1. How can so many people be out and about during the work day? Why aren't they working? OR, what is their work, and can I get the same kind of job?
2. How come regular potatoes in the microwave aren't nearly as good as the one's you buy at the supermarket that are already wrapped and ready to microwave? Really? Is the plastic rap EXTRA special, or some SUPER SECRET kind?
3. What's the unsweetened version of an Arnold Palmer called? Faux APalmer? ArnoldParmer, wienie version?
4. Why is water from the toilet more tasty to my dog than good ole fresh tap water from the kitchen sink? Seriously...
5. Why do squirrels hide walnuts in my planters every year...only to have me dump them in the spring? Do they not remember where they hid their nuts? OR, is it their "ER squirrel food"...only to be used if there is a nuclear holocaust or a rodent war?
6. Why can't gas tanks all be on the same side of every car made? By asking that, am I now a Socialist? If I'm a socialist, does that mean I don't have to shave my arm pits or legs anymore?
7. I actually found a pudgie pie maker for sale in a magazine. However, it was a little to much...advertising the makings of a brie and turkey pudgie pie: are they kidding? Pudgie pie makers should only make wonder bread and canned cherry pies...that's their God-given reason for existing, so don't go trying to make it more cool than it is...sheeeeeeeeeesssshhhhhhh!
8. Why did it take so long to design the roller wheel suitcases? Seriously...they've only been around 20 years or so...we can put a man on the moon, solve serious mysteries, but this took 20+ years? What else is waiting out there that we are being "all cave man" about?
9. How come there are people at work who simply WILL NOT respond to emails, meeting requests, etc. until you copy their boss on the correspondence? Seriously...how come that continues to happen? DUH!
10. And lastly, how come each and every year that I have lived in my current home I get a letter from the power company telling me that they will be in my area and trimming trees in my yard...and yet they have NEVER done any trimming...NOT KIDDING: 8 years straight!
These are the mysteries that I ponder...I can't figure out why I never made it in academia!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The summer of discontent...
'Mulling over the "summer of discontent" (who WASN'T incensed about something?), I can't help but think that all the "change" that everyone declares is needed, has to start with just ONE: that would be me, that would be you...that would NOT be WE! This is most true of the Body of Christ's believers right now. I'll explain my thinking, as I read and hear from other brothers and sisters
1. A call to prayer for the repentance of the country's leaders and country's citizens
*Where is the call of repentance for ourselves and our body of believers?
2. A call to "speak (yell) out" against the evil leadership in our country
*Where is our call to pray for our leaders (NOT blindly obey, but to pray for) and to
"speak the truth in love"?
3. A rally against those who do not share our value of life...at all stages
*I have yet to see even one Christian take in a pregnant women and help her so she can
either learn how to care for herself and her baby or to give her up for adoption...
*Fighting against government run healthcare/programs and yet cashing Social Security
checks and signing up for Medicare just like everyone else. For those who are so against
these public programs", there are ways to "religiously object" and not pay into them, and
thus not receive those benefits (or just deny to use them, period). I know of only one
person who has ever said they have done this..
*Attending rallies in battery operated wheelchairs, to wave posters of our President with a
Nazi mustache, when that very wheelchair was provided through a federal disability
program...one that we all pay into, so that we can take care of each other when any one
us is no longer able to care for themselves. I suppose that's socialism...but if it is,
it sort of works.
*A young lady declaring that we should all just "take care of each other" and there would
be no need for government assistance. 'Sounds awesome: are there enough Christians
to staff the hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices that are needed? Other than "pastoral
visits", I'm not really seeing a lot of that kind of sacrifice going on.
4. Using anger and passion to get a point across, versus prayer and service
*Believe me, of this I know, I to want to react when I see some of the
stuff that's going on "out there" (and sometimes fail and do react!), but it's not what I'm
called to and/or designed for...
5. The call to fight over this "God ordained democracy"? Really? Since when did God design
a democracy? He is over a KINGDOM...and I don't read anywhere that in HIS kingdom that
we get to vote on His decrees or laws. What we have here on earth is what we have on
earth, and it's my belief that we do the best we can, but truly...it's EARTH- NOT HEAVEN!
6. Can we just get over ourselves a little bit?...just a little bit? We think we are better than
other countries, people groups, leaders, people in general. Pride vs Humility? It's pretty
clear what the Holy One prefers and blesses...
I am blessed to be part of the body of believers, and I love and am thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ...but I am disappointed in us a larger group. I'm disappointed in myself as part of that group. So what do I do now? I pray...I listen...and I pray. I stop focusing on my disappointment in the "collective we", and I put my hope in Him alone who never disappoints, always forgives and will ultimately make all things new, holy, and just the way should be. That He will never make heaven on earth for us, but He can, will and does build heaven in our hearts so we can eventually share that with Him and each other forever...
Whew! Glad I got that off my chest...good that no one really reads this...it's my safe place to get it all out...forward I go!
1. A call to prayer for the repentance of the country's leaders and country's citizens
*Where is the call of repentance for ourselves and our body of believers?
2. A call to "speak (yell) out" against the evil leadership in our country
*Where is our call to pray for our leaders (NOT blindly obey, but to pray for) and to
"speak the truth in love"?
3. A rally against those who do not share our value of life...at all stages
*I have yet to see even one Christian take in a pregnant women and help her so she can
either learn how to care for herself and her baby or to give her up for adoption...
*Fighting against government run healthcare/programs and yet cashing Social Security
checks and signing up for Medicare just like everyone else. For those who are so against
these public programs", there are ways to "religiously object" and not pay into them, and
thus not receive those benefits (or just deny to use them, period). I know of only one
person who has ever said they have done this..
*Attending rallies in battery operated wheelchairs, to wave posters of our President with a
Nazi mustache, when that very wheelchair was provided through a federal disability
program...one that we all pay into, so that we can take care of each other when any one
us is no longer able to care for themselves. I suppose that's socialism...but if it is,
it sort of works.
*A young lady declaring that we should all just "take care of each other" and there would
be no need for government assistance. 'Sounds awesome: are there enough Christians
to staff the hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices that are needed? Other than "pastoral
visits", I'm not really seeing a lot of that kind of sacrifice going on.
4. Using anger and passion to get a point across, versus prayer and service
*Believe me, of this I know, I to want to react when I see some of the
stuff that's going on "out there" (and sometimes fail and do react!), but it's not what I'm
called to and/or designed for...
5. The call to fight over this "God ordained democracy"? Really? Since when did God design
a democracy? He is over a KINGDOM...and I don't read anywhere that in HIS kingdom that
we get to vote on His decrees or laws. What we have here on earth is what we have on
earth, and it's my belief that we do the best we can, but truly...it's EARTH- NOT HEAVEN!
6. Can we just get over ourselves a little bit?...just a little bit? We think we are better than
other countries, people groups, leaders, people in general. Pride vs Humility? It's pretty
clear what the Holy One prefers and blesses...
I am blessed to be part of the body of believers, and I love and am thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ...but I am disappointed in us a larger group. I'm disappointed in myself as part of that group. So what do I do now? I pray...I listen...and I pray. I stop focusing on my disappointment in the "collective we", and I put my hope in Him alone who never disappoints, always forgives and will ultimately make all things new, holy, and just the way should be. That He will never make heaven on earth for us, but He can, will and does build heaven in our hearts so we can eventually share that with Him and each other forever...
Whew! Glad I got that off my chest...good that no one really reads this...it's my safe place to get it all out...forward I go!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Waves of Mercy...
rolling over me. What would I ever do without it? If Grace is not getting what you deserve, and Mercy is getting what you don't deserve, then I have a life full of Grace and Mercy!I had a really fun-filled three days with one of my best buds from the past. Isn't it just THE BEST when you have an unspoken understanding of someone, and they of you?...there's just a comfortableness that washes over you that simply can't be match by those who don't have that shared history and richness of experiences, memories and words.
Anyway, that ended with a call that my father was ill...which is an ongoing battle for him and our family, but I hopped an earlier flight and came home to be with my precious family. Before I left for home I got to see this...it soothed my soul, it comforted me and it humbled me. The waves were HUGE (hurricane David, Daniel, some D name... had just finished it's move inland) and the majestic noise and view could not be matched. GOD made that happen...GOD created it...GOD is the "blessed controller of all things"! Such a great belief through the flight home, and the following days to come in hospital rooms, waiting rooms, etc.
Waves of mercy my friends, Waves of Mercy...I hope they keep washing over me again, and again, and again...
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Lion sleeps
I remember visiting my gramma and seeing the framed picture of JFK on the wall...reading the JFK "coffee table" book together with my grampa. I remember grampa and I walking down the road, or picking raspberries and talking about JFK, Bobby, Rose and Eddie. I grew up with the Kennedy's being part of my very own "American Royalty"....
Later in college, I actually saw Bobby Jr.'s family play football on the IU Student Union grounds...and was behind the barricades (streets were blocked off in B-town) when he married a Southern Indiana native (Emily Black? I'm not sure that's correct!)...
I bought the very 1st "George" magazine produced by John Jr., and waited in hope that his plane really didn't go down, but was lost. I mourned with so many others when the truth of that horrible accident was revealed.
I have applauded the quiet grace and presence of Caroline...and of course shook my head at the "bone-head" stuff the younger Kennedy's did... The reality is that family, is like many of our families. We love, we fight, we do STUPID things, we forgive, we grow up, we (hopefully) learn from our indiscretions and grow wiser, and we face Painful, Painful things in our relationships.
Teddy wasn't perfect, but he was passionate and full of conviction. I don't agree with him on everything, but loved his work ethic. He really LEARNED the issues and the ins/outs of programs, services, agencies...I doubt many others have done the same in our current senate.
I'm leaving for Boston to visit a friend and much of that city will be both mourning and celebrating this epic figure: a husband, father, friend, foe, servant...
SO...Ted...here's to you! Thanks for your service; thanks for growing up; thanks for showing all of us that redemption and recovery can and does happen, and that hard work really does bring about wisdom that passion can never achieve on it's own!
Later in college, I actually saw Bobby Jr.'s family play football on the IU Student Union grounds...and was behind the barricades (streets were blocked off in B-town) when he married a Southern Indiana native (Emily Black? I'm not sure that's correct!)...
I bought the very 1st "George" magazine produced by John Jr., and waited in hope that his plane really didn't go down, but was lost. I mourned with so many others when the truth of that horrible accident was revealed.
I have applauded the quiet grace and presence of Caroline...and of course shook my head at the "bone-head" stuff the younger Kennedy's did... The reality is that family, is like many of our families. We love, we fight, we do STUPID things, we forgive, we grow up, we (hopefully) learn from our indiscretions and grow wiser, and we face Painful, Painful things in our relationships.
Teddy wasn't perfect, but he was passionate and full of conviction. I don't agree with him on everything, but loved his work ethic. He really LEARNED the issues and the ins/outs of programs, services, agencies...I doubt many others have done the same in our current senate.
I'm leaving for Boston to visit a friend and much of that city will be both mourning and celebrating this epic figure: a husband, father, friend, foe, servant...
SO...Ted...here's to you! Thanks for your service; thanks for growing up; thanks for showing all of us that redemption and recovery can and does happen, and that hard work really does bring about wisdom that passion can never achieve on it's own!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Guess What?
1. Medicare is a government run program
2. There are no death panels being set up by the government in the health care reform bill
3. God isn't an American, Republican, Baptist...
4. God isn't a Liberal Democrat...
5. None of us OWN God, but He owns the world
6. God's kingdom is NOT a democracy; HE is most definitely the King and we don't get a vote
7. God will not stand before us, but we will definitely stand before Him
8. The Declaration of Independence is not inspired by God, but God's Word is...every word
9. God knows we care about Him when we care about each other: when we don't/won't...
that sends Him a strong message too
10. Give me wisdom any day over passion...passion is short term, wisdom lasts forever
2. There are no death panels being set up by the government in the health care reform bill
3. God isn't an American, Republican, Baptist...
4. God isn't a Liberal Democrat...
5. None of us OWN God, but He owns the world
6. God's kingdom is NOT a democracy; HE is most definitely the King and we don't get a vote
7. God will not stand before us, but we will definitely stand before Him
8. The Declaration of Independence is not inspired by God, but God's Word is...every word
9. God knows we care about Him when we care about each other: when we don't/won't...
that sends Him a strong message too
10. Give me wisdom any day over passion...passion is short term, wisdom lasts forever
Sunday, August 2, 2009
My prayer:
May the words of my mouth
And the thoughts of my heart
Bless your name, Bless your name
Jesus
And the deeds of the day
And the truth of my ways
Speak of you, speak of you,
Jesus
For this is what I’m glad to do
It’s time to live a life of love that pleases you
And I will give my all to you
Surrender everything I have and follow you
I’ll follow you
Lord be my vision
Lord by my guide
Be my hope
Be my light: in the way
And I’ll look not for riches
Nor praises on earth
Only You be the first of my heart
For this is what I’m glad to do
It’s time to live a life of love that pleases you
And I will give my all to you
Surrender everything I have and follow you
I’ll follow you
I’ll follow you, by Christy Nichols
And the thoughts of my heart
Bless your name, Bless your name
Jesus
And the deeds of the day
And the truth of my ways
Speak of you, speak of you,
Jesus
For this is what I’m glad to do
It’s time to live a life of love that pleases you
And I will give my all to you
Surrender everything I have and follow you
I’ll follow you
Lord be my vision
Lord by my guide
Be my hope
Be my light: in the way
And I’ll look not for riches
Nor praises on earth
Only You be the first of my heart
For this is what I’m glad to do
It’s time to live a life of love that pleases you
And I will give my all to you
Surrender everything I have and follow you
I’ll follow you
I’ll follow you, by Christy Nichols
Sunday, June 28, 2009
"I Confess my Dependence on You"...
I have found some new tunes. I love music, but I'm really into the words more than anything else! So, I am especially loving Meridith Andrews and Jamie Slocum. The song, "Dependence on You" has really resonated with my life right now. Even in the midst of so much pain that friends and family are going through, I still know the peace of Christ...only HE can make that happen! So here are the lyrics: 'hope you love them as much as I do!
This is the life I’ve always wanted
To know the Prince of Peace
To feel my faith restored
As your grace surrounds me
This is the day of new beginnings
This is where my freedom starts
And now death has lost its sting
And Jesus how can I thank you?
Just to know, Just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me?
Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I travel on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you
There is lightness in my laughter
There is a joy inside my soul
My heart is overwhelmed
And Jesus how can I thank you?
Just to know, Just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me?
Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I travel on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you
Just to know, Just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
You’re the one thing I can turn to
To know the Prince of Peace
To feel my faith restored
As your grace surrounds me
This is the day of new beginnings
This is where my freedom starts
And now death has lost its sting
And Jesus how can I thank you?
Just to know, Just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me?
Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I travel on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you
There is lightness in my laughter
There is a joy inside my soul
My heart is overwhelmed
And Jesus how can I thank you?
Just to know, Just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me?
Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I travel on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you
Just to know, Just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
You’re the one thing I can turn to
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