish the one year Bible reading schedule I began two years ago, impact the maturity and growth of my kids by being able to humble myself and ask for their forgiveness when I have wronged them, go on a Making Peace With Your Past retreat and be able to move forward from what is holding me back, commit more scripture to memory, have a more sincere prayer life, and a few others I care to withhold between God and me.
I have personal goals of weight loss, exercise, work on my parenting skills, be a more compassionate wife and mother, employment skills growth, journal my thoughts, blog more, read more, watch less television, save more, spend less, get out of debt sooner, eat healthier and I am sure the list could go on. I should stop and write all of these down so that I don't forget what moving forward looks like to my sleep deprived mind at almost 2 am.
The bottom line is I want to change, I need to change some pretty important things in my life. I only go through this life cycle once, I only get one chance to raise my kids and shape their lives, one trip through this life to make memories to cherish so that at the end of my life I can look back and say, "I did my best." There will always be regrets, disappointments, and wishing I could change the decisions I made, after all I have them now and I am not even done living. I just don't want to throw this valuable time away on fancy whims and selfish desires.
I accept the challenge, cherish the opportunity and I brace myself for the ride of my life. With God at my side and His Word in my hands we embark together because, "With God all things are possible."
One good thing of having a birthday in the beginning of the new year is not only have I had to think through the past year because of the start of a new year but I also get to think of the past year of my life and the changes I need to make. I get a double whammy of reflection in the start of the new year.
My motto for the day of my birth was, "It's my birthday and I am not going to do anything I don't want to do." Well that day has slipped through the hour glass and it is now January 13 which means, as I tell my kids, "Sometimes we have to do the things we don't want to do." I now have to put my hand to the plow, sow more seeds and harvest what grows in this next year of my life.
I have spiritual goals, to finish the one year Bible reading schedule I began two years ago, impact the maturity and growth of my kids by being able to humble myself and ask for their forgiveness when I have wronged them, go on a Making Peace With Your Past retreat and be able to move forward from what is holding me back, commit more scripture to memory, have a more sincere prayer life, and a few others I care to withhold between God and me.
I have personal goals of weight loss, exercise, work on my parenting skills, be a more compassionate wife and mother, employment skills growth, journal my thoughts, blog more, read more, watch less television, save more, spend less, get out of debt sooner, eat healthier and I am sure the list could go on. I should stop and write all of these down so that I don't forget what moving forward looks like to my sleep deprived mind at almost 2 am.
The bottom line is I want to change, I need to change some pretty important things in my life. I only go through this life cycle once, I only get one chance to raise my kids and shape their lives, one trip through this life to make memories to cherish so that at the end of my life I can look back and say, "I did my best." There will always be regrets, disappointments, and wishing I could change the decisions I made, after all I have them now and I am not even done living. I just don't want to throw this valuable time away on fancy whims and selfish desires.
I accept the challenge, cherish the opportunity and I brace myself for the ride of my life. With God at my side and His Word in my hands we embark together because, "With God all things are possible."
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Owning Myself
I am reading a book called IT’S NOT MY FAULT by Dr.’s Henry Cloud and John Townsend. These two have also penned the well known book BOUNDARIES. It is not as you may think when you read the title! This book, and I am only on page 56, has dealt with the opposite of allowing me to blame it on someone else or think passively about my own actions. It has not just been an eye opener but more of a revelation and a wakeup call to my well crafted way of thinking that I am so excited to share bits and pieces of it with you!
The first chapter addresses owning my own life. It is not saying that I have the power to control my life but that I must own my actions, decisions, attitude and how I will walk the path God has given me. It opens with two girls suing McDonald’s because they were overweight! I remember this case. As if this company was responsible for shoving hamburgers down these two girls’ mouths and they were all but helpless to escape. Luckily they did not win in court, saving humanity and common sense from a disastrous outcome, at least for a little while.
It then addresses the foundational sin in Genesis 3:12-13. When God confronts Adam in the Garden of Eden and asks him why he ate the fruit God himself told Adam not to eat Adam blames Eve. Adam also has the audacity to even blame God by saying that it was the woman God gave him that led him, Adam, to sin. When God confronts Eve she blames the serpent. Neither one takes responsibility for their own action!
One last glimpse into the first chapter because I don’t want to give it all away. God has given us “creative choice”.
“God has delegated two things to you:
The ability to create and respond to life
The reality consequences of those choices
Often you cannot choose what happens to you. You cannot determine which cards you are dealt. But you can always do something:
You can always create, seek, and find a range of options to determine how you will respond to what happens, and how you will play the cards in your hand.”
Every time I have to put this book down I am charged with wanting to change something about myself, about my way of thinking. Chapter two deals with just that, learning to change your way of thinking!
The first chapter addresses owning my own life. It is not saying that I have the power to control my life but that I must own my actions, decisions, attitude and how I will walk the path God has given me. It opens with two girls suing McDonald’s because they were overweight! I remember this case. As if this company was responsible for shoving hamburgers down these two girls’ mouths and they were all but helpless to escape. Luckily they did not win in court, saving humanity and common sense from a disastrous outcome, at least for a little while.
It then addresses the foundational sin in Genesis 3:12-13. When God confronts Adam in the Garden of Eden and asks him why he ate the fruit God himself told Adam not to eat Adam blames Eve. Adam also has the audacity to even blame God by saying that it was the woman God gave him that led him, Adam, to sin. When God confronts Eve she blames the serpent. Neither one takes responsibility for their own action!
One last glimpse into the first chapter because I don’t want to give it all away. God has given us “creative choice”.
“God has delegated two things to you:
The ability to create and respond to life
The reality consequences of those choices
Often you cannot choose what happens to you. You cannot determine which cards you are dealt. But you can always do something:
You can always create, seek, and find a range of options to determine how you will respond to what happens, and how you will play the cards in your hand.”
Every time I have to put this book down I am charged with wanting to change something about myself, about my way of thinking. Chapter two deals with just that, learning to change your way of thinking!
Monday, March 26, 2012
My Short Take on Our Energy 'Crises'
I wrote this selection about a month ago after driving to work contemplating our energy ‘crises’.
Why do we maintain a dependency on foreign oil when we have resources right beneath us? Are we trying to save it for a rainy day? Well I might be inclined to say it’s pouring outside right now! We have oil, coal, and gas in our own country, right beneath our own soil and water. Instead of shipping it overseas why don’t we use it here? Subsidize with foreign oil not with our own. While we are using our own resources we should be devising ways to use renewable energy sources such as the powers of the wind, water and the sun.
Yes, the Gulf of Mexico oil leak was disastrous on its ecosystem and BP should be held accountable for the safety and techniques they use. Don’t prohibit drilling for the sake of the environment, revise, repair and continue. We must take care of our environment but we must also continue living as well.
Why do we maintain a dependency on foreign oil when we have resources right beneath us? Are we trying to save it for a rainy day? Well I might be inclined to say it’s pouring outside right now! We have oil, coal, and gas in our own country, right beneath our own soil and water. Instead of shipping it overseas why don’t we use it here? Subsidize with foreign oil not with our own. While we are using our own resources we should be devising ways to use renewable energy sources such as the powers of the wind, water and the sun.
Yes, the Gulf of Mexico oil leak was disastrous on its ecosystem and BP should be held accountable for the safety and techniques they use. Don’t prohibit drilling for the sake of the environment, revise, repair and continue. We must take care of our environment but we must also continue living as well.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
A Menagerie of Thoughts
It has been awhile since I have 'popped' into my blog account; it takes discipline and intention to keep this thing going.
We have now entered 2012, the last Mayan calendar year which of course means the world is going to end, right? I hardly think the God of the universe is controlled by the Mayan calendar and any link between the Mayans and the rapture would only be coincidental. Many 'predictions' have been announced of Jesus' return only to end up a mockery at the cost of true faith.
This is also a presidential election year which depending on the decision made in November it could feel as if the world is coming to an end for some. Television viewers have been accosted by candidate ads filled with lies, half truths and inflated, egocentric claims all at the expense of our valuable time. I have not set my eye on any one candidate but am left to wonder if this will come down to electing the evil we don't know rather than the evil we do know and have experienced. I often wonder if Americans choose comfort and apathy over freedoms and morality when it comes to choosing a president. I am not only talking of sexual morality, but of financial morality, truthful morality and leadership morality if such things do exist.
On a personal level I have undergone my own transformation and have embarked on the Couch to 5k training program. My doctor said get in shape and so now I am working on chiseling it out and have two goals set for the new year. Goal one is to run 2 miles by the end of spring without killing myself and goal two is to run the Warrior Dash in August with my sister-in-law. I do not plan on running to win but on running to acquire the t-shirts!
We have now entered 2012, the last Mayan calendar year which of course means the world is going to end, right? I hardly think the God of the universe is controlled by the Mayan calendar and any link between the Mayans and the rapture would only be coincidental. Many 'predictions' have been announced of Jesus' return only to end up a mockery at the cost of true faith.
This is also a presidential election year which depending on the decision made in November it could feel as if the world is coming to an end for some. Television viewers have been accosted by candidate ads filled with lies, half truths and inflated, egocentric claims all at the expense of our valuable time. I have not set my eye on any one candidate but am left to wonder if this will come down to electing the evil we don't know rather than the evil we do know and have experienced. I often wonder if Americans choose comfort and apathy over freedoms and morality when it comes to choosing a president. I am not only talking of sexual morality, but of financial morality, truthful morality and leadership morality if such things do exist.
On a personal level I have undergone my own transformation and have embarked on the Couch to 5k training program. My doctor said get in shape and so now I am working on chiseling it out and have two goals set for the new year. Goal one is to run 2 miles by the end of spring without killing myself and goal two is to run the Warrior Dash in August with my sister-in-law. I do not plan on running to win but on running to acquire the t-shirts!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Yes, God Does Love You
Yes you are right, God does love you. He doesn’t care if you are red, yellow, black, or white, straight, homosexual, a do-gooder or a murderer. “For God so loved the world…,” it’s taken straight from the Bible in the book of John chapter three verse 16. He loves you, He loves me, He loves the bad guys, the good guys and the wallflowers. He loves the one who has done you wrong just as much as He loves you. And that will never change.
However, the verse does not end there and it is imperative that one looks further because your eternity will depend on it. Obviously God knew we would have a problem, a very serious one at that. If we were created perfect and everyone could get to heaven in their own way then why would God not just end the verse there? God loves us and He has turned us free to find our own way to heaven, the end. God doesn't end there, He goes further, beyond what any of us would volunteer for. He sends His one and only Son, Jesus, to the cross to suffer an excruciating death just so that everyone and anyone could join Him in heaven by accepting His gift of salvation. Knowing that some would reject His perfect sacrifice He went ahead and did it anyway.
Yes, God knew we would struggle with sin before He even formed Adam out of the dust of the ground. He was not surprised when He found Adam and Eve cowering in the Garden of Eden because they were ashamed of their nakedness. He didn’t voice His frustration by saying, “WHAT DID YOU DO??”, or, “Why did you do this to me? I gave you everything you needed for a fulfilling life and this is what I get in return?!” God knew.
Do you have kids? If not you are someone’s child. Did you or your parents foolishly believe that this child being brought into the world was only going to make the right decisions in their lives, give you absolutely no frustrations, no rebellion, no struggles in their quest for independence and be the perfect child. I haven’t met anyone that thought that way and the thing is people keep having children even though they know their kids will not be perfect.
My son has asked me, “Why didn’t God just make us perfect so that we wouldn’t do wrong things?” I will offer the same answer as I have given him. What would mean more to you, someone loving you because they were designed to love you and had no choice but to love you or someone loving you because they, of their own free will, wanted to love you? It is always better if someone loves you because they want to, not because they have to. God wanted a loving relationship with each of us because we want to have one with Him not because we have to.
God has designed us, He has given us boundaries, He has made a right and a wrong. If eternity was not at stake then why would He need to send His Son to die for us? If we were free to live our lives the way we wanted to, without regard to sin, why would He need to send His Son to die for us? If there were many paths to heaven why would He need to send His Son to die for us?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
However, the verse does not end there and it is imperative that one looks further because your eternity will depend on it. Obviously God knew we would have a problem, a very serious one at that. If we were created perfect and everyone could get to heaven in their own way then why would God not just end the verse there? God loves us and He has turned us free to find our own way to heaven, the end. God doesn't end there, He goes further, beyond what any of us would volunteer for. He sends His one and only Son, Jesus, to the cross to suffer an excruciating death just so that everyone and anyone could join Him in heaven by accepting His gift of salvation. Knowing that some would reject His perfect sacrifice He went ahead and did it anyway.
Yes, God knew we would struggle with sin before He even formed Adam out of the dust of the ground. He was not surprised when He found Adam and Eve cowering in the Garden of Eden because they were ashamed of their nakedness. He didn’t voice His frustration by saying, “WHAT DID YOU DO??”, or, “Why did you do this to me? I gave you everything you needed for a fulfilling life and this is what I get in return?!” God knew.
Do you have kids? If not you are someone’s child. Did you or your parents foolishly believe that this child being brought into the world was only going to make the right decisions in their lives, give you absolutely no frustrations, no rebellion, no struggles in their quest for independence and be the perfect child. I haven’t met anyone that thought that way and the thing is people keep having children even though they know their kids will not be perfect.
My son has asked me, “Why didn’t God just make us perfect so that we wouldn’t do wrong things?” I will offer the same answer as I have given him. What would mean more to you, someone loving you because they were designed to love you and had no choice but to love you or someone loving you because they, of their own free will, wanted to love you? It is always better if someone loves you because they want to, not because they have to. God wanted a loving relationship with each of us because we want to have one with Him not because we have to.
God has designed us, He has given us boundaries, He has made a right and a wrong. If eternity was not at stake then why would He need to send His Son to die for us? If we were free to live our lives the way we wanted to, without regard to sin, why would He need to send His Son to die for us? If there were many paths to heaven why would He need to send His Son to die for us?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Monday, October 10, 2011
All of My 'Stuff'
We are getting a new piece of furniture to replace my current dresser so of course it meant we had to rearrange our bedroom. I knew we had a lot of 'stuff' but I didn't realize how much 'stuff' until we had the floor piled high with stacks of books and the bed loaded down with movable possessions just so we could navigate the pieces of furniture from one side of the room to the other.
I ask myself, why do we have so much 'STUFF'??? How much of this 'STUFF' do I really need or use??? I am reading a book concerning the poverty devastation throughout this world and I am trying to look at my belongings with a new perspective. In gearing up for today's 'Operation Bedroom Clean-out' I have been asking God to lead me to keep only what I truly need. I have considered using the rule 'if I haven't used it in six months then throw it out! Or as I like to do, donate it!
I feel as if I have been purging my house for several years now and 'stuff' keeps reproducing itself. All of this 'stuff' keeps me pre-occupied, laden down and discouraged with its existence. I guess you could liken it to my christian walk, when I am consumed by worry, negative thoughts, and 'keeping up with the Jones's' attitude I spend my time pre-occupied, laden down and discouraged with who I am and who I am not.
It is time to give another HURRAH! to purging my house so that I may expend my energy on what God has for me rather than dreading each day because of the 'stuff' which greets me when I wake up. There is some truth to 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness' because when you don't have earthly belongings weighing you down you free up time and energy to use as God would have you use to assist in His mission for your life!
I ask myself, why do we have so much 'STUFF'??? How much of this 'STUFF' do I really need or use??? I am reading a book concerning the poverty devastation throughout this world and I am trying to look at my belongings with a new perspective. In gearing up for today's 'Operation Bedroom Clean-out' I have been asking God to lead me to keep only what I truly need. I have considered using the rule 'if I haven't used it in six months then throw it out! Or as I like to do, donate it!
I feel as if I have been purging my house for several years now and 'stuff' keeps reproducing itself. All of this 'stuff' keeps me pre-occupied, laden down and discouraged with its existence. I guess you could liken it to my christian walk, when I am consumed by worry, negative thoughts, and 'keeping up with the Jones's' attitude I spend my time pre-occupied, laden down and discouraged with who I am and who I am not.
It is time to give another HURRAH! to purging my house so that I may expend my energy on what God has for me rather than dreading each day because of the 'stuff' which greets me when I wake up. There is some truth to 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness' because when you don't have earthly belongings weighing you down you free up time and energy to use as God would have you use to assist in His mission for your life!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
My Thoughts on the First Ten Chapters of THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL
So, I have been asked to sum up in 100 words (or less or more) the book I am reading, THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL by Richard Stearns.
Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision, a well known faith based relief organization serving, well, the whole world. Mr. Stearns life testimony begins with a troubled childhood and a decision he made to rise above the poverty and alcoholism he experienced as a child. His young adulthood was spent in colleges and universities as he evolved into an intellectual who felt he didn't need God.
God did become a part of Mr. Stearns's life in his mid to late twenties and he went on to have a successful business life and family of his own. His transition to president of World Vision is preceded by a grown man huddled in bed sobbing midday because he does not want to make a decision he senses God is asking him to make.
That was just the intro! The meat of the book is the most convicting, how do you view, what do you do to relieve, and what do you perceive as God's desire for us to soften the bitter sting of poverty around the world? As president of World Vision, Mr. Stearns has seen poverty at its cruelest measure.
Where do faith and assistance meet? It is so easy for us Americans to view poverty as their choice or just a way of life that we want to avoid at all cost. According to Mr. Stearns it goes much deeper than just wrong choices people have made. In Mr. Stearns own words, "These precious human beings created in God's image have been left behind and cast on the garbage dump of history by circumstances they cannot change. We must never say it is their fault. How dare we?"
Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision, a well known faith based relief organization serving, well, the whole world. Mr. Stearns life testimony begins with a troubled childhood and a decision he made to rise above the poverty and alcoholism he experienced as a child. His young adulthood was spent in colleges and universities as he evolved into an intellectual who felt he didn't need God.
God did become a part of Mr. Stearns's life in his mid to late twenties and he went on to have a successful business life and family of his own. His transition to president of World Vision is preceded by a grown man huddled in bed sobbing midday because he does not want to make a decision he senses God is asking him to make.
That was just the intro! The meat of the book is the most convicting, how do you view, what do you do to relieve, and what do you perceive as God's desire for us to soften the bitter sting of poverty around the world? As president of World Vision, Mr. Stearns has seen poverty at its cruelest measure.
Where do faith and assistance meet? It is so easy for us Americans to view poverty as their choice or just a way of life that we want to avoid at all cost. According to Mr. Stearns it goes much deeper than just wrong choices people have made. In Mr. Stearns own words, "These precious human beings created in God's image have been left behind and cast on the garbage dump of history by circumstances they cannot change. We must never say it is their fault. How dare we?"
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Eclectic AND Rare
As is evidenced by the not so numerous number of posts in my blog I am not only an eclectic thinker but also a rare thinker. It would appear that I do not have very many thoughts over a course of time but alas I have written many blogs in my head and thought of numerous ideas to blog about, once again in my head. The reason why they are not found on here is because I lack the discipline to sit down and actually write and post. If the truth be known I would rather find myself curled up in bed sleeping or at the least lying on the couch falling asleep to something random on the television. There you have it, my secret is out.
There are very few things that I like to make decisions about. I am constantly second guessing myself and I oftentimes create 'piles' of stuff to put away later. After all, what if I change my mind as to where I put it and it is not the right place? Why can't I just leave everything in arms reach just in case I need it right away? I have never made the claim that I am intelligent or well-organized, however, I do feel as if I am a misguided perfectionist and since I believe that perfection is not acheivable then why put any effort into it. An error filled way of thinking, I know.
Well, enough said! I have a decision to make, get up and get to work around the house or go back to bed. I believe I need to go lay down in order to make this huge decision and maybe I will be back on to blog about my day, or maybe not!
There are very few things that I like to make decisions about. I am constantly second guessing myself and I oftentimes create 'piles' of stuff to put away later. After all, what if I change my mind as to where I put it and it is not the right place? Why can't I just leave everything in arms reach just in case I need it right away? I have never made the claim that I am intelligent or well-organized, however, I do feel as if I am a misguided perfectionist and since I believe that perfection is not acheivable then why put any effort into it. An error filled way of thinking, I know.
Well, enough said! I have a decision to make, get up and get to work around the house or go back to bed. I believe I need to go lay down in order to make this huge decision and maybe I will be back on to blog about my day, or maybe not!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Is the grass greener over there?
I have been sequestered into the corner at one end of my kitchen table, my back to the wall and my house before me in need of a good cleaning. My mom and niece, Alyssa, have been out visiting for the past ten days and my mom has definitely helped keep me up with dishes and laundry and for that I am very thankful. It is now the paper clutter, the toys and the what-nots that have been allowed to remain in place where they have been for several weeks now. How I wish Mary Poppins would come visit me, snap her fingers and sing her tune and everything would return to or create a place for themselves and my house would be clean for a change. A girl can dream can’t she!
How I wish for the decent spring days to come and settle on this frozen North Coast. (I am still following the same thought, just stay with me.) I am envious of those who speak of sunshine, warmth, and enjoying the outdoor activities that I can only dream of at this time; just like I am envious of those who possess the secret of keeping their houses spotless or at least decent enough for company. It would appear that the grass is greener on the other side of my fence, however, I have come to the conclusion that the grass over there isn’t any greener than mine I have just refused to look at my own grass and see it’s greenness over here.
Would I love to switch my pasture to one that isn’t known for its snow and freezing winter temperatures, absolutely! I would also love to switch occupational pastures now that I have graduated from college. However, I am working to be content where God has placed me (us) so that I do not miss out on any opportunity to ‘grow’. I would like to stop looking at ‘obstacles’ as mountains and more as opportunities for God to show me (us) His ability to work miracles.
How I wish for the decent spring days to come and settle on this frozen North Coast. (I am still following the same thought, just stay with me.) I am envious of those who speak of sunshine, warmth, and enjoying the outdoor activities that I can only dream of at this time; just like I am envious of those who possess the secret of keeping their houses spotless or at least decent enough for company. It would appear that the grass is greener on the other side of my fence, however, I have come to the conclusion that the grass over there isn’t any greener than mine I have just refused to look at my own grass and see it’s greenness over here.
Would I love to switch my pasture to one that isn’t known for its snow and freezing winter temperatures, absolutely! I would also love to switch occupational pastures now that I have graduated from college. However, I am working to be content where God has placed me (us) so that I do not miss out on any opportunity to ‘grow’. I would like to stop looking at ‘obstacles’ as mountains and more as opportunities for God to show me (us) His ability to work miracles.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!!
I now understand what a great accomplishment it is for a couple to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. One can be assured that it wasn't 50 years of wedded bliss, or a ride on cloud nine. It would be unreal to say that a marraige that survived for 50 years was without its difficulties.
No I haven't just attended an anniversary party nor can I think of a couple who has recently celebrated a 50th anniversary. I draw this conclusion by looking at my own marraige and its measley, almost, 13 year length. My husband and I have come across some very rocky terrain, cut trails through some overgrown jungles when the thoughts of 'throwing in the towel' were entertained if only for a moment. I have had to learn that there is more in this life than just me, and God strengthens us to persevere through the darkest of times.
There should be a book written about these couples that endure each other for 50 long years. Their secrets should be documented and framed for those of us who are mere newlyweds compared to them. On April 4th of this year my husband and I will reach our 13th wedding anniversary which means we have only 37 more years to go to reach the golden 50. It seems like a lifetime away, and many things can happen during those years to turn a marraige sour. Our story has yet to be written. I am left holding the hand of God and praying for my husband, praying for our marraige and praying that God will guide me to be the wife my husband needs me to be.
No I haven't just attended an anniversary party nor can I think of a couple who has recently celebrated a 50th anniversary. I draw this conclusion by looking at my own marraige and its measley, almost, 13 year length. My husband and I have come across some very rocky terrain, cut trails through some overgrown jungles when the thoughts of 'throwing in the towel' were entertained if only for a moment. I have had to learn that there is more in this life than just me, and God strengthens us to persevere through the darkest of times.
There should be a book written about these couples that endure each other for 50 long years. Their secrets should be documented and framed for those of us who are mere newlyweds compared to them. On April 4th of this year my husband and I will reach our 13th wedding anniversary which means we have only 37 more years to go to reach the golden 50. It seems like a lifetime away, and many things can happen during those years to turn a marraige sour. Our story has yet to be written. I am left holding the hand of God and praying for my husband, praying for our marraige and praying that God will guide me to be the wife my husband needs me to be.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
New Years Thoughts
Here I sit, poised and ready to type, doing semi-circles in my rotating desk chair hoping to stir something up from the bottom of my thoughts. Not only is it a new year as in 2011 but it is also the beginning of my 37th year on earth, mind you I am only turning 36 today. The idea of forming new habits and new goals is still fresh in my mind from the New Year celebrations which have been archived less than two weeks ago.
My house sits in need of attention, I am barely scraping by on good parenting, and my mind is filled of warmer temperatures and sunshine filled skies. My award winning question for the new year is, "Lord what do you have for me (us)?" I have a list of things I want to do and a litany of things I don't want to be stuck doing.
Well this post has stretched my mind enough for the hour. I still have one child to usher off to school and I sit here forcing my eyelids to stay open.
My house sits in need of attention, I am barely scraping by on good parenting, and my mind is filled of warmer temperatures and sunshine filled skies. My award winning question for the new year is, "Lord what do you have for me (us)?" I have a list of things I want to do and a litany of things I don't want to be stuck doing.
Well this post has stretched my mind enough for the hour. I still have one child to usher off to school and I sit here forcing my eyelids to stay open.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tolerance? Yeah right!
I am a terible sufferer of AADD, Adult Attention Deficit Disorder. I sign on my blog to write but then I notice I don't have a cutesy picture in my default box, I spend a minute trying to access a photo album and realizing I don't know where this photo album is on the desktop computer, then I see where I can update my profile to a public profile but it's for google accounts and I just wanted to do it for my blog, so then I decide that I got on here to write and that is what I should be doing.
Tolerance, yeah right! Tolerance has lost its meaning amongst most people claiming to be open-minded. If tolerance was a rowboat it would be listing stongly to one side.
TOLERATE ME! is loudly yelled from those who inadvertently stand against me. Who am I? A caucasian, heterosexual, Bible believing follower of Jesus Christ. That's right, I said it, hetero, Christ follower.
I can tolerate those who are different from me, those who believe differently and those who live a lifestyle which I am opposed to.
My faith is personal to me. Yes I believe the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ's death on the cross and His forgiveness of my sins, I believe that the Bible is the infallible and inspired Word of God. I also believe that God has called me to love those different than I. Jesus prayed for those who nailed Him to the cross, He did not spew sermons at them. He sat with the woman at the well and spoke of eternal life for her through belief in Him. I enjoy my time spent at my church and walk away feeling as if I have sat at the feet of Jesus for that time.
I do not float on clouds because of my personal faith, I have human emotions. I don't agree that a mosque should be built near Ground Zero. Let's go to their countries and build churches in their cities. Muslims burn Christians in their countries, where is the outcry of tolerance then?
I am personally tired of being told that I have to tolerate those who are or believe differently than me. My faith already commands me to love those different than me. When the tables are turned and those different than me are approached with tolerating me, or the way I believe, names, stereotypes, hostile ideas, and a personal cut off are the only reactions I receive.
I could go on but I have already taxed my attention span. I am not this outspoken in person, perhaps that is why I have vented in the written word.
Tolerance, yeah right! Tolerance has lost its meaning amongst most people claiming to be open-minded. If tolerance was a rowboat it would be listing stongly to one side.
TOLERATE ME! is loudly yelled from those who inadvertently stand against me. Who am I? A caucasian, heterosexual, Bible believing follower of Jesus Christ. That's right, I said it, hetero, Christ follower.
I can tolerate those who are different from me, those who believe differently and those who live a lifestyle which I am opposed to.
My faith is personal to me. Yes I believe the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ's death on the cross and His forgiveness of my sins, I believe that the Bible is the infallible and inspired Word of God. I also believe that God has called me to love those different than I. Jesus prayed for those who nailed Him to the cross, He did not spew sermons at them. He sat with the woman at the well and spoke of eternal life for her through belief in Him. I enjoy my time spent at my church and walk away feeling as if I have sat at the feet of Jesus for that time.
I do not float on clouds because of my personal faith, I have human emotions. I don't agree that a mosque should be built near Ground Zero. Let's go to their countries and build churches in their cities. Muslims burn Christians in their countries, where is the outcry of tolerance then?
I am personally tired of being told that I have to tolerate those who are or believe differently than me. My faith already commands me to love those different than me. When the tables are turned and those different than me are approached with tolerating me, or the way I believe, names, stereotypes, hostile ideas, and a personal cut off are the only reactions I receive.
I could go on but I have already taxed my attention span. I am not this outspoken in person, perhaps that is why I have vented in the written word.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Cultural Awakening
I just read an excellent novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, and have experienced a cultural awakening. Life for us Americans is so much easier than what could be almost the rest of the world. People in other countries don't think like us, they don't live like us and don't see life as we do.
We are so concerned about the things that don't matter in this life, designer clothes, bigger paychecks, cooler cars, fancier houses, elite neighborhoods and the most up to date electronic devices. Outside our country life means being with our loved ones, staying alive another day, eating to survive not for pleasure, and a house with two rooms makes a home.
We sit and watch our television shows, play our computer games or video games, play the lottery and throw away our faith for the next best thing. What do we leave behind? Property to be taxed, debt, heartaches from unresolved relationships, and regrets.
Yeah, there are some messed up things out there in this world but we live in a broken world (Pastor Jonathon)it's going to be there. No one has made it to heaven because they were an American and I can guarantee you that no one will. I love my country, I served my country and I would serve it again, but I want to understand the rest of the world by seeing it through their eyes.
We are so concerned about the things that don't matter in this life, designer clothes, bigger paychecks, cooler cars, fancier houses, elite neighborhoods and the most up to date electronic devices. Outside our country life means being with our loved ones, staying alive another day, eating to survive not for pleasure, and a house with two rooms makes a home.
We sit and watch our television shows, play our computer games or video games, play the lottery and throw away our faith for the next best thing. What do we leave behind? Property to be taxed, debt, heartaches from unresolved relationships, and regrets.
Yeah, there are some messed up things out there in this world but we live in a broken world (Pastor Jonathon)it's going to be there. No one has made it to heaven because they were an American and I can guarantee you that no one will. I love my country, I served my country and I would serve it again, but I want to understand the rest of the world by seeing it through their eyes.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sometimes Life = Pain
This week begins with a feeling of utter hopelessness. FYI, I am not, have not been, will not be perfect. My life has seen it's fair share of sins done in the name of selfishness, repentance has been my saving grace. However, not all will accept the fact that I have turned from these sins and changed my path to one that does not repeat them. To some I remain a flawed and a stupid individual who has done nothing but ruined their lives. Thank God for His forgiveness and unconditional love, without Him I would have no hope. This is not to say that I don't have failures in the present, but don't we all because of our humanness?
I am enclosing my church's website because it is there that I am reminded over and over again that God loves me with an unconditional, eternal love and He will not abandon me. http://www.gracecma.org/
I am enclosing my church's website because it is there that I am reminded over and over again that God loves me with an unconditional, eternal love and He will not abandon me. http://www.gracecma.org/
Sunday, June 20, 2010
'Profoundness'
Is it considered plagiarism if I take, word for word, my own writings from my other blog and put it on here? I think not!
‘Profoundness’ is in the mind of the reader. Do not leave it up to me to decide what is profound to you as I have not left it up to you to determine what is profound to me. So many things are happening around us today that I seem to think that the world is deteriorating around us or I have grown more aware of the cruelty of life as one ages. Perverseness and ugliness has existed since the beginning of time and each generation comments on the depravity of humankind, so why should it be different now? As December 2009 joins the ranks of history January 2010 opens up before us to make a new beginning to a new year and the changes in our lives needed to make it a better year.
‘Profoundness’ is in the mind of the reader. Do not leave it up to me to decide what is profound to you as I have not left it up to you to determine what is profound to me. So many things are happening around us today that I seem to think that the world is deteriorating around us or I have grown more aware of the cruelty of life as one ages. Perverseness and ugliness has existed since the beginning of time and each generation comments on the depravity of humankind, so why should it be different now? As December 2009 joins the ranks of history January 2010 opens up before us to make a new beginning to a new year and the changes in our lives needed to make it a better year.
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