It's kind of hard to imagine that it's been almost a month since I've had something to "say" and I really still don't have much to say. It's the dead of winter and I'm dreaming of spring. In just four short weeks Henry and I, along with some others, will be heading to the island of Haiti. I've had all my shots, got my prescriptions, my mosquito repellent and net and all the "stuff" we're advised to bring. I'm as ready as I'll be, I reckon. At this point I'm just looking for that trip to be over, so I can plan for spring. Easter, planting, new chicks and kids and all things "new" on the farm. Not to be wishing my life away or anything, but spring is just well, a time of rebirth.
So, this week my oldest turned 34. He asked me if his turning 34 made me feel older. Funny, that question. When he turned 21 I thought I was old, but not now. Leastways I don't feel any older per se. I feel like I've been old a while. What's funny is watching him age. And I don't mean "ha ha" funny. I mean, weird funny. While babysitting his children on his birthday while they went to a Caps game, I think I called Blake and Luke Justin or Rex at least once. I look at them and see shades of their daddy or uncle. Now that's weird. Some of you know the book called, "Love You Forever". I think Rebecca gave me my copy. It's the most sappy book in the world, but, I can see it being a book that I'll think about more and more as I age ~ "I'll love you forever and forever my baby you'll be", or something like that.
Another "highlight" of my week. HA! Doing a duty that has left me with some real deep thoughts these last days. Wondering why there has to be power struggles in churches. Now this particular time it doesn't have to do with "my" church, but with another. Nevertheless, no church is immune to power stuff. Someone hurts another's feelings or someone feels their "place" is threatened and like children who grabbed a toy, they seek revenge or spread gossip, or just harbor ill will. The devil claps his hands in glee. And Christians fall like dominoes and all that's left is a husk. The Spirit is just gone. Who needs reason or The Spirit when we can have power? And lest you think for one minute it doesn't happen in small churches, or home churches or whatever churches... It does... You ain't looking.
Another highlight? A young woman with a cervical pregnancy having to take chemo to shrink the deceased child. Or a very young mother to be learning her soon to be born child may have a serious birth defect? How bout another mother who was just turned in to social services because her 8 month old baby weighs in at 10 pounds? That's my world and some have said I have too much drama. Deliver me from drama. But pray for these folks and many more unmentioned. You might give a prayer of thanks if you aren't burdened with this kind of drama, but a "shepherdess by default" always has drama, I guess.
But the good stuff. Three baptisms today. How teary I get when those folks who I know are sincere, are dunked under that water into the death of Christ to arise as whole, new creatures. Today it was a young woman, 16, (Our Alex aka Zannie), a young man approaching 30 and an older man. The celebration afterwards with a meal was so special. Baptism, when it's real and honest, is a wonderful thing to behold.
I received some good tea from Strand this week along with a Tiger tea caddy that will be perfect to be able to have some good tea while in Haiti. I have five or six small samples of goodies to try and I can't wait to try them all. At the moment I'm a bit stuck on their Princeton Blend which is a wonderful Ceylon blended with lemon and orange zest. It's simply lovely. If you are unaware of them, just check out www.strandtea.com.
Well, the wind is getting up outside and it's pushing 11 pm. Busy day tomorrow with school work with Zan and the husband going for his knee shot.
Until next time, I leave you with a quote from Patrick Henry that great Virginian and champion of liberty, "the liberties of a people were, nor ever will be secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
2008 New Year or Same 'Ol, Same 'Ol?
New Year 2008! Old man 2007 is gone (and I am glad), but here we go into 2008... an election year.. . So, Julie asked for a new year blog, she may regret asking.
As I have said before, my mother was an immigrant (legal one, thank you). She loved America and worked diligently in the political system ~ always voting, worked at the polls, etc. The only time she ran into trouble was on July 12 of each year, she ran the Union Jack above the American flag because it was "Orangeman's Day". I'll let you look that up. Anyway, she was reprimanded and sometimes ticketed each year for putting another country flag over her native one. That IS illegal. Did you know that? Probably not, because they don't enforce that law anymore. Too many other laws to take their attention. But, this was during the Cold War and post WWII, so things were a bit different back then.
Anyway, when I turned 18 I registered to vote. And voted for a number of years and even worked the polls a time or two. But, over time, I, like many others, became disillusioned and apathetic over the status quo. I turned to my faith, which says to "pray for your leaders" and, so, spent about 15 years, (give or take a few), not voting and just praying. Nothing changed in the system, but while I stayed "informed", I saw nothing much different between the two parties... really. But I could say, "I didn't vote for 'em." I remember the Carter years well. Man, did we make some interest in our savings. Inflation was rampant, but you didn't hear ANYTHING about lowering interest rates or other artificial ways of slowing the inevitable. The free market played out, we had an election and things slowed down a bit. But the reality is, our salaries then bought ALOT more than the same money does today. Status quo - changes come that you don't see. They're hidden. The more things change, the more they stay the same. I well remember the joy of the Berlin wall coming down and a variety of other world wide "wonders" coming forth. But, here... well... nothing much changed.
Then came September 11, 2001. I remember where I was and what I was doing. I was on I68 in Western Maryland on my way to my part time job and Justin called the cell. While you may not notice it, alot changed then. A short time later Henry and I saw a blinking road sign on that Interstate. It said, "Police may request identification at any time", or something to that effect. I remember a sick kind of feeling. Because having to give over ID when arbitrarily asked, is not the American way, really. There were/are many times I'm in the car with the husband and I have no ID with me. Being anonymous is not illegal here. Or is it? Like I said, alot changed that day ~ much more than most people realize. Don't forget, we added a whole new level of government ~ Homeland Security. Another country once used the word "Homeland" to get their people excited. Again, you look it up if you are interested. 9 years before that there was another questionable action, but I won't talk about that... too much radical thinking isn't good. One might think me a conspiracy theorist... I'm not.. Just ecclesiastical.
But, here I sit in January, 2008. Where are we now? Well, gas has gone up about another 20 cents a gallon in the last few days. Fuel oil is over the $3.00 mark. The dollar is worth less than ever. (And, folks, since it's based on nothing... it's only worth what the market will bear.. can you say "Amero") Our reputation, as a country, is no better and the war in Iraq wages while we meddle in the affairs of Pakistan in light of the Bhutto assassination. Our schools aren't any better and we just keep throwing money at the situation. Medical costs are soaring and we just received our yearly increase for Medical Insurance... 19% this year.
I AM registered to vote now and I plan on it.. on one condition. This condition is such that my oldest son thinks I'm crazy, but he's not paying attention. Rather than looking at his wallet or other opinions, he needs to be looking at the facts. I love you son.
The condition. Well, if Dr. Ron Paul is on the ballot, I will vote. If he is not, I won't. It'll just be the same 'ol, same 'ol. Dr. Paul has some ideas as to how this country got into this mess and how we can work our way out ~ you know... kind of like "united". He is against "war" unless it is declared by the Congress. What a "novel" idea... I mean, it's only in the Constitution, after all. He believes the U.S. Government has gotten too big... and he is too, too right. He's known on Capitol Hill as "Dr. No". Bout time somebody said, "no", to spending my money. And don't forget, lest you think he'll go massive radical.. Congress has to approve his moves or lack thereof. There's alot of false info floating around about him.. Fox News is treating him like a "red-headed step-child" (to coin a phrase) and his views have been unfairly ridiculed and misquoted over and over. If you are interested in a fair handed interview... here's one
See Part 1 at youtube.com/watch?v=ceoCx_wTDUg
See Part 2 at youtube.com/watch?v=87zLW04zee8
If you are only interested in the status quo, well, never mind. You won't listen anyway. I told our most recent son-in-law, that I believe those who vote should have to pass a test to be sure that they are well enough informed to vote. Too many vote with something rather than their brains. Everyone likes "free stuff" from the government, right? But, we have forgotten WHO PAYS for it. Everything we touch is taxed to help pay for government stuff. Gas tax to pay for the highways.. Seen any pot holes lately? Of course you have. Social Security to "secure the elderly". That plan is filled with IOU's from those who require us to pay it. 15% of every dime Husband makes is sent to Uncle Sam for the Social Security his wife will probably never collect.
Manufacturing jobs are becoming non-existent. The illegals are being hired where they do exist, so they don't have to pay a living wage or living benefits. (Boycott Marshalls and chicken factories.) Nanny government is trying to legislate what kind of LIGHT BULBS you use, for God's sake. This will result in a lighting plant that my husband used to work in, to close, because it costs to much to change from incandescent. What RIGHT does the government have to tell me how to light my house? Why should I have to pay $3 for a bulb instead of $.50?
Ethanol. Studies show that more fossil energy is used to produce ethanol than the energy contained within it and in many cases, it effects mpg to the negative. Ethanol... made from food. Food for animals and food for people. Ironic, yes? So, the price of ALL food went up when Archer Daniels bought the corn. High fructose Corn Syrup? Now sugar is cheaper, but do see things going back to sugar? And who's paying? You are... in more ways than one... Can you say "Government subsidies"? Anyway, I could ramble on and on, but won't. You are either interested, or not and ... to my chagrin, most are not.
So, 2008 will bring about a new President. I figure it won't be Dr. Paul because the majority of people are lemmings. But, this year, on February 12... Abe Lincoln's birthday, I have an opportunity that I haven't had in some time. And that opportunity is to vote for a man of integrity; a man that has shown his stand by a past voting record; a man that has stood fast and not wavered; and a man who doesn't care about the status quo and a pro-life Christian to boot. Dr. Paul... Godspeed! May America get a gut and vote for you! (but they won't...)
Happy New Year?
As I have said before, my mother was an immigrant (legal one, thank you). She loved America and worked diligently in the political system ~ always voting, worked at the polls, etc. The only time she ran into trouble was on July 12 of each year, she ran the Union Jack above the American flag because it was "Orangeman's Day". I'll let you look that up. Anyway, she was reprimanded and sometimes ticketed each year for putting another country flag over her native one. That IS illegal. Did you know that? Probably not, because they don't enforce that law anymore. Too many other laws to take their attention. But, this was during the Cold War and post WWII, so things were a bit different back then.
Anyway, when I turned 18 I registered to vote. And voted for a number of years and even worked the polls a time or two. But, over time, I, like many others, became disillusioned and apathetic over the status quo. I turned to my faith, which says to "pray for your leaders" and, so, spent about 15 years, (give or take a few), not voting and just praying. Nothing changed in the system, but while I stayed "informed", I saw nothing much different between the two parties... really. But I could say, "I didn't vote for 'em." I remember the Carter years well. Man, did we make some interest in our savings. Inflation was rampant, but you didn't hear ANYTHING about lowering interest rates or other artificial ways of slowing the inevitable. The free market played out, we had an election and things slowed down a bit. But the reality is, our salaries then bought ALOT more than the same money does today. Status quo - changes come that you don't see. They're hidden. The more things change, the more they stay the same. I well remember the joy of the Berlin wall coming down and a variety of other world wide "wonders" coming forth. But, here... well... nothing much changed.
Then came September 11, 2001. I remember where I was and what I was doing. I was on I68 in Western Maryland on my way to my part time job and Justin called the cell. While you may not notice it, alot changed then. A short time later Henry and I saw a blinking road sign on that Interstate. It said, "Police may request identification at any time", or something to that effect. I remember a sick kind of feeling. Because having to give over ID when arbitrarily asked, is not the American way, really. There were/are many times I'm in the car with the husband and I have no ID with me. Being anonymous is not illegal here. Or is it? Like I said, alot changed that day ~ much more than most people realize. Don't forget, we added a whole new level of government ~ Homeland Security. Another country once used the word "Homeland" to get their people excited. Again, you look it up if you are interested. 9 years before that there was another questionable action, but I won't talk about that... too much radical thinking isn't good. One might think me a conspiracy theorist... I'm not.. Just ecclesiastical.
But, here I sit in January, 2008. Where are we now? Well, gas has gone up about another 20 cents a gallon in the last few days. Fuel oil is over the $3.00 mark. The dollar is worth less than ever. (And, folks, since it's based on nothing... it's only worth what the market will bear.. can you say "Amero") Our reputation, as a country, is no better and the war in Iraq wages while we meddle in the affairs of Pakistan in light of the Bhutto assassination. Our schools aren't any better and we just keep throwing money at the situation. Medical costs are soaring and we just received our yearly increase for Medical Insurance... 19% this year.
I AM registered to vote now and I plan on it.. on one condition. This condition is such that my oldest son thinks I'm crazy, but he's not paying attention. Rather than looking at his wallet or other opinions, he needs to be looking at the facts. I love you son.
The condition. Well, if Dr. Ron Paul is on the ballot, I will vote. If he is not, I won't. It'll just be the same 'ol, same 'ol. Dr. Paul has some ideas as to how this country got into this mess and how we can work our way out ~ you know... kind of like "united". He is against "war" unless it is declared by the Congress. What a "novel" idea... I mean, it's only in the Constitution, after all. He believes the U.S. Government has gotten too big... and he is too, too right. He's known on Capitol Hill as "Dr. No". Bout time somebody said, "no", to spending my money. And don't forget, lest you think he'll go massive radical.. Congress has to approve his moves or lack thereof. There's alot of false info floating around about him.. Fox News is treating him like a "red-headed step-child" (to coin a phrase) and his views have been unfairly ridiculed and misquoted over and over. If you are interested in a fair handed interview... here's one
See Part 2 at youtube.com/watch?v=87zLW04zee8
If you are only interested in the status quo, well, never mind. You won't listen anyway. I told our most recent son-in-law, that I believe those who vote should have to pass a test to be sure that they are well enough informed to vote. Too many vote with something rather than their brains. Everyone likes "free stuff" from the government, right? But, we have forgotten WHO PAYS for it. Everything we touch is taxed to help pay for government stuff. Gas tax to pay for the highways.. Seen any pot holes lately? Of course you have. Social Security to "secure the elderly". That plan is filled with IOU's from those who require us to pay it. 15% of every dime Husband makes is sent to Uncle Sam for the Social Security his wife will probably never collect.
Manufacturing jobs are becoming non-existent. The illegals are being hired where they do exist, so they don't have to pay a living wage or living benefits. (Boycott Marshalls and chicken factories.) Nanny government is trying to legislate what kind of LIGHT BULBS you use, for God's sake. This will result in a lighting plant that my husband used to work in, to close, because it costs to much to change from incandescent. What RIGHT does the government have to tell me how to light my house? Why should I have to pay $3 for a bulb instead of $.50?
Ethanol. Studies show that more fossil energy is used to produce ethanol than the energy contained within it and in many cases, it effects mpg to the negative. Ethanol... made from food. Food for animals and food for people. Ironic, yes? So, the price of ALL food went up when Archer Daniels bought the corn. High fructose Corn Syrup? Now sugar is cheaper, but do see things going back to sugar? And who's paying? You are... in more ways than one... Can you say "Government subsidies"? Anyway, I could ramble on and on, but won't. You are either interested, or not and ... to my chagrin, most are not.
So, 2008 will bring about a new President. I figure it won't be Dr. Paul because the majority of people are lemmings. But, this year, on February 12... Abe Lincoln's birthday, I have an opportunity that I haven't had in some time. And that opportunity is to vote for a man of integrity; a man that has shown his stand by a past voting record; a man that has stood fast and not wavered; and a man who doesn't care about the status quo and a pro-life Christian to boot. Dr. Paul... Godspeed! May America get a gut and vote for you! (but they won't...)
Happy New Year?
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