So Glad She Kept Him!

Well, I'll probably take some heat for writing this blog, but it's something I HAVE to do.  No, the heat won't come from liberals or conservatives, Christian or Non-Christian......no, it will be coming from my daughter!  She doesn't like to be in the limelight!  She is a proud introvert!  :)  But, the past 6 years of her life are a testimony, and I believe people need to hear it.

October 2007, our daughter, Meghan, came home for lunch on a Sunday.  After lunch, she said she needed to talk, and there the bomb dropped.  "I'm pregnant."  What?????  Now, those of you that know Meghan, can imagine the shock.  Those of you that don't, well, she's a good girl, a pleaser, always striving to do better.  But, remember my last blog.....we ALL sin!!  We soon begin discussing the options.  She is a 20 year old college student with a year left.  In the world we live in today, there are options.  Honestly, most parents do not even get the chance to be a part of the options.  Many parents never even know they could've been grandparents.  But, thank God, she told us, so we could all discuss the options.  One option was NEVER even mentioned.  We raised our daughter to value life.  We taught her early on, that life began at that critical moment of conception.  And by the grace of God, she never considered taking a life.  So, it comes down to a choice.  Give the baby up for adoption, or keep it.  I encouraged her not to make a decision quickly, as either decision would drastically change her life.  I told her to take time and pray, seek God and His plan, as He always has a plan, and when it comes to life, there are NO mistakes.  She was heading into the final stage of the semester...projects due, final exams..... so she needed time.  And she took it.

Christmas break 2007:  "I can't do it Mom, I can't give it up".  I'd like to say those words made me extremely happy and proud, but I can't.  They came at me with a rash of mixed emotions.  I knew this decision was not only affecting her life, but mine as well.  I began a battle with my ugly, selfish side.  A baby in the house!!  Not excited for it.  Not the emotion one should have when they discover they are having their first grandchild.  But, I could still see my little girl in those eyes, the one saying, "Mommy, I'm hurt, can you help me?"  And all I could say was "We will be here with you all the way. You're making the right decision."

                                            Hello World!!!

So now, a quick journey through the past 5 years....  
Year 1: She finishes her undergrad...cum laude.  
Year 2: Finds a job doing grunt work at a rehab facility, knowing it is experience and she can save some money to start grad school.
Year 3: Moves out of the house, out of town, to start grad school.
Year 4: Continues grad school, Conner starts pre-school
Year 5: Completes grad school, Conner completes pre-school

Now she is into year 6.  We just moved her to a new city, one she knows nothing about, knows few people, but where she found a job.  Moved to an area she knows even less about in order for Conner to be in a better school.  

Conner is an energetic, over active, smart, hilarious 5 year old now.  None of us could imagine life without him....the laughter we would have missed, the hugs we would have missed, the love we would have missed.  He is such a beautiful child, knows no stranger, and is destined to do great things in this world.  He starts "big" school next week and I cannot wait to see how he begins affecting others lives as he becomes a part of it.

I'm so proud of her, and her decision.  I pray God will use her life, Conner's life, to witness and encourage others in similar situations.

The Greying Generation

I've been studying recently about a rather fun, uplifting part of life..... sin.......NOT!!  How depressing?  Right?  Well, I agree wholeheartedly, but here's the thing....to live in sin is NOT fun in the long run.  To strive to live a life free of sin (which by the way is impossible) brings greater joy and blessing.

Here's the bottom line I have discovered....if you do not fully believe in the constant of God, then sin or lack of sin should not matter to you.  You may have a moral compass that has simply come from rules passed down from your family or government, but seriously, without the Truth of God, sin simply does not matter.  But, on the other hand, if you do believe in an absolute God, sin is something you must keep a daily check on in your life.....God demands it.

          Sin defined: transgression (violation) of divine law

Unfortunately, I am afraid many churches have made some sins to be worse than others.  How many grossly overweight pastors have preached on the evils of drink?  While overeating and gluttony are such an obvious sin in America??

But, even worse still, a generation is being bombarded with information and propaganda that there is NO absolute truth. The history of our country has been "greyed"; our constitution has been "greyed"; and now our Bible is being "greyed". Truth is what you make it, so if there is NO absolute truth, then the Bible can be translated as you see appropriate for your own needs!  But, as evangelical Christ followers, we have to fight against such nonsense.  There is absolute right and wrong in the Bible.  And I'm afraid if we allow this "greying" to continue, many souls will be eternally lost.

Here is what I believe:  I believe if you KNOW Jesus, if you've accepted the death, burial and resurrection, if you have confessed your sins to Him, BUT, you continue to hold on to and act upon a sin that the "world" may be telling you is OK, you WILL be miserable!  You will NOT live a blessed life.  You will struggle through life and ultimately, crazy enough, you really know WHY!  Let me use myself as an example: I am an over-eater!  I LOVE FOOD!  All kinds of food.  But, I know I sin with food.  I have times where I get it under control, and you know what???  I feel great!!  I physically feel better!!  My clothes fit better, I have more energy..... I could go on and on.  But when I choose to ignore the warnings..... I feel like crap!  I'm tired, I'm achy, I hate my clothes.....

Now.....I'm not going to take this time to list out all the sins listed in the Bible!  First of all, you wouldn't want to read my blog, and second, how many pages would it be???  But, here is the good news!!!  God's Word addresses the FORGIVENESS of sins, many, many times over vs discussing actual sin!!  It is why He sent His son!  So that WE can be forgiven.  It's the only path to Heaven.  Imperfections are not allowed, and the ONLY way to be made perfect in His sight is through the belief in the death (the blood), the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus.

1 John:

8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not inus. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

So today, before you start another week, ask God "What sin am I holding onto?"  He will let you know.  :)  Then pray daily for His help and wisdom to help you resist that sin.  Then find someone close to you that you can trust with the knowledge of that sin, because it's too hard to do alone!  Invite them to pray with you and hold you accountable.  And lastly, I like to encourage people to journal, because we tend to forget.  Write down your struggle and date it.  Then watch God begin to work and transform you!!

I'm not one for losing......

I've always been uber competitive.  I cannot remember any time in my life that I was OK with losing. It's just not in my nature.  So days like today, June 26, 2013, will be a day that goes down in history, in which not only I, but America lost, and she doesn't even know why.  Sure we lost the fight on traditional, moral marriage (which in itself is bad enough and I will expound upon why a bit later), but we lost a major right as an American.  We lost yet another battle that our vote counts, that what we care for matters. Instead, it was handed over to the decision making of 9 random souls, that the voters really had nothing to do with in their appointments.  I know many of you are ecstatic for the decision they made today, but do you realize that these 9 people overruled a decision that the voting people of California decided on in 2008?  Now, put it in a different perspective that you can relate to better.  Let's make it simple.  You love cupcakes.  Who doesn't love cupcakes?  But someone in your state decides cupcakes are no good, they lobby the state legislature and get an amendment forbidding the sale or baking of cupcakes.  Fortunately for you though, that amendment has to be voted on by the people.  The people turn up to vote and 52% of the people decide cupcakes are OK and the state cannot decide they can't have them.  Well, the other 48% are very upset, so they take it further.  And what might happen, but that 5 of the 9 sitting justices decide that yes, in fact, cupcakes are bad and you cannot have them.  I know this sounds juvenile and simple, but think about it.  Is it right?  Is eating a cupcake (or not) any more of a "human right" than marriage??

So now that you've "chewed" on that a bit, let's talk marriage.  Many of you will be somewhat surprised by what I have to say about this.  I do not believe the whole same-sex marriage ordeal was ever really about marriage, but instead about the rights of couples. And I in no way think that the rights of same sex couples should be denied.  I think not allowing the partner of a deathly ill patient in an ICU to go in to visit, is insane!!! But, where all this is wrong, is redefining the institution of marriage.  By doing so, one is stating that America no longer believes the Bible to be Truth.  We no longer have a moral compass.  God created marriage.  In Genesis, He said it was not good for man to be alone, so he created woman. And He then stated that man would leave his mother and father, be joined with his wife, and become one flesh.  THAT is the original definition of marriage.  But, through time, the definition has become altered to accommodate what society dictates.  That being said, I am not real sure why civil unions were not enough.  Why could the fight not be for civil unions to receive the same rights as marriages?

I know my rantings are a lost cause.  I know, no matter what I say, nothing is going to change.  But, other than just making me feel better stating my peace, I hope you might read this and really stop and think about the whole picture.  Stamp this date on your brain.  Watch as state by state falls victim to the "powers that be" in Washington, as they begin to decide what is moral, what we should accept, how we should think.  Honestly, I hope I'm wrong.  But, I can be assured of this..... I will NOT lose.  As long as I stand by the Word of God, believing what is says in it's entirety, from Genesis to Revelation, I WILL NOT LOSE!!!  "Conquerors will march in the victory parade, their names indelible in the Book of Life.  I'll lead them up and present them by name to my Father and His Angels" Rev 3:5 MSG  I pray that one day, you all will make that decision not to lose either, so that in the end, you too will share in this victory!!

Warning: The Mad Woman is MAD

I've not written for a while, because every time I sit down to do it, I realize I am just mad! So mad at our world, our government and our churches!  So, I don't write.  I don't want to put my mad on others.  But, I can stay silent no more on this one.  I'm beyond mad....I'm disgusted.  So, sit down, grab a coke or a coffee and prepare to either be mad with me or be mad at me!

First of all let me define abortion.  According to Merriam-Webster:

          - the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, 

            or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus

Now embryo:

               - an animal in the early stages of growth and differentiation that are characterized by cleavage, the laying down of fundamental tissues, and the formation of primitive organs and organ systems; especially  : the developing human individual from the time of implantation to the end of the eighth week after conception

And fetus:

               - an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind; specifically a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth

Now that we've established that, let's take it one step further.  Babies, being forced into birth with drugs, should be born (pulled out) dead, but they are not.  So snip the back of the neck to insure the death.  Roe v Wade - to stop back alley abortions, yet here we are 40 years later, and it's as gruesome as ever!  Kermit Gosnell - have you heard that name? - is a monster.  He has done atrocious things and gotten by with it for YEARS, as the abortion industry turns a blind eye to his clinic.

Yes, the world's largest abortion provider, and organization that takes half a BILLION dollars of our tax money does NOTHING!!  And yes, they knew it was going on!!  And what does our very own president say???  "God Bless Planned Parenthood!"  WHAT?????  No, Mr. President, the God of America will NEVER bless an organization that kills 100's of 1000's of babies every year.  Don't believe me??  Take a listen to the following clip from the American Center for Law and Justice.  It's a bit long due to many ads, but it's worth the time.  But, warning!  One of several things may happen to you after you listen.  1 - you may have to throw up, 2 - you may change your view on abortion, 3 - you'll continue to lie to yourself, not call an embryo/fetus human and be certain that most of PP is preventative screening, or 4 - confirm your heart is hard, and death of a human is not nearly as important as a woman making a "choice" for her life to be "easier".  

Planned Parenthood Profits from Gosnell?

To me the best question asked, and in no way can be answered, is if the baby was born dead, then why did you have to snip the neck???  End of discussion. Case closed!  MURDER!!

But to end on a more upbeat, positive and fascinating note, please watch this short video of conception to birth.  An absolute miracle.  A beating heart before most women even know they are pregnant.  Then after you watch, make your decision if abortion is just sucking out an embryo or fetus, or is it murder of a living human being?

Conception to Birth

If you agree with this travesty then please visit the following link and sign the petition to defund YOUR tax $$$ to Planned Parenthood.

Defund Planned Parenthood

OK "Christians", conservatives, liberals... just hear me out

It's not about Christian and non-Christian. It's not about moral and immoral. It's about 2 different belief systems.

Here's what got me thinkin' again.  I read an article on Facebook the other day (wish I could remember the source), and it said that the CEO of Starbucks said if you are a proponent of traditional marriage then you can buy your coffee somewhere else.  Well, needless to say, I thought "Really???".  They would be that intolerant of my beliefs to ask me NOT to drink their coffee??  But, I have learned to always search deeper into such statements.  And I found that that was not quite what he said.  I still think what he said was totally intolerant and stupid for a CEO of a company, but it wasn't personal to me, it was personal to 1 shareholder.

So, let's really talk about the root of it. "If you don't agree with the way I believe then you are intolerant "  "Well, if you don't believe the way I believe then YOU are intolerant!"  Intolerant smolerant!!  Is this what we've come to as human beings???  There are 2 issues in front of the Supreme Court right now.  The 1st is Prop 8 out of CA.  Am I for it?  Am I in agreement with it?  Of course not.  You all know my beliefs  I've never kept them quiet or hidden (if you don't believe me, read some of my previous posts).  BUT, it is a viable case for the supreme court.  The state of CA voted for "equality of marriage" then they reneged on it.  So the next logical step for them is the Supreme Court of the US.  It is how our system works.  The 2nd is DOMA.  You people do realize that DOMA was passed by president Clinton????  In my opinion it was passed more for the protection of states than the protection of marriage.  So let's hope and pray we hold on to that.  Because when the states begin losing their power to make decisions apart from the federal government....well, that would be a whole other blog, wouldn't it???

So, Christians - stand your ground.  Don't budge on what you believe.  But, STOP judging others!!  It's not going to get you anywhere!  Conservatives, write your congressman, march, vote.... but you have to live with what is given to you.  We are a republic, it's how it works.  And liberals - quit calling people intolerant that don't believe just as you do!  I will never budge on my beliefs of traditional marriage.  God ordained it, He defined it.  But, that being said, I have some dear friends that live homosexual lifestyles.  Some have children that they love very much.  And I will not say that they can not have the same legal rights and privileges that I have (ie - insurance, inheritance ..).  

But, there is a place, when it happens, and yes I said WHEN it happens, that I will draw the line.  If my government starts interpreting God's Word and telling me and my church what we have to believe and how we have to act, I will fight that to the death.  That is my belief and I have every right to it.  But, until then, I will continue to believe what I believe, you can believe what you believe and let's try and be human again.  Let's try and live out the greatest commandment given by Jesus himself - 

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

I'll end with this.  I hope you have time to read it, if not, bookmark it so you can read it later.  It is by far one of the BEST examples of love and tolerance this world has seen in a long time.  Let's all strive to be so caring!!

LGBT Leader Reveals Friendship With Dan Cathy

3000+ kilos in 7 days

What an adventure! And that was just trying to get out if Sydney! If you've never been privileged enough to drive in a country that drives on the "wrong" side of the road, don't fret. You're only missing an elevation of blood pressure, angry ulcers and tense muscles. But get through the 1st day and you will eventually quit gripping the car handle and begin breathing normally. And yes, I was the passenger. :)

So we begin our journey south out of Sydney. The weather is beautiful as terrible storms had passed through the night before. We go anticipating glorious views, a treetop walk and some dolphins. Well, we got the glorious views straight away (that's Aussie for right off the bat). The deep sapphire color of the South Pacific is breathtaking. And with so many quaint cliff side villages we were sure we'd found our winter home (it would be summer here so we would never have another winter!). But we journeyed on without looking at property (and my mother sighs a breath of relief!).

We journey on to Kiama to head a bit north into the rainforest for our tree top walk. But as we get into town there are road closures and trees down everywhere. But would that deter a Ready? Never!! We journey on up the mountain, taking note of a single pathway of toppled trees. (Yes, we used to live in KS, so we knew what it was). But we continue journeying up the mountain where it is beginning to mist and visibility becomes about zero. (And I'm really not exaggerating this time!)
-also remember, we are still day 1 driving on the wrong side if the road-
So we get to the turnoff for the tree walk and we meet up with another crazy traveler telling us to go back, the fog is thicker and the walk is closed. Aw man!! So surprising!!! So we journey back down the mountain, through the fog! But, obviously, since I'm writing this, we made it. :)

So onward and forward to Jarvis Bay to frolic with the dolphins. Again, breathtaking views and we even put our toes in the sand at 7 mile beach. But eventually we arrive in Jarvis Bay. Beautiful deep blue waters but quite choppy with the preceding storms. So we head to the dolphin watch - and alas - they are done for the day. Tide is low and water is choppy. :(. Oh well, we have an entire coastline over the next several days! So we continue on to our destination for the night.

To be continued....

Bohemians and kangaroo

Do you have a bucket list?? I don't really have one. I have places I'd like to go and things I'd like to do, but I've never written them down. So when I was on my way to see La Boheme at the Sydney Opera House, it occurred to me that I never even thought about this happening! Here I am, a music major and never thought about going to the SOH. Wha???!!!

Boy, am I glad my life's not dependent on a bucket list. I first. visited the SOH on a previous trip. But we just walked around it. So this trip, I thought, why not see what's playing?? So when I saw it was La Boheme I knew it was a must. I vacillated, as it wasn't cheap, but sometimes you take the plunge knowing you may never get the chance again. And boy am I glad I did!! We were about 10 rows from the top but we were perfectly centered. The best part of being up there was the ease of seeing the translation. (I didn't even know Operas had them!). It was a very surreal experience and so, so glad I did it!!!

Then the other thing I got to experience that I really wanted to was eating kangaroo. I'm not gonna say it was easy but I did it. (Now before anyone goes postal on me here, kangaroo down under is no different than deer in the US). I had a hard time with that 1st bite though. I had to keep telling myself, it's just like eating deer. I had to get the image of that cute little roo face out of my mind. :). And I have to say it was really good. Very lean, tender, dark red meat. It's cooked to a medium rare - just like I like my steak! It's a bit gamey tasting, but I did enjoy it.

Sydney is a friendly and fascinating city. I always felt very safe and knew I could always find someone to help if I ever needed it.
But after a week in the city, we were ready to move on. And so begins our journey along the southern coastline. Stay tuned for more on that adventure.....

Sydney City Sightseeing - Say that 10 times fast!!!

This is our 2nd trip to Sydney. Unfortunately, the 1st one we stayed north of the city, across the harbor, Scott was at a convention, so we didn't see much of the city. This time we are staying right in the heart of the city, and I have to say it is fantastic! We are staying in the Sydney Hilton, which is a beautiful hotel. And since Scott has status with Hilton we get a few perks. Access to concierge lounge, free full breakfast (which is $45/person) and a corner room with a view of the harbor. (Well, I can see the reflection of the harbor in the building next to us!)

As far as a city goes, Sydney is pretty much a city like any other. Australia, being a fairly young country, reminds us a lot of the US. Very similar architecture and lay outs. But what makes it so special is the tropical climate. Comparable to Hawaii. And the beautiful waters of the South Pacific.

The people are friendly and the city is clean. They don't even throw their cigarette butts down! But there is one major problem with them. THEY WALK ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE SIDEWALK!!! We are constantly dodging people and I am constantly pulling Scott to the left side of the sidewalk. :). The number 1 fatal accidents in Australia are pedestrians getting hit. But, there is an obvious reason for that as well. Think about when you step off a curb to cross a street. Which way do you look first? Left, of course! Well, look left here and step into the street before you look right, and......SPLAT! You just became another statistic. So unless you're from here, the UK, or Japan, it can be a bit daunting just trying to walk!! Sunday we pick up the car to drive south. We've done it before, but I'm still a bit nervous nonetheless.

Just outside of Sydney is the famous Bondi Beach. That's bond-eye, not bond-ee. Famous for surfing, it is an absolutely beautiful place. We loved it so much we may have stayed a bit too long. And our red faces and arms are showing it today!

Is it the destination, or is it the journey?

After a 25 hour journey to reach the destination of down under, I'd have to say the destination wins this one!!! But on the other hand, did the destination just miraculously happen? Of course not! It took detailed planning, forethought, and labor. Yes, parts of the journey were fun and invigorating - like researching and planning all we would do - and parts were excruciatingly painful - like the last 5 hours of the plane ride. But all combined its what makes the destination so much better! I know where I'm going, I have a sense of what it will be like when I get there, and the hard times make me appreciate it all the more!

So wouldn't you say the same is true about life - and the end as we know it? A few weeks ago I asked my Facebook friends to tell me where they thought a soul went after death and how it got there. First let me thank those that responded. It was great and helpful! But then let me say, I was not surprised by how few responses I got. It's the one destination people are just not as excited to talk about. And the main reason, I believe, is because they are unsure of it.

How many of you have ever been going through your normal everyday routine and suddenly end up at an airport, look at the destinations board, go purchase your ticket, and off you go? No preparation, no luggage, no passport. Just a whim. I dare say - NONE OF YOU!!! So then why do so many people do that for their Final destination. One day you will be going through your normal everyday routine and then BAM - you're in front of the destination board of your eternity. But guess what?? At this point it's too late to choose.

Think about a God that created the universe, down to the smallest detail. The tiniest particles, atoms, molecules, have an oh so important role in the operation of the universe. So there is a God that took great care and detail creating this, creating you, wouldn't He also have the exit plan in order? Of course He does! Would He leave it a mystery to us to figure out, or hope for? Of course NOT!! His heart's desire is for all of us to spend eternity with Him, in Heaven. (Matthew 18:14 - it is not the will of the Father that any should perish)

Scott and I made a plan to get to Australia. We bought tickets. Took care of things at home for while we are gone. Purchased necessary items and packed our belongings. Stopped the mail, alerted our bank and credit card. Tiny details to insure a successful trip. Then we went on line and researched where to go. Read blogs and reviews of what people had seen and done. We could "see" where we were headed and got so much more excited about it!

Well, God did that for our life as well. That's what the Bible is. A roadmap to the destination and how to prepare for the journey. He used reviews and "blogs" of others to give us insight. And He gave us clear steps as to how to insure we reach that destination planned for us. I loved what one friend told me about the end. He said he believes "the same thing happens to both Christian and non-Christian souls, it's just that for the Christian and his lifetime of faith and belief makes him more joyous and less fearful." Why? Because of the planning and knowing about the destination!!!

You can be sure! The guidebook is there!! And the bottom line of your soul and its destination is clearly stated there.

John 3:16 -18 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him." - The Message

It's about Jesus! He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life. NO ONE can get to God without Him!! (John 14:6) He is God's plan for your life! You CAN know. The journey is not a mystery and the destination is glorious!! So what would stop you? If I'm wrong (and everyone in my family knows I'm never wrong), then no harm done. But, if I'm right, your eternity depends on it.

(If you have any questions regarding this blog, please feel free to comment or email me at barb2012hhl@gmail.com.)

Politically Correct Much???

Politically correct(PC) - conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated (Merriam-Webster)

Yeah, sounds good on paper, but where does one draw the line?  Black/African American.  Indian/Native American/1st American.  Flight Attendant/Stewardess/Steward.  Server/Waitress/Waiter.  These identifiers could go on and on.  Some offensive or racist....but most "who cares!"

But, more importantly are the certain things you just shouldn't say because you may offend someone who might believe differently. (Like let's say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas!) 

Don't offend........Well, guess what???  Probably THE most offensive piece of writing would be the Gospel of Jesus.  Pretty sure it would not be considered PC.  Why, how could you ever tell anyone they are doomed to Hell if they do not believe as you do??  Hmmpph.

But, I don't want to say too much about it, because the lack of PC in this man's speech is absolutely brilliant.  I truly believe much of what he said flew right over the heads of most participants.  (A few parts I myself had to listen to twice!)  So this is all I need to write today, so please take the time to hear this man through.  Take note of his thoughts on a "dumbed" down America and the implications of that.  And his parables are thought provoking and oh so true of where our government stands today.  He takes no sides - left or right - and hits them both in the gut a few times, and I'm sure they never saw it coming!! So ladies and gentlemen (or to be PC, my fellow gentlepeople) I give you the director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Dr. Benjamin Carson.  Enjoy!!!

Click on link to view:
Dr. Benjamin Carson

What to blog.....what to blog......

I think the hardest thing for me about blogging is having enough in my life to write about that someone else might actually want to read......without falling asleep!

I'm not married to the Marlboro man.  Although he is wonderful and handsome, he does not rope cattle or ride horses (unless you count the City of Hardeeville).  He sits at a desk and maneuvers 2 computers (3 screens), 2 iPads, 2 smartphones, and a calculator.  Calculator???? Yeah, you heard me.......Meghan and I make fun of him for pulling out a calculator.  I mean after all, doesn't he already have 6 of them sitting on his desk? (see above list of maneuverables...)  

Oops, that's not his desk!!

I don't have to fix a fancy basket lunch and haul it out to my man and all his workers.  I have to pull out the bread, lunch meat and some condiments.......and yell to the other room...."Lunch is ready!!"

I don't have school age children to homeschool and blog about.  Been there, done that......and my children are certainly grateful it's over!!

I love to cook, but I'm pretty sure all the recipes I use have already been blogged about, and I certainly do NOT want to plagiarize!!

Better to blog about Con cooking

But, alas, I am no "Pioneer Woman", but I am "privileged bubble" woman!! (Title provided by an angry liberal on Facebook.)  And there are certainly  musings that happen in my "bubble".  Sometimes very serious, sometimes Spiritual, but most of the time just hilarious.

So there you go.  I shall write of foibles and blessings.  36 hours of not leaving the house and marvelous trips I'm fortunate to take.  The joy of children to "they'll put me in an early grave".  

I guess I could go on and on.......so WAKE UP!!!  Unless you are actually reading this to put yourself to sleep.........

I Hate Politics

Well, here it is..... Inauguration Day 2013.  The only big deal it is to me, is that it makes me start thinking about the state of our country all over again.  And this is why I hate politics.  Oh, they all sit all high and mighty in their big Washington offices, trying their best to convince their "people" they are FOR them.

Well......I call BULLSHIT!!

They are for their own agenda.  People be damned!

But, before you hate me, let me explain who I am, then if you choose to hate me it is on you.....not me!

I am a conservative.  (I do not like to call myself by an affiliated party)  Why do I call myself conservative?

I am 1st and foremost a "born again", Evangelical Christian.  That (by whomever's definition) makes me morally conservative.  My morals come from the Holy Bible.  If it is deemed a sin in the Book, it is a sin in my mind.  So, you know what those are....murder, debauchery, drunkenness, fornication, homosexuality,  gluttony..... Am I guilty of any of these sins???  Absolutely!  But, most importantly, I am forgiven. I John 1:8-10

2nd I am a fiscal conservative.  Bottom line - DON'T SPEND MORE THAN YOU BRING IN!!!  Why is that soooo difficult for Washington?? I have been in serious debt in my household.  It's like swimming in muck!!  The ONLY way to get out is to bring in more money, or to cut back on your spending.  If Scott and I continued to raise our debt ceiling (get more credit) we would most certainly be bankrupt today.  We are where we are, simply because we QUIT spending and found ways to gain more income.

and 3rd, I'm a social conservative.  I believe I should be able to keep the money I earn to give or spend the way I see fit.  I think some big government think tank should decide if I earn too much or Joe Schmo earns too little.  I think the church and not for profits are ultimately responsible for taking care of the less fortunate (and by that I mean people that can NOT work).  But, be surprised......I DON'T blame the government for this!  I blame the CHURCH!! Not the building, the institution, but the PEOPLE!!  Less than 10% of the church tithes anymore.  If every member of every church obeyed God's Word and tithed, they could more than take care of the needs of the world!!!

Our economy will begin to bounce back.  It's been in the tank too long.  This is America.  It's what we do.  We bounce back.  And I wouldn't give any president too much credit for that.  It is due to the faith and tenacity of the American worker.  Those that aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and work a little extra.  

But, I am sure of this.......if that worker is consistently being "robbed" of his well deserved earnings, he will stop.  He will cap his earnings to where he can keep the most.

So, there you have it.  Like me or not, I don't care.  This is America, I have the right to believe this way, you have the right not to.  I will not, nor need not judge you for yours, and you need not judge me for mine.  God will ultimately do that!

Well, here I go......

Well, here I go.......
I'm diving in......
Adding my legacy to the ever so big world of blogging!!

Why? you might ask?
Why not? I might ask!

I like to write.  I like to get crazy thoughts out of my head, so I put them on paper.  Why should I keep all the crazy for myself???

So here I go.......

My blog title gives it away, I am middle aged.  It's hard to accept, but reality is reality.  This year, 2013, I think I will stop counting birthdays.  I will be 49.  49!!??!!  I guess I shouldn't really mind turning 50, I mean it beats NOT turning 50  :)

I have been married to the same man for 28 years.  Yep, go ahead.....applaud.  Applaud loudly.  It is by far my greatest success in my life.  His name is Scott.  You'll get to know that name......I talk about him a lot!!  :)

We have 2 children.  Meghan - 25 (about to turn 26!!) and Caleb - 22. I love my children as much as any mother could.  But, they have taken me on the craziest roller coaster ride of my life.  But God has used it all (and still is) to grow and develop them (and me)!!  They are wonderful young adults and I am beginning to learn so much from them now!!  

We also have 1 grandson - yep, I said grandson!!  Conner is 4, and is a delight and a joy.  So full of life!!  But, that's all I'll say here, because I'm sure many of my posts will be about him!

So here I go.......

Diving into the blog world......

Prepare to read crazy....
Prepare to read passion.....
Prepare to read musings.......