Well, everyone, the time is winding down to cruise on over to Dulles International and sail from there on down to the island of Haiti. Just ten more days and we'll be there for the following 14. It's hard to think that the months of planning have passed and it's now time to really go. Can it have been September when Pastor Preval and Geordany were here getting us psyched for the trip? Can it have been last summer that the fund raising began? Wow, time does fly! So the Hepatitis, tetnus, typhoid innoculations are behind us and in 48 hours we'll begin the quinine for prevention of malaria. I've sprayed my socks and mosquito netting with the poison that is supposed to keep the skeeters away, the bug-off hat and have purchased at least all I can afford of goodies to take along....blood pressure cuff and stethascope, latex gloves, disposable thermometers, medicine envelopes... all for the medical clinics along with antibiotics, pepto bismol, listerine and the like for me. Add to that jacks, jump robes, hackey sacks, yo-yos and crayons to the mix and we have little room for clothing and such personal items. I've learned to like beans and rice and have learned a few phrases in Creole to at least allow me to "feel" okay. I've got a small camera with lots of room for photos and all, I hope, that will make this trip a memorable one for many, many people. God has been really showing His power these last few days though! Let me share :) We received communication from the orphanage last week that they were desperately in need of $$ for food and an addition for the children. Henry and I sent out pleas to lots of folks we know all over the land. Just this morning, I learned that a French Class in Stafford County Virginia is having a package of medical supplies sent to us to take (thanks to my dear daughter in law Rebecca and "Ms. Michelle" at Mountainview. Just an hour or two later I learned we will be taking $2800. with us from a local church! Yesterday I learned of another donation was coming from a church far from here. The Lord heard our prayers and is providing for the needs of these folks in spite of a recession here!! We serve a great and awesome God!
So to you, dear readers, please continue your fervent prayers for us. The flu is very heavily saturated here and we are asking the Lord to protect our bodies from it and we are asking that we may be as Jesus to the people of Haiti and that we will have angels protection from harm and sickness while we are there. I hope you will join us and pray for us now, while we are gone and when we are returning. I know the enemy seeks to discourage and destroy us. Today, the weather for next week is looking very good! We'll be leaving "home" about 2 a.m. next Friday a.m. for our flight leaving at 6:30. So, also pray for good weather to greet us as we leave.
Until later...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Vain and Foolish Arguments
I am recently thinking heavily on several scriptures. The first is found in the second letter to Timothy in what we know as the second chapter. Throughout it, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about word quarrels and foolish arguments. Paul tells Timothy to keep reminding them and warning them against quarreling about words. He says it will only ruin those who listen. Have nothing to do with foolish and stupid arguments as they only lead to quarrels. Lest we "quarrel" over translations, the "Authorized" version says, Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers; and, but foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
What constitutes a "foolish and stupid argument"? The answer to that question lies in the individual, I suppose. I listen to folks that are all puffed up with pride on what they base their arguments or the passion of their subject. I have for many years refused to engage the arguments for or against the "Authorized" translation of the holy scriptures we know as "The Bible" ~ The Book. Some say it has "declared homosexuals on the NIV translation team". Fact is, there was a woman who served on a committee, not at all involved with the translation, that was asked to resign once she came "out of the closet", so to say. There are those that declare that the newer translations "left Words of God out". Who is to say those sentences were not "put in"? I haven't a clue and if we were honest, no one else does either. The message is the same. Those who adhere to the camp (for lack of a better word), that all new translations are in error, should realize that the apocrypha was also included in the true "Authorized" version of King James 1. Under who's authority was that removed? Was that not "taking scripture away"? Haven't a clue. In Revelation 22:19, the "Authorized Version" reads "book of life" when in fact, the New Testament Latin used in the very translation was mis-translated. The phrase is "tree of life", not "book of Life". Even the NKJ corrected it, I believe. And for the die hard baptists, Matt. 3:11 says, "with water" in both the KJV and the NIV, yet the Greek can be translated as "in" or "with", so some translators used "in" and some "with". There is a difference to me, but evidently not to the language. Who is right here? I haven't a clue and am not going to get into foolish arguments about it. Rev. 1:11 has the phrase, I am the Alpha and the Omega in some transcripts, but not in others. Who is to say what was added or taken away. I don't know. I do know that Jesus is the first and the last. I also believe that the translators of the KJV were diligent and honest men, who did the best they could with that they had. Those men, those who worked with Wycliffe and those who worked on the Geneva translation all changed the face of the english speaking church. I have found that the men and women of God that do the translations, if they are Godly, will do the best they can and God will honor their work. 400 years or 50 makes little difference to me. The newest translation N.E.T. contains the translation notes and it's an excellent translation in my opinion. (www.bible.org) Our home contains versions of all types as well as a Greek NT. Our most recent addition was a Messianic Jewish translation, which is a very interesting addition to our library. It has been a good read, what I've read of it. Who better to give us a Christ view than a converted Hebrew?
Foolish arguments... tithe or not to tithe? Luke 11:42 I happen to believe that the New Testament does not relieve us of our obligation to tithe. On the contrary, it leads us to tithe and then add our gifts to the tithe and our love and obedience. Those who do not give their 10% + are not in obedience to God's word. There are those that feel just as strongly that they are not under the "bondage" of the tithe and that they can keep all their wages and do as they feel they should with them... giving to God's work or not. I'll not argue with them. Those are foolish arguments.
Thinking on a definition of a foolish argument over "words" while doing this, led me to this thought that I give to you, faithful reader: "Those who speak in a way that opposes or is contrary to Christ in you, your hope of glory, will violate the divine law of love though judgment, criticism, accusations and condemnation. Consider this, within the attempt to justify self or even worship the Father through self effort, is a deception, full of untruth and vanity. It distorts our focus and perverts the chosen way, leading to a way of speaking, and actions, that are not only an abomination to the LORD, it's futile and frivolous" Amen... and thank you Josef whoever you are :)
Til next time :)
What constitutes a "foolish and stupid argument"? The answer to that question lies in the individual, I suppose. I listen to folks that are all puffed up with pride on what they base their arguments or the passion of their subject. I have for many years refused to engage the arguments for or against the "Authorized" translation of the holy scriptures we know as "The Bible" ~ The Book. Some say it has "declared homosexuals on the NIV translation team". Fact is, there was a woman who served on a committee, not at all involved with the translation, that was asked to resign once she came "out of the closet", so to say. There are those that declare that the newer translations "left Words of God out". Who is to say those sentences were not "put in"? I haven't a clue and if we were honest, no one else does either. The message is the same. Those who adhere to the camp (for lack of a better word), that all new translations are in error, should realize that the apocrypha was also included in the true "Authorized" version of King James 1. Under who's authority was that removed? Was that not "taking scripture away"? Haven't a clue. In Revelation 22:19, the "Authorized Version" reads "book of life" when in fact, the New Testament Latin used in the very translation was mis-translated. The phrase is "tree of life", not "book of Life". Even the NKJ corrected it, I believe. And for the die hard baptists, Matt. 3:11 says, "with water" in both the KJV and the NIV, yet the Greek can be translated as "in" or "with", so some translators used "in" and some "with". There is a difference to me, but evidently not to the language. Who is right here? I haven't a clue and am not going to get into foolish arguments about it. Rev. 1:11 has the phrase, I am the Alpha and the Omega in some transcripts, but not in others. Who is to say what was added or taken away. I don't know. I do know that Jesus is the first and the last. I also believe that the translators of the KJV were diligent and honest men, who did the best they could with that they had. Those men, those who worked with Wycliffe and those who worked on the Geneva translation all changed the face of the english speaking church. I have found that the men and women of God that do the translations, if they are Godly, will do the best they can and God will honor their work. 400 years or 50 makes little difference to me. The newest translation N.E.T. contains the translation notes and it's an excellent translation in my opinion. (www.bible.org) Our home contains versions of all types as well as a Greek NT. Our most recent addition was a Messianic Jewish translation, which is a very interesting addition to our library. It has been a good read, what I've read of it. Who better to give us a Christ view than a converted Hebrew?
Foolish arguments... tithe or not to tithe? Luke 11:42 I happen to believe that the New Testament does not relieve us of our obligation to tithe. On the contrary, it leads us to tithe and then add our gifts to the tithe and our love and obedience. Those who do not give their 10% + are not in obedience to God's word. There are those that feel just as strongly that they are not under the "bondage" of the tithe and that they can keep all their wages and do as they feel they should with them... giving to God's work or not. I'll not argue with them. Those are foolish arguments.
Thinking on a definition of a foolish argument over "words" while doing this, led me to this thought that I give to you, faithful reader: "Those who speak in a way that opposes or is contrary to Christ in you, your hope of glory, will violate the divine law of love though judgment, criticism, accusations and condemnation. Consider this, within the attempt to justify self or even worship the Father through self effort, is a deception, full of untruth and vanity. It distorts our focus and perverts the chosen way, leading to a way of speaking, and actions, that are not only an abomination to the LORD, it's futile and frivolous" Amen... and thank you Josef whoever you are :)
Til next time :)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A month already?
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."
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."
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?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Day
Well, it's 10 p.m. on Christmas Day. The gifts are home and put away, the yummy food is in the fridge. Tomorrow takes us back to a relatively normal schedule with a few gift cards to pick up a few items desired. But what did this Christmas bring that was unexpected or new or wonderful or special to set it apart from past years?
Well, were I to look at the negative side I guess I could find a few things that didn't go as I would like them to have in a perfect world. But, honestly, most of the things that occurred were a blessing to me. I admit it, I dreaded heading up to the home of my mother-in-law yesterday. It's always too hot and the bed is too short and she has bars on her potty that are really cold when they rub against your hips. Aren't I terrible? But, because she is who she is, we went up there this year. Before we headed out, the husband and I exchanged our gifts. I had ordered a special gift for my husband, but it didn't come in... So, we had to suffice with the smaller I had wrapped. He, on the other hand, lugged in a huge wrapped gift into the house. Far too heavy for me to carry. I suspected the contents. Yes, I am blessed to have a husband who remembers. I am now the proud owner of a wonderful belt sander for my fret work! I love my husband. Now, for heat in the garage so I can saw and sand away in the winter :) I can't wait to try that puppy out.
For the past few years we've had services here at the house and friends came and our house was afloat with friends on Christmas Eve. This was especially important when the children are grown and gone and are pulled hither and yon on Christmas Eve, so they are not here. There was laughter and fun and...well.... it took the sting out of missing children. But, to look at it from Mom's point of view, I guess she misses her children too, even though she was at our house two years ago on Christmas Eve and choses not to be with us. Anyway... onward. I must cease to whine.
We arrived at mom's 30 minutes before Christmas Eve services were to start at our "home" church. Henry was a part of this church since childhood until 1993. I, for just ten years '83-'93. Both my sons were baptized there and one married there. There I first wore a headcovering and learned of the wonderful history of who we are. There, I taught my first Sunday School class and served on my first Church Board. It really is "home" in many ways. Stepping in there last night there was much that was familiar. The music and worship was wonderful. Many memories were sparked in that pew of times when children were small, when we looked forward to family time after the services and the reading of scriptures. Ahhh... sweet memories sparked in that hour. I was able to see and speak to a few people with whom I have a history with and that was all sweet.
From church we headed to mom's for ice cream and quiet and, yes, it was hot. But, we turned off the heat in our bedroom so it'd cool before we hit the bed. No need for a robe or slippers after changing into my nightgown. None of the old traditions now. Something different, but just as sweet. Still with people I love... my dear husband and my dear mother in law. Both who hold special chambers of my heart and will until my time on this rock is done.
Early this morning I awoke to the smell of coffee and bacon. Yummy! Christmas breakfast. The husband was hard at it. Breakfast set in front of me shortly upon sitting down. Then we started getting things ready. Hauling up the card table for the kiddies, setting the good china on the table. Putting Mr. Tom Turkey in one oven and Mr. Porky Ham in the other, peeling a ton of potatoes, while Mom sat at the table and chopped up the celery and onion for dressing. By 1 all was well. With the gravy quickly made, taters mashed, the bread heated and the beans heated, salad placed, the ten of us sat down with much thanks to God, to a wonderful meal. The pies came later. Now, this was a "normal" Christmas. The Christmas we all remembered. Even though the husband and I did most of the cooking, everyone, except the wives and grands, all remember fondly, "dinner at Nanny's". There was laughter and looks around the table and children who barely ate a thing. After eating some of us took leave to take a walk in the beautiful, sunny and warm December day. But, not before the husband called our attention to some precious blue finches flying all around the garage and barn. I'm sure the dear dil's got pictures and I'll post them at some point if they did.
Anyway, as all the youngens and I walked through the fields of acreage, we reminesced about the primary one missing at the table today. Pappy, "the Dad", who left us June 6, 1990, was missed still today. He sat at the head of the table, always, and no one left a crumb on their plate when he was there. Justin talked of barbed wire, fences and gates he shut when helping on the farm. Rex and Justin shared memory of a Pappy and a goose named Snow White that no one loved but Pappy. Other names missing from the table were mentioned today, Pap-paw, Mam-aw, Aunt Margaret... All those who've gone on. Rex has little memory of those, but Justin remembers them all and he tells the stories that bring a tear to your eye.... from laughter. We also spoke of missing siblings/children, living in North Carolina who were sadly absent from the table.
I watched my grandsons run, bent for leather, up and down hills and jumping over springs . I showed Luke where deer had laid and he had to lay down to see how it felt. I also showed Luke some dried up Rabbit tobacco and he asked, "do rabbits smoke?" He gave it to his mom. It has a wonderful smell, even dried. As we crossed through barbed wire, I saw each one help the other so that no clothing was torn or damaged, something that would have never happened as children ~ buddy back then you were on your own! I watched Justin lift his wife over the fence and remembered Henry doing the same for me once and 75 pounds ago. Fact is, I stood back a good bit and just watched. Watched little boys, now the size of men; watched women with cameras catching memories on disk; watched little boys see another part of their daddy's world through children's eyes. It was a beautiful and, yet, sad, sight. It's odd watching and realizing that your children really don't need you anymore. Odder still to think that they are there, now, with you because they want to be and not because they have no choice. (At least I hope that is the case, and they are not there out of obligation so much.) It's telling to see a movement or word from a little boy's mouth, and hearing or seeing your own child in it. To have a little boy stop and say, "Mee-Mee my shoe is untied", and when you stop to help, he says, "You get it straight, but I can tie it". Ahhh, a joy. A joy to know he can tie it and a joy to know he still needs your help...for a while yet.
Yes, it was a day I hated to see end. No real sorrow at all... just joy. Yes, the gifts were nice, especially the cologne... And I'm wearing my new robe now. But it was the time... the walk... the memories...the children...both young and not so, that made the day a special one. And, we gave some of that back to Mom as well. So, I'm glad we went. I'm glad we spent the time. We never know when time will end for us. The Bible tells us to redeem the time because the days are evil. Today I redeemed some time. Thanks be to God and to my dear husband, dear mother in law and dear children.
Merry Christmas Every one! May we "see" Christ-mas all year long!
Well, were I to look at the negative side I guess I could find a few things that didn't go as I would like them to have in a perfect world. But, honestly, most of the things that occurred were a blessing to me. I admit it, I dreaded heading up to the home of my mother-in-law yesterday. It's always too hot and the bed is too short and she has bars on her potty that are really cold when they rub against your hips. Aren't I terrible? But, because she is who she is, we went up there this year. Before we headed out, the husband and I exchanged our gifts. I had ordered a special gift for my husband, but it didn't come in... So, we had to suffice with the smaller I had wrapped. He, on the other hand, lugged in a huge wrapped gift into the house. Far too heavy for me to carry. I suspected the contents. Yes, I am blessed to have a husband who remembers. I am now the proud owner of a wonderful belt sander for my fret work! I love my husband. Now, for heat in the garage so I can saw and sand away in the winter :) I can't wait to try that puppy out.
For the past few years we've had services here at the house and friends came and our house was afloat with friends on Christmas Eve. This was especially important when the children are grown and gone and are pulled hither and yon on Christmas Eve, so they are not here. There was laughter and fun and...well.... it took the sting out of missing children. But, to look at it from Mom's point of view, I guess she misses her children too, even though she was at our house two years ago on Christmas Eve and choses not to be with us. Anyway... onward. I must cease to whine.
We arrived at mom's 30 minutes before Christmas Eve services were to start at our "home" church. Henry was a part of this church since childhood until 1993. I, for just ten years '83-'93. Both my sons were baptized there and one married there. There I first wore a headcovering and learned of the wonderful history of who we are. There, I taught my first Sunday School class and served on my first Church Board. It really is "home" in many ways. Stepping in there last night there was much that was familiar. The music and worship was wonderful. Many memories were sparked in that pew of times when children were small, when we looked forward to family time after the services and the reading of scriptures. Ahhh... sweet memories sparked in that hour. I was able to see and speak to a few people with whom I have a history with and that was all sweet.
From church we headed to mom's for ice cream and quiet and, yes, it was hot. But, we turned off the heat in our bedroom so it'd cool before we hit the bed. No need for a robe or slippers after changing into my nightgown. None of the old traditions now. Something different, but just as sweet. Still with people I love... my dear husband and my dear mother in law. Both who hold special chambers of my heart and will until my time on this rock is done.
Early this morning I awoke to the smell of coffee and bacon. Yummy! Christmas breakfast. The husband was hard at it. Breakfast set in front of me shortly upon sitting down. Then we started getting things ready. Hauling up the card table for the kiddies, setting the good china on the table. Putting Mr. Tom Turkey in one oven and Mr. Porky Ham in the other, peeling a ton of potatoes, while Mom sat at the table and chopped up the celery and onion for dressing. By 1 all was well. With the gravy quickly made, taters mashed, the bread heated and the beans heated, salad placed, the ten of us sat down with much thanks to God, to a wonderful meal. The pies came later. Now, this was a "normal" Christmas. The Christmas we all remembered. Even though the husband and I did most of the cooking, everyone, except the wives and grands, all remember fondly, "dinner at Nanny's". There was laughter and looks around the table and children who barely ate a thing. After eating some of us took leave to take a walk in the beautiful, sunny and warm December day. But, not before the husband called our attention to some precious blue finches flying all around the garage and barn. I'm sure the dear dil's got pictures and I'll post them at some point if they did.
Anyway, as all the youngens and I walked through the fields of acreage, we reminesced about the primary one missing at the table today. Pappy, "the Dad", who left us June 6, 1990, was missed still today. He sat at the head of the table, always, and no one left a crumb on their plate when he was there. Justin talked of barbed wire, fences and gates he shut when helping on the farm. Rex and Justin shared memory of a Pappy and a goose named Snow White that no one loved but Pappy. Other names missing from the table were mentioned today, Pap-paw, Mam-aw, Aunt Margaret... All those who've gone on. Rex has little memory of those, but Justin remembers them all and he tells the stories that bring a tear to your eye.... from laughter. We also spoke of missing siblings/children, living in North Carolina who were sadly absent from the table.
I watched my grandsons run, bent for leather, up and down hills and jumping over springs . I showed Luke where deer had laid and he had to lay down to see how it felt. I also showed Luke some dried up Rabbit tobacco and he asked, "do rabbits smoke?" He gave it to his mom. It has a wonderful smell, even dried. As we crossed through barbed wire, I saw each one help the other so that no clothing was torn or damaged, something that would have never happened as children ~ buddy back then you were on your own! I watched Justin lift his wife over the fence and remembered Henry doing the same for me once and 75 pounds ago. Fact is, I stood back a good bit and just watched. Watched little boys, now the size of men; watched women with cameras catching memories on disk; watched little boys see another part of their daddy's world through children's eyes. It was a beautiful and, yet, sad, sight. It's odd watching and realizing that your children really don't need you anymore. Odder still to think that they are there, now, with you because they want to be and not because they have no choice. (At least I hope that is the case, and they are not there out of obligation so much.) It's telling to see a movement or word from a little boy's mouth, and hearing or seeing your own child in it. To have a little boy stop and say, "Mee-Mee my shoe is untied", and when you stop to help, he says, "You get it straight, but I can tie it". Ahhh, a joy. A joy to know he can tie it and a joy to know he still needs your help...for a while yet.
Yes, it was a day I hated to see end. No real sorrow at all... just joy. Yes, the gifts were nice, especially the cologne... And I'm wearing my new robe now. But it was the time... the walk... the memories...the children...both young and not so, that made the day a special one. And, we gave some of that back to Mom as well. So, I'm glad we went. I'm glad we spent the time. We never know when time will end for us. The Bible tells us to redeem the time because the days are evil. Today I redeemed some time. Thanks be to God and to my dear husband, dear mother in law and dear children.
Merry Christmas Every one! May we "see" Christ-mas all year long!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Who's Lost?
I know, I know... getting wordy in my old age, but when I have a "blog" on the brain.. well... better write it while I can.
Last night I watched "God Grew Tired of Us". In light of our recent visit from the Lead Team for our Sudan Initiative in the COB, it was an informative and disturbing movie. Some of the reasons I have for saying "disturbing" will surprise you, most of them will not.
I love debates. My younger daughter in law will attest to her disdain for the debates that ensue when they come home. Much of the educational time spent with my boys was in debate. I would like to believe those debates taught them how to think independently. Thereby being well equipped to face realities head on and find solutions not common to others. This blog may bring about some debate. I hope not, but it may.
This movie. In case you do not know, it is about the "lost boys" of South Sudan. A war that led tens of thousands of Christian and animist children to walk a thousand miles to Ethiopia and then another thousand to Kenya in search of a safe haven. Some spent fifteen years in refugee camps in Kenya. Many starved and their graves were dug by their comrades.. children aged ten or so. It is a sobering fact. I am ashamed that my government allowed this to happen. The murderers were their northern neighbors.. Arab. I'll let you figure out their religion. These children left their homes after their parents and other relations were massacred or otherwise exiled and after a government edict that all south Sudanese male children were to be executed. Again, I am ashamed and horrified that this kind of nightmare was perpetrated upon children and we did little or nothing. I could continue on a rant on how the U.S. has a history of this sort of thing unless it pertains to "our" wealth, but I won't... at least not right now. Anyway, some of these boys were taken from Kenya and brought to 24 of our States to live. The ones featured on this movie were in Syracuse, NY and Pittsburgh, PA. Cities. Why they brought these boys whose parents had owned farms, to cities, I do not know, but they were taken to cities. The movie goes on to show how some adjusted, at least one had a mental breakdown and others didn't adjust quite so well. Some found their parents alive, years later and others did not. I cannot imagine their suffering. Can't begin to fathom it. BUT..
There was another telling tale in this. Each of the boys that did relatively well, worked at least two jobs to "pay back the government" and send money back to Sudan and "live". If you can call working on those hours "living". They also went to College. How they paid for that I am not sure, but I assume there were lots of grants. (Which is fine with me.) Living in Sudan they stayed in groups for safety and for the familiarity of it. Here their "groups" were seen as "gang-like" and people reported them to the authorities. So, they were advised to go in pairs or alone. They didn't understand that. They also didn't understand why people were so unfriendly. At one point they showed them in a grocery store and some guy was staring a hole through them. It was embarrassing.
At Christmas time they asked the "meaning" of the Christmas tree and Santa Claus. They asked, "is this in the Bible"? At one point a single boy said, "no one can answer my questions". Ain't that pitiful? Can we really explain our silly Christmas traditions? Now, I can explain the traditions surrounding our Christmas', but it's true... they are NOT in the Bible. Maybe we should re-think what we know of our own traditions. If they have a real meaning behind them.. then fine. If they don't, maybe we ought to revisit them. We should at least be able to explain them with some sense of intelligence.
Okay, onward. I guess what really struck a chord, other than my sorrow for them and anger toward their northern countrymen, not to mention my own government, was a comment that could easily be missed. One young man wondered how families in this country had any time together when they work so much. "Where is their family time", he asked? In Sudan, these boys developed family relationships among themselves, yearned for their families lost and cannot understand why we have so little time to be together. In light of our family, it got me to thinking.
The Fair Labor Standards Act was passed in 1938. It was then the term "9 to 5" became synonymous with "full time" work. Fast forward almost six decades and see what you get. Most researchers would argue that the 40 hour work week is nearly as obsolete as most of the factory jobs to which it was originally applied. According to a recent survey by Expedia.com, 63 percent of Americans work more than 40 hours a week, with some 40 % exceeding the 50-hour a week mark. More than $21 billion dollars in vacation time goes unused annually (and back to employers!), as we spend 2.5 more weeks—and three months more—at work than do our Japanese and western European counterparts, respectively. U.S. resorts are filled with Europeans because the US workers can't take the time off. What is wrong with this picture?
In the early years of my working outside the home I worked 9-5 in an office job and was paid for my lunch. Later, it was 8-5 and my lunch was "on me", whether at my desk or on the street, made no difference. Now, it's 7-7, unpaid breaks and lunches are built in. In the early years, Thanksgiving Friday was a paid day off. When Christmas fell on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you could count on an extra paid holiday in there. Easter? Good Friday was a day off, as was often Easter Monday. These extra days gave families the opportunity to visit far away family members ~ their in-laws AND out-laws. Yes, retail folks often had to work, but factories and offices were closed... C-L-O-S-E-D, closed. It was family time. Remember F-A-M-I-L-Y? Mom, Dad, Children, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles? Only ones that get those days now, are government workers.
In a time where we "say" we want to make families more valuable; in the days of the "Family Leave Act"... (time off withOUT pay... who can do that?) ~ we demote the family in favor of the factory ~ (ie the office). Slave to the desk. Think I'm nuts? We have two sons and two daughters. Our sons live 2 hours east, our daughters live five hours south. Know the last Thanksgiving or Christmas we all had together? 2003. Since then our daughters have not had a post-Thanksgiving Friday off from work, nor a full Christmas Eve or day after Christmas off. Our daughter-in-law has to work a half a day on Christmas Eve and then must be back to work on the 26th. So, this year... I have NO children at home on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. As a compromise we will drive to my mother in laws home and meet up for a couple of hours with the boys. But, the girls? I'm mailing their gifts tomorrow. We are thinking about going to see the girls for the New Year, but, even New Year's Eve they have to work, having the 1st off and, then... everyone is back to work. So, we've not totally decided on the travel. It's not just about us. Everyone who is married has two sets of family and often four or more, if the families are blended. But we can get together on vacation, right? Wrong. When you add in immediate, (ie mom, dad, children), family vacations and one or two days here and there for other things, there's no time to spend a "week" at home with Mom and Dad ~ ANY Mom and Dad. Most of the children have two weeks or less. Our "elder" daughter in law, who now has summers off, spends a few days with us in the summer. Our daughters manage one or two long weekends each year, when we try to all together. (Note on "try", because you have to have "permission" to take your vacation these days.) No wonder so many old folks are truly "alone". There's no time. The Master wants it all. I read an ad in yesterday's paper for a "professional position" which was nothing more than a glorified secretary. She had to work Monday through Friday, some weekends and be "on call by phone" 24/7, plus she had to have a Bachelor's degree in nursing. What insane person nurse would apply for that? Another secretarial job required you to be "bi-lingual" and available most weekends. Sounds like we need a "new and improved" Fair Labor Standards Act that looks at families.
The Lost Boys of Southern Sudan want to bring their families to the United States to be with them. To be safe. I'm here praying that the Hardenbrooks and people like them in the Sudan Initiative, can bring a real peace for those Christian brothers and sisters in South Sudan, so they can go home. They know what family really is. We've forgotten.
Last night I watched "God Grew Tired of Us". In light of our recent visit from the Lead Team for our Sudan Initiative in the COB, it was an informative and disturbing movie. Some of the reasons I have for saying "disturbing" will surprise you, most of them will not.
I love debates. My younger daughter in law will attest to her disdain for the debates that ensue when they come home. Much of the educational time spent with my boys was in debate. I would like to believe those debates taught them how to think independently. Thereby being well equipped to face realities head on and find solutions not common to others. This blog may bring about some debate. I hope not, but it may.
This movie. In case you do not know, it is about the "lost boys" of South Sudan. A war that led tens of thousands of Christian and animist children to walk a thousand miles to Ethiopia and then another thousand to Kenya in search of a safe haven. Some spent fifteen years in refugee camps in Kenya. Many starved and their graves were dug by their comrades.. children aged ten or so. It is a sobering fact. I am ashamed that my government allowed this to happen. The murderers were their northern neighbors.. Arab. I'll let you figure out their religion. These children left their homes after their parents and other relations were massacred or otherwise exiled and after a government edict that all south Sudanese male children were to be executed. Again, I am ashamed and horrified that this kind of nightmare was perpetrated upon children and we did little or nothing. I could continue on a rant on how the U.S. has a history of this sort of thing unless it pertains to "our" wealth, but I won't... at least not right now. Anyway, some of these boys were taken from Kenya and brought to 24 of our States to live. The ones featured on this movie were in Syracuse, NY and Pittsburgh, PA. Cities. Why they brought these boys whose parents had owned farms, to cities, I do not know, but they were taken to cities. The movie goes on to show how some adjusted, at least one had a mental breakdown and others didn't adjust quite so well. Some found their parents alive, years later and others did not. I cannot imagine their suffering. Can't begin to fathom it. BUT..
There was another telling tale in this. Each of the boys that did relatively well, worked at least two jobs to "pay back the government" and send money back to Sudan and "live". If you can call working on those hours "living"
At Christmas time they asked the "meaning" of the Christmas tree and Santa Claus. They asked, "is this in the Bible"? At one point a single boy said, "no one can answer my questions". Ain't that pitiful? Can we really explain our silly Christmas traditions? Now, I can explain the traditions surrounding our Christmas', but it's true... they are NOT in the Bible. Maybe we should re-think what we know of our own traditions. If they have a real meaning behind them.. then fine. If they don't, maybe we ought to revisit them. We should at least be able to explain them with some sense of intelligence.
Okay, onward. I guess what really struck a chord, other than my sorrow for them and anger toward their northern countrymen, not to mention my own government, was a comment that could easily be missed. One young man wondered how families in this country had any time together when they work so much. "Where is their family time", he asked? In Sudan, these boys developed family relationships among themselves, yearned for their families lost and cannot understand why we have so little time to be together. In light of our family, it got me to thinking.
The Fair Labor Standards Act was passed in 1938. It was then the term "9 to 5" became synonymous with "full time" work. Fast forward almost six decades and see what you get.
In the early years of my working outside the home I worked 9-5 in an office job and was paid for my lunch. Later, it was 8-5 and my lunch was "on me", whether at my desk or on the street, made no difference. Now, it's 7-7, unpaid breaks and lunches are built in. In the early years, Thanksgiving Friday was a paid day off. When Christmas fell on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you could count on an extra paid holiday in there. Easter? Good Friday was a day off, as was often Easter Monday. These extra days gave families the opportunity to visit far away family members ~ their in-laws AND out-laws. Yes, retail folks often had to work, but factories and offices were closed... C-L-O-S-E-D, closed. It was family time. Remember F-A-M-I-L-Y? Mom, Dad, Children, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles? Only ones that get those days now, are government workers.
In a time where we "say" we want to make families more valuable; in the days of the "Family Leave Act"... (time off withOUT pay... who can do that?) ~ we demote the family in favor of the factory ~ (ie the office). Slave to the desk. Think I'm nuts? We have two sons and two daughters. Our sons live 2 hours east, our daughters live five hours south. Know the last Thanksgiving or Christmas we all had together? 2003. Since then our daughters have not had a post-Thanksgiving Friday off from work, nor a full Christmas Eve or day after Christmas off. Our daughter-in-law has to work a half a day on Christmas Eve and then must be back to work on the 26th. So, this year... I have NO children at home on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. As a compromise we will drive to my mother in laws home and meet up for a couple of hours with the boys. But, the girls? I'm mailing their gifts tomorrow. We are thinking about going to see the girls for the New Year, but, even New Year's Eve they have to work, having the 1st off and, then... everyone is back to work. So, we've not totally decided on the travel. It's not just about us. Everyone who is married has two sets of family and often four or more, if the families are blended. But we can get together on vacation, right? Wrong. When you add in immediate, (ie mom, dad, children), family vacations and one or two days here and there for other things, there's no time to spend a "week" at home with Mom and Dad ~ ANY Mom and Dad. Most of the children have two weeks or less. Our "elder" daughter in law, who now has summers off, spends a few days with us in the summer. Our daughters manage one or two long weekends each year, when we try to all together. (Note on "try", because you have to have "permission" to take your vacation these days.) No wonder so many old folks are truly "alone". There's no time. The Master wants it all. I read an ad in yesterday's paper for a "professional position" which was nothing more than a glorified secretary. She had to work Monday through Friday, some weekends and be "on call by phone" 24/7, plus she had to have a Bachelor's degree in nursing. What insane person nurse would apply for that? Another secretarial job required you to be "bi-lingual" and available most weekends. Sounds like we need a "new and improved" Fair Labor Standards Act that looks at families.
The Lost Boys of Southern Sudan want to bring their families to the United States to be with them. To be safe. I'm here praying that the Hardenbrooks and people like them in the Sudan Initiative, can bring a real peace for those Christian brothers and sisters in South Sudan, so they can go home. They know what family really is. We've forgotten.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Life and Life
What is it about life that makes it "Life"? The dictionary gives "life" 20 or more definitions. I like the last one more than the rest. "Something resembling animate life". Hmmmm, makes me wonder. Am I animated? LOL! Sometimes I'm animated and sometimes I'm not, but I guess I always "resemble" something animated. But I know some folks who are "living" but they do NOT resemble animated life. They are foul all the time and miserable to be with. I'd hate for anyone to think that of me.
Life... this week someone I knew only by name and offspring lost their life in an accidental drowning. Someone else I know well is having his life taken by a dreaded disease called cancer.... no more treatments, just being kept comfortable. Un-animated all at once or by inches? One knew Jesus Christ and lives for HIM alone... the other, we can only hope, in their last moments called His Name for salvation! I know, I know, you are thinking... "How un-Christmas!"
I wonder how often we realize that ALL male children under 2 in Bethlehem were murdered by Herod looking for Jesus. Those boys had lives ahead of them, yet they were brutally murdered in the rage perpetrated by a King. How is it possible that the beautiful birth of a baby boy can be so clouded and overshadowed by the murder of innocents. How is it possible that the Savior of all mankind was kept safe by the hands of parents while other equally competent parents suffered the loss of their babies? I'm waxing closer and closer to more depressing thoughts, so will change the idea for now. Just some food for your brain.
Christmas. All about Jesus? We would like to think so, but it is more likely the panic of "What am I gonna buy for ____?" or "How am I gonna get these cards done?" While we eagerly, year to year, anxiously look forward to "the day", when it comes we see the mess, let out a sigh and go back to the other 364 days of the year anticipating "the day". We are all crazy. How many folks do YOU know that will have no family visits this Christmas? How many folks do YOU know that will be without filled stockings this year? What about them? How do they anticipate another year hearing the songs, smelling the smells, but never tasting? Always winter, never Christmas! (CS Lewis) Ahh, Jesus! Let's think and talk and "be" about Jesus! That way the songs and smells and all else "Christmas" will be sweet and the tastes are available to all and then may it be "Always Christmas and never winter".
Share the joy of living in the Light of Christ Jesus! Forget the rest... it's all without meaning. Share the joy!!!
More later.... Merry Christmas every-body!!!
Life... this week someone I knew only by name and offspring lost their life in an accidental drowning. Someone else I know well is having his life taken by a dreaded disease called cancer.... no more treatments, just being kept comfortable. Un-animated all at once or by inches? One knew Jesus Christ and lives for HIM alone... the other, we can only hope, in their last moments called His Name for salvation! I know, I know, you are thinking... "How un-Christmas!"
I wonder how often we realize that ALL male children under 2 in Bethlehem were murdered by Herod looking for Jesus. Those boys had lives ahead of them, yet they were brutally murdered in the rage perpetrated by a King. How is it possible that the beautiful birth of a baby boy can be so clouded and overshadowed by the murder of innocents. How is it possible that the Savior of all mankind was kept safe by the hands of parents while other equally competent parents suffered the loss of their babies? I'm waxing closer and closer to more depressing thoughts, so will change the idea for now. Just some food for your brain.
Christmas. All about Jesus? We would like to think so, but it is more likely the panic of "What am I gonna buy for ____?" or "How am I gonna get these cards done?" While we eagerly, year to year, anxiously look forward to "the day", when it comes we see the mess, let out a sigh and go back to the other 364 days of the year anticipating "the day". We are all crazy. How many folks do YOU know that will have no family visits this Christmas? How many folks do YOU know that will be without filled stockings this year? What about them? How do they anticipate another year hearing the songs, smelling the smells, but never tasting? Always winter, never Christmas! (CS Lewis) Ahh, Jesus! Let's think and talk and "be" about Jesus! That way the songs and smells and all else "Christmas" will be sweet and the tastes are available to all and then may it be "Always Christmas and never winter".
Share the joy of living in the Light of Christ Jesus! Forget the rest... it's all without meaning. Share the joy!!!
More later.... Merry Christmas every-body!!!
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