November 28, 2008
This Week and Yesterday
This is a chatty, way too long post. I warn you now in case you have better things to do!
Monday began with it's usual fuss, only from me as I hit the snooze alarm and everyone else snoozes.
It was a busy day at work as we are into the flu and cold season and everyone wants to feel better now and "prevent" things from developing further. Since the field of medicine is not about predicting the manifestation of symptoms, that usually means that people go home without an antibiotic which somehow they think is a miracle drug for every virus known to mankind. Pre-holidays are always filled with last minute refills as well, making for what we call a "roller skate" day.
Monday afternoon involved the unsuccessful and frustrating search for the proper color of Advent candles for our wreath. With the advent (couldn't resist the pun) of the candle industry you'd think finding tapered candles in the appropriate colors would be easy. NO! I visited 6 stores before going to the mall and Yankee Candle where I found green and cranberry colored candles, which are not the right colors. This was my capitulation to time and energy and a mental note to myself to buy blue or purple candles in the spring and save them for next year's Advent.
I had my 8-year old in tow, and as we tried to exit the mall she saw an earring store and wanted to shop. I said OK. She asked so sweetly. We left the store with me getting my ears double pierced again.
Then we went home to put the labels on the homeschool newsletter for our group meeting that evening, only labels were not to be found so I did a hodge podge of things including using up the new Christmas labels I had bought last weekend. I also needed to prepare to share with the group about Advent (thus the desperate search for said candles earlier in the day) and the 12 Days of Christmas. Most of the group members are non-denominational folks so I wanted to get it right. A few ladies came up to me after the meeting and wanted to know sources of where to find Advent wreaths and the books I had mentioned.*
I dashed off to the meeting not in the best of spirits due to being so time crunched with the label disaster... but soon my focus was not on myself but on the ladies whose company I enjoy and who were soon sharing about their various trials with teaching a child, or an ill parent, or a friend in trouble. It was a nice meeting. We have a tradition of going out afterwards, and I had every intention of leaving by 11 pm, but I arrived home closer to midnight. :-)
In the middle of the night our youngest woke up and was throwing up for over 20 minutes. Poor thing! She said she'd been dreaming of throwing up and then she woke up and she was. It was frightening to her. A complete change of bed linens was in order and then very light sleeping for me after that as each turn in the bed or noise awoke me as I worried she might be throwing up again.
Tuesday dawned and somehow we frittered away the day and didn't get to go shopping for our final Thanksgiving meal needs until the late afternoon which is DARK! Mostly I think I was waiting to assess whether R would be sick again. She wasn't. I was concerned it was a flu virus and would make its rounds with us all. But she had no fever, or aches.
Because of our late start we battled the after work crowds (I am so spoiled to shop during work hours!) We were successful in finding a new vacuum, YEA!!!
Wednesday I awoke to go to work with a literal pain in my rear. This has happened before, with the most severe instance on the day of my father's funeral. Although I have a high tolerance for pain, this particular pain just wipes me out! So I went to work and received an injection from the doctor which did not produce the immediate pain relief as it had after my father's funeral. I went home worried about how Thanksgiving dinner would get done and took some pain medication which I knew would prevent me from doing anything meaningful.
Then, as I "wallered" in my bed in pain, my friend dropped by to borrow something for their family picture they were taking on Thanksgiving Day. She graciously talked to me about things as we haven't been able to see each other for a while due to our competing schedules, most of which I do not remember since I was under the influence of pain medication. :-)
Thursday dawned and much of the pain had dissipated and I was overjoyed knowing I could direct and help out the planned meal. As per tradition in my family, breakfast is nuts and tangerines so that the cooking can continue without much interruption. We didn't get quite the start we wanted to and so we nixed plans for an early afternoon meal and decided to shoot for between 6 and 7 pm. (We started eating at 6:05 pm!)
Around lunch-time, R was hungry and wanting something. She got into the rolls and said to K, "Can you zip the bag up for me because I don't know how to do that zip." It had a twisty tie on it. We all laughed.
We had
turkey with home-made gravy (made by hubby and I)
mashed red and yukon gold potatoes (made by Sarah)
yams (made by K)
home-made stuffing (made by Sarah and I but not cooked in the bird)
corn
rolls
a relish tray (two kinds of olives, two kinds of pickles, celery sticks and carrots)
Dessert was a variety of
pecan pie (store made)
pumpkin cheesecake (store made)
gingered pears (Sarah made!)
We'll be taking left-overs to the in-laws later this weekend and to a friend of the girls at the AFA who may be facing expulsion and is quite understandably disturbed by this.
Before the meal we shared our reasons for thanksgiving this year and R again said something which delighted us. She's at that stage where she can't keep a secret and doesn't have the discretion to know what is OK to discuss and what isn't. So during the time she was sharing what she was thankful for she said she was thankful for her big sisters most of the time. "Except when they are mean to me."
K kept mother-henning it over R reminding her to move her glass away from the edge, to use her fork, to wipe her mouth, to not stuff her mouth. K used phrases I used with her and Sarah so it was nice to see that some of what I say is being ingrained, I just pray it's the right stuff. :-0
Sarah broke a wedding gift to us in the preparation of the mashed potatoes and it scared her to death. She was breathing funny for quite a while after the glass dish exploded when cold water from the sink was poured on it and it was still warm from being in the oven.
It snowed off and on without accumulating throughout the afternoon but as evening came it started to stick. We all were overjoyed and R went outside and played in it for a while even though it was dark. She told her daddy she had to do it while the snow was there. We haven't had much to speak of this fall.
We thought we might end the day by learning to play cribbage, but when we found the rules online, we were overwhelmed and instead watched movies on the Hallmark channel.
I wish I had a prize for you for reading this far!
How as your holiday?
*Some of the resources I shared at the meeting were: Countdown to Christmas; The Very First Christmas (visually stunning); and Saint Nicholas, The Real Story of the Christmas Legend.
Monday began with it's usual fuss, only from me as I hit the snooze alarm and everyone else snoozes.
It was a busy day at work as we are into the flu and cold season and everyone wants to feel better now and "prevent" things from developing further. Since the field of medicine is not about predicting the manifestation of symptoms, that usually means that people go home without an antibiotic which somehow they think is a miracle drug for every virus known to mankind. Pre-holidays are always filled with last minute refills as well, making for what we call a "roller skate" day.
Monday afternoon involved the unsuccessful and frustrating search for the proper color of Advent candles for our wreath. With the advent (couldn't resist the pun) of the candle industry you'd think finding tapered candles in the appropriate colors would be easy. NO! I visited 6 stores before going to the mall and Yankee Candle where I found green and cranberry colored candles, which are not the right colors. This was my capitulation to time and energy and a mental note to myself to buy blue or purple candles in the spring and save them for next year's Advent.
I had my 8-year old in tow, and as we tried to exit the mall she saw an earring store and wanted to shop. I said OK. She asked so sweetly. We left the store with me getting my ears double pierced again.
Then we went home to put the labels on the homeschool newsletter for our group meeting that evening, only labels were not to be found so I did a hodge podge of things including using up the new Christmas labels I had bought last weekend. I also needed to prepare to share with the group about Advent (thus the desperate search for said candles earlier in the day) and the 12 Days of Christmas. Most of the group members are non-denominational folks so I wanted to get it right. A few ladies came up to me after the meeting and wanted to know sources of where to find Advent wreaths and the books I had mentioned.*
I dashed off to the meeting not in the best of spirits due to being so time crunched with the label disaster... but soon my focus was not on myself but on the ladies whose company I enjoy and who were soon sharing about their various trials with teaching a child, or an ill parent, or a friend in trouble. It was a nice meeting. We have a tradition of going out afterwards, and I had every intention of leaving by 11 pm, but I arrived home closer to midnight. :-)
In the middle of the night our youngest woke up and was throwing up for over 20 minutes. Poor thing! She said she'd been dreaming of throwing up and then she woke up and she was. It was frightening to her. A complete change of bed linens was in order and then very light sleeping for me after that as each turn in the bed or noise awoke me as I worried she might be throwing up again.
Tuesday dawned and somehow we frittered away the day and didn't get to go shopping for our final Thanksgiving meal needs until the late afternoon which is DARK! Mostly I think I was waiting to assess whether R would be sick again. She wasn't. I was concerned it was a flu virus and would make its rounds with us all. But she had no fever, or aches.
Because of our late start we battled the after work crowds (I am so spoiled to shop during work hours!) We were successful in finding a new vacuum, YEA!!!
Wednesday I awoke to go to work with a literal pain in my rear. This has happened before, with the most severe instance on the day of my father's funeral. Although I have a high tolerance for pain, this particular pain just wipes me out! So I went to work and received an injection from the doctor which did not produce the immediate pain relief as it had after my father's funeral. I went home worried about how Thanksgiving dinner would get done and took some pain medication which I knew would prevent me from doing anything meaningful.
Then, as I "wallered" in my bed in pain, my friend dropped by to borrow something for their family picture they were taking on Thanksgiving Day. She graciously talked to me about things as we haven't been able to see each other for a while due to our competing schedules, most of which I do not remember since I was under the influence of pain medication. :-)
Thursday dawned and much of the pain had dissipated and I was overjoyed knowing I could direct and help out the planned meal. As per tradition in my family, breakfast is nuts and tangerines so that the cooking can continue without much interruption. We didn't get quite the start we wanted to and so we nixed plans for an early afternoon meal and decided to shoot for between 6 and 7 pm. (We started eating at 6:05 pm!)
Around lunch-time, R was hungry and wanting something. She got into the rolls and said to K, "Can you zip the bag up for me because I don't know how to do that zip." It had a twisty tie on it. We all laughed.
We had
turkey with home-made gravy (made by hubby and I)
mashed red and yukon gold potatoes (made by Sarah)
yams (made by K)
home-made stuffing (made by Sarah and I but not cooked in the bird)
corn
rolls
a relish tray (two kinds of olives, two kinds of pickles, celery sticks and carrots)
Dessert was a variety of
pecan pie (store made)
pumpkin cheesecake (store made)
gingered pears (Sarah made!)
We'll be taking left-overs to the in-laws later this weekend and to a friend of the girls at the AFA who may be facing expulsion and is quite understandably disturbed by this.
Before the meal we shared our reasons for thanksgiving this year and R again said something which delighted us. She's at that stage where she can't keep a secret and doesn't have the discretion to know what is OK to discuss and what isn't. So during the time she was sharing what she was thankful for she said she was thankful for her big sisters most of the time. "Except when they are mean to me."
K kept mother-henning it over R reminding her to move her glass away from the edge, to use her fork, to wipe her mouth, to not stuff her mouth. K used phrases I used with her and Sarah so it was nice to see that some of what I say is being ingrained, I just pray it's the right stuff. :-0
Sarah broke a wedding gift to us in the preparation of the mashed potatoes and it scared her to death. She was breathing funny for quite a while after the glass dish exploded when cold water from the sink was poured on it and it was still warm from being in the oven.
It snowed off and on without accumulating throughout the afternoon but as evening came it started to stick. We all were overjoyed and R went outside and played in it for a while even though it was dark. She told her daddy she had to do it while the snow was there. We haven't had much to speak of this fall.
We thought we might end the day by learning to play cribbage, but when we found the rules online, we were overwhelmed and instead watched movies on the Hallmark channel.
I wish I had a prize for you for reading this far!
How as your holiday?
*Some of the resources I shared at the meeting were: Countdown to Christmas; The Very First Christmas (visually stunning); and Saint Nicholas, The Real Story of the Christmas Legend.
November 27, 2008
Living Hope
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy
has begotten us again to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible
and undefiled and that does not fade away,
reserved in heaven for you,
who are kept by the power of God
through faith for salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1 Peter 1: 3-5)
November 23, 2008
What Does My Name Mean?
And here I thought it meant "little". Hahahahha!
Esther shares this fun meme!
Esther shares this fun meme!
What Paula Means |
 You are influential and persuasive. You tend to have a lot of power over people. Generally, you use your powers for good. You excel at solving other people's problems. Occasionally, you do get a little selfish and persuade people to do things that are only in your interest. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic “Type A” personality. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. |
What Color Are You Meme?
I saw this on Barb's blog and had to play along!
Play along if you dare. My daughter turned out to be aqua, which described her perfectly!
| VIOLET |
You surround yourself with art and music and are constantly driven to express yourself. You often daydream. You prefer honesty in your relationships and believe strongly in your personal morals.
Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!
Play along if you dare. My daughter turned out to be aqua, which described her perfectly!
A babe is born
My oldest two daughters participated in the NCFCA which is a homeschool debate league.
While there was much to be learned and gained from such experiences, there is also much to be desired in the teaching of it and the implementation if it.
Tournaments are often skewed to favor the local participants. In addtion, the parents work harder than the kids, leaving these teenagers to their own devises much of the time. Unfortunately, that means there is ample opportunity for bad behavior to be exhibited, and poor choices to be made. That's not an entirely bad thing, as I believe that kids learning harder lessons while still under the tutelege of their parents is better than kids learning those lessons out among the cruel world which is often unforgiving.
The associations and friendships gained by my daughters during those competition years with the NCFCA has yielded quite a variety of persons.
One person in particular has been in our hearts, minds and prayers often these last several months as "life" has yielded her many hard lessons this past year. This friend of my daughters saw the bright beginnings of a collegiate lifestyle as she yearned to go to Patrick Henry College and then succeeded in doing so in August 2007. Within a few months at college she had become pregnant by her boyfriend who wanted nothing to do with her since she decided not to terminate the pregnancy. She then was formally kicked out of Patrick Henry College for an honor violation, that of being pregnant without benefit of marriage.
Her family, although disappointed, has welcomed her with loving forgiveness back into their homes there they have been supportive in helping her to continue her college career, although in a very different way than they all imagined.
Unto this friend of my daughters, was born a son early this morning. Both mother and son are doing well. The pictures are precious and fully of joy.
As we thank God for this healthy birth and for the quick recovery of his mother, we also recall what seems to us a terrible injustice, for you see, the father of this young boy has been allowed to continue at Patrick Henry College as if nothing occured last year. He has not been charged with an honor violation nor has he been kicked out of Patrick Henry.
This seems to me to be the height of hypocracy and I am deeply disappointed in an institution that would treat a female differently than a male in these circumstances.
Resolved if it's not honorable for her to be there, then it's not honorable for him to be there.
While there was much to be learned and gained from such experiences, there is also much to be desired in the teaching of it and the implementation if it.
Tournaments are often skewed to favor the local participants. In addtion, the parents work harder than the kids, leaving these teenagers to their own devises much of the time. Unfortunately, that means there is ample opportunity for bad behavior to be exhibited, and poor choices to be made. That's not an entirely bad thing, as I believe that kids learning harder lessons while still under the tutelege of their parents is better than kids learning those lessons out among the cruel world which is often unforgiving.
The associations and friendships gained by my daughters during those competition years with the NCFCA has yielded quite a variety of persons.
One person in particular has been in our hearts, minds and prayers often these last several months as "life" has yielded her many hard lessons this past year. This friend of my daughters saw the bright beginnings of a collegiate lifestyle as she yearned to go to Patrick Henry College and then succeeded in doing so in August 2007. Within a few months at college she had become pregnant by her boyfriend who wanted nothing to do with her since she decided not to terminate the pregnancy. She then was formally kicked out of Patrick Henry College for an honor violation, that of being pregnant without benefit of marriage.
Her family, although disappointed, has welcomed her with loving forgiveness back into their homes there they have been supportive in helping her to continue her college career, although in a very different way than they all imagined.
Unto this friend of my daughters, was born a son early this morning. Both mother and son are doing well. The pictures are precious and fully of joy.
As we thank God for this healthy birth and for the quick recovery of his mother, we also recall what seems to us a terrible injustice, for you see, the father of this young boy has been allowed to continue at Patrick Henry College as if nothing occured last year. He has not been charged with an honor violation nor has he been kicked out of Patrick Henry.
This seems to me to be the height of hypocracy and I am deeply disappointed in an institution that would treat a female differently than a male in these circumstances.
Resolved if it's not honorable for her to be there, then it's not honorable for him to be there.
November 20, 2008
Remembering Mom
Eight years ago today my mom lost her very short battle with cancer. She died of lung cancer. It's kind of ironic to me that November is the Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cancer Society.As a child, my younger brother and I would take anti-smoking pamphlets from the school nurse and stuff them under our parents' pillows. He and I were the only ones in our family who didn't develop the habit of smoking.
We went to her grave today, as we always do, and placed some red, white and blue flowers there. It was strange to see my father's date of death on the headstone now. Besides the flowers we left some personal items, as we always do. Just little things that remind us of them.
I miss her smile, her laughter, her sense of humor, her love of Snoppy, the way she played "Onward Christian Soldiers" on the piano (the way that got her booted from playing in the Salvation Army church for a month). I miss being able to just talk with her.
It is amazing to me how much I still miss them both...
November 18, 2008
England's Attempt to Prevent Teenaged Abortions
My daughter sent me this article in email.
It's horrifying really when government involves itself in the family planning sphere.
It's horrifying really when government involves itself in the family planning sphere.
November 11, 2008
What Hath Athens to Do with Jerusalem?
Tertullian, in about 200 A.D., sought to synthesize/merge the classical rhetorical style of speaking with theological issues as discussed in papers, sermons, etc. In doing so, he brought the conflicting idealogies down to this simple and yet profound question: What hath Athens to do with Jerusalem?
I gave this question to my older girls to answer a couple of years ago as a short writing assignment. In cleaning out my Bible cover I found Sarah's... here it is.
If were were able to reasonably understand all aspects of what we believe there would be no point or purpose or need for faith. Logic and reason have everything to do with understanding man and nothing to do with understanding God. It is impossible to understand everything about God because of our finite human reasoning. That which we cannot understand must be taken on faith. Without that faith, that trust, our relationship with God would be like any other human relationship.
I gave this question to my older girls to answer a couple of years ago as a short writing assignment. In cleaning out my Bible cover I found Sarah's... here it is.
What Hath Athens to Do with Jerusalem?
If were were able to reasonably understand all aspects of what we believe there would be no point or purpose or need for faith. Logic and reason have everything to do with understanding man and nothing to do with understanding God. It is impossible to understand everything about God because of our finite human reasoning. That which we cannot understand must be taken on faith. Without that faith, that trust, our relationship with God would be like any other human relationship.
Honoring Those Whose Service Preserves Our American Freedom (Left-Hand Kingdom)
Although I believe we should be thankful always for those who have chosen as their vocation serving in the military, today is a day set aside for honoring their service and sacrifice.
My family has multiple veterans in it, and one still active duty (God's peace and blessings to you, Fil, and to your lovely family). To them especially, I give my thanks and prayers for their well-being. I remember with lovingly gratitude two family veterans who have passed away since the last Veterans Day, my brother-in-law, Wesley, and my Dad.
GE Veith's blog, Cranach, has an interesting resource referenced in this post.
Here's an interesting story about the businesses that are supportive of those in the reserves and have been called up.
Hereare a couple of musical selections that are patriotic in nature, sorry I couldn't choose just one! :-)
And this last one via Michelle's blog, November 1st posting.
My family has multiple veterans in it, and one still active duty (God's peace and blessings to you, Fil, and to your lovely family). To them especially, I give my thanks and prayers for their well-being. I remember with lovingly gratitude two family veterans who have passed away since the last Veterans Day, my brother-in-law, Wesley, and my Dad.
GE Veith's blog, Cranach, has an interesting resource referenced in this post.
Here's an interesting story about the businesses that are supportive of those in the reserves and have been called up.
Hereare a couple of musical selections that are patriotic in nature, sorry I couldn't choose just one! :-)
And this last one via Michelle's blog, November 1st posting.
November 10, 2008
Meme -- 7 Random/Weird Facts about Me
Esther at The Mommy Diaries tagged me with this fun meme. It was hard to come up with stuff, it hurt my brain a little to do this...
• Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules in your post.
• Share seven random/weird facts about yourself.
• Tag seven random people and link to their blogs.
• Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment in their blog.
SEVEN RANDOM/WEIRD FACTS ABOUT MYSELF:
1. Conversations with me often take on a word association chain and you might need to stop and ask me what caused the diversion in our conversation to something completely different!
2. Although I am lactose intolerant, I have long and strong fingernails.
3. I have taught my children that Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" is the modern homeschool movement's original theme song, and they each know every word to that song.
4. I am the third daughter of a third child, and I have three daughters.
5. Sometimes I laugh so hard and long I almost pass out. And when I laugh like this, it is infectious and my whole family starts laughing.
6. I always wear dangley earrings.
7. Although I am a butterball, my wedding ring size is a 4.
Ok, I'm tagging:
Kelly so she'll have to read other blogs a little! (Ha! Ha! She laughed evilly!)
Heidi, if she wants, so she can focus for a minute on things not so serious.
Michelle at Ripples of Peace because it would be nice to get to know her better.
Gina's indominable spirit must have something obscure to share!
Barb is so interesting... I bet there's so much more we don't know about her. :-)
Jan at Just Imagine Heaven has a fun blog and I'd like to get to know her better, too!
Wendi because she is funny and I can't wait to hear what she'll share!
Anyone else who wants to play, PLEASE do, and just leave a comment so I'll know to visit your blog and read about it!
• Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules in your post.
• Share seven random/weird facts about yourself.
• Tag seven random people and link to their blogs.
• Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment in their blog.
SEVEN RANDOM/WEIRD FACTS ABOUT MYSELF:
1. Conversations with me often take on a word association chain and you might need to stop and ask me what caused the diversion in our conversation to something completely different!
2. Although I am lactose intolerant, I have long and strong fingernails.
3. I have taught my children that Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" is the modern homeschool movement's original theme song, and they each know every word to that song.
4. I am the third daughter of a third child, and I have three daughters.
5. Sometimes I laugh so hard and long I almost pass out. And when I laugh like this, it is infectious and my whole family starts laughing.
6. I always wear dangley earrings.
7. Although I am a butterball, my wedding ring size is a 4.
Ok, I'm tagging:
Kelly so she'll have to read other blogs a little! (Ha! Ha! She laughed evilly!)
Heidi, if she wants, so she can focus for a minute on things not so serious.
Michelle at Ripples of Peace because it would be nice to get to know her better.
Gina's indominable spirit must have something obscure to share!
Barb is so interesting... I bet there's so much more we don't know about her. :-)
Jan at Just Imagine Heaven has a fun blog and I'd like to get to know her better, too!
Wendi because she is funny and I can't wait to hear what she'll share!
Anyone else who wants to play, PLEASE do, and just leave a comment so I'll know to visit your blog and read about it!
Berlin Wall 1961-1989
I was a newlywed when President Reagan issued the infamous line, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" What a bold challenge President Reagan issued on June 12, 1987. And then, when the wall came down, on November 9, 1989, I was a new mom, with babe in arms as I watched the extraordinary events. I remember being encouraged that my daughter would grow up without that symbol of seperation and that the people of East Berlin would finally know the pleasant aroma of freedom.
President Reagan went to Berlin in the waning months of his Presidency and exerted the power of his resolve and influence as President of the United States to affect a positive change from socialist communism to freedom!
May we all ever be so bold! (Please take time to read President Reagan's speech, it's quite appropos for today.)
And here's the little darlin' from November 1989.
President Reagan went to Berlin in the waning months of his Presidency and exerted the power of his resolve and influence as President of the United States to affect a positive change from socialist communism to freedom!
May we all ever be so bold! (Please take time to read President Reagan's speech, it's quite appropos for today.)
And here's the little darlin' from November 1989.
November 8, 2008
How kind!
Michelle has graciously given me a blog award. Now I'm supposed to share it with others! What a nice way to encourage others and let them know you appreciate their blogs.
So, here goes:
Barb -- whose posts, while infrequent, never fail to make me smile! I admire her forthrightness and her loving posts about her granddaughters and what they're doing and learning about.
The Nightly Knitter -- her posts, which are now gone, about the election provided me with insight and useful information. I admire her skill at knitting!
Laura -- her strength and faith are an inspiration. In sharing about Ben and her family on her blog, we all have been enriched by the love that is shared within their family.
The May Family -- when you think life is difficult, take a gander here and see how other folks, on the other side of the world, are working really hard to bring the knowledge of saving grace in Christ Jesus to folks in Africa, and doing so under trying circumstances. Pray for them!
Ripples of Peace -- interesting and full of variety!
Angie -- she also has variety on her blog. Check out her recent post about the solar system!
Sarah -- my daughter and friend, of whom I am (sorry for the lack of humility here) very proud!
November 6, 2008
What Happens When Emotionalism Wanes?
The last several days were interesting as we learned about people whose motive to win is because they hate the other "side", and about the people who tried to suppress other folks from having their say, and those who could not articulate reasons to support their candidate other than to shout his name like a mantra and talk about the color of his skin instead of being informed of his policies, ideology and lineage.
While all the above lingered like cigarette smoke clings to whatever it is around and invades the porous fiber of objects, there is a stench that is hard to ignore.
I grew up with two older sisters who were teenagers in the 60's. The oldest one was rather militant about certain matters, like the Vietnam war and Nixon and "the establishment" and how God was dead. Her opinion about most of that has changed almost 180 degrees, by the way.
Her passion was real, but her logic was based on emotional appeals and not reality. I see a similarity to those I've been exposed to who supported Obama in this election. Perhaps there are others who can articulate their support of him based upon at least ideology, not to mention proposed plans and policies, but I've yet to meet one.
So what will happen when these supporters' passions wanes? What then? (Reminds me of the religious folks who depend upon their emotional responses to things rather than depending on the truth of the Word.) Our emotions are fleeting and can betray us. The pitch cannot be maintained indefinitely.
With all of this swirling in my mind, I heard a song on the way home from the office this morning. It's an oldie but a goodie. If you don't like the genre, I hope you'll at least read the lyrics following the clip.
I remember the impact this song had on my radical sister. She was just amazed that the Beatles, a group she revered, was telling the protesters that they better settle down. She felt, and I do too, that the song was directed at those people who were employing means that were destructive, hateful and directed at tearing down America, and we definitely anti-Communist.
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're doing what we can
But when you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right Ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah...
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right all right, all right, all right all right, all right, all right
While all the above lingered like cigarette smoke clings to whatever it is around and invades the porous fiber of objects, there is a stench that is hard to ignore.
I grew up with two older sisters who were teenagers in the 60's. The oldest one was rather militant about certain matters, like the Vietnam war and Nixon and "the establishment" and how God was dead. Her opinion about most of that has changed almost 180 degrees, by the way.
Her passion was real, but her logic was based on emotional appeals and not reality. I see a similarity to those I've been exposed to who supported Obama in this election. Perhaps there are others who can articulate their support of him based upon at least ideology, not to mention proposed plans and policies, but I've yet to meet one.
So what will happen when these supporters' passions wanes? What then? (Reminds me of the religious folks who depend upon their emotional responses to things rather than depending on the truth of the Word.) Our emotions are fleeting and can betray us. The pitch cannot be maintained indefinitely.
With all of this swirling in my mind, I heard a song on the way home from the office this morning. It's an oldie but a goodie. If you don't like the genre, I hope you'll at least read the lyrics following the clip.
I remember the impact this song had on my radical sister. She was just amazed that the Beatles, a group she revered, was telling the protesters that they better settle down. She felt, and I do too, that the song was directed at those people who were employing means that were destructive, hateful and directed at tearing down America, and we definitely anti-Communist.
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're doing what we can
But when you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right Ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah...
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right all right, all right, all right all right, all right, all right
Colorado Political Humor
Oh my goodness! Anyone who follows Colorado flavored politics will get all the humor laced in this article. Those of you who don't will still find enough to chuckle over.
Post Mortem
There's more to share about the last several days, but in the meanwhile while I try to sift through it before sharing I found this fabulous, articulate and accurate article, worth your time to read!
November 4, 2008
Class Act
John McCain has issued a concession speech which was elegant and full of good will and humility.
A very classy act. The act of a man willing to take responsibility for his actions and the campaign he ran.
I am proud to say I voted for him.
Thank you for your service to our country, Senator McCain. You are a remarkable man and one our children can look up to.
Although we've prayed all throughout this process, I believe a renewed effort in that is in order. The trifecta result may have impacts beyond our imaginings! I know and trust that God is in charge.
Kyrie elioson!
A very classy act. The act of a man willing to take responsibility for his actions and the campaign he ran.
I am proud to say I voted for him.
Thank you for your service to our country, Senator McCain. You are a remarkable man and one our children can look up to.
Although we've prayed all throughout this process, I believe a renewed effort in that is in order. The trifecta result may have impacts beyond our imaginings! I know and trust that God is in charge.
Kyrie elioson!
Them's Fighting Words!
This evening I was physically assaulted by a woman who invaded our planned, city-ordained honk and wave who didn't like what I was saying.
As she sidled up to stand in front of me and wave her 8 inch by 10 inch Obama sign she was shouting things like, "Republicans are ignorant!" "John McCain should have stayed in Hanoi!" "Sarah Palin should be hunting for moose!" And other wise and wonderful (NOT) things.
As the traffic light changed, and someone yelled out "Obama" I yelled back, "Just Say No to Socialism!" (This was the message on my 2 foot by 3 foot sign.) Then she turned to me and shouted it was typical of Republicans to revert to fear to scare the voters. I chose not to address her but shouted at a car with it's windows rolled down that I could distribute my own wealth and didn't need the government to do it for me. This incensed the woman who then charged at me like a bull. She stopped just short of touching my nose and I told her to back off. She did, and then started calling me a "F---ing b----!" Then she started to charge me again, spittle dripping down from the corner of her mouth. I put my right hand out to stop her from getting close and she kept charging, placing her chin in my palm and began to push me into the very busy highway (we were at Highway 24 and 8th Street in west Colorado Springs).
Immediately, some of the other people, who have been at many honk and waves with us over these last few days, surrounded me and told her to back off. Three men stood in front of me and to my sides while a woman came up behind me and started praying.
The Obama woman started yelling, "She touched me!" And I took her picture, which she tried to duck out of. Then she launched in to a tirade the likes of which would make most decent people blush such colorful language and twisted logic spewed forth.
The police were called, and three officers came out to discuss the matter, and when the first squad car showed up she ran off.
I didn't mind her being there to express her opinion. That's what a free election is about. But when she physically charged me and tried to push me into traffic -- well, that's just wrong. I have the same right to express my opinion. I had the legal right to be there. I could have asked her to leave since she didn't have a permit like we did to hold a peaceful assembly.
So, just be careful out there folks. Times are scary when people are so angry they'll physically accost you without provocation, or because they don't like what you say. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.
Oh, yea, for posterity's sake here's her picture!
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Pharisee
Check out the story on my daughter's blog about meeting up with Obama campaign workers in a local coffee shop.
Interesting....
Praying.
Interesting....
Praying.
November 2, 2008
Honk and Waves and Electing a Communist
A friend of my oldest daughter made the video below. Way to go Shaun!
On a personal note, we've been out doing "Honk and Waves" the last several days, which my oldest daughter has been in charge of for the El Paso County GOP. For those who don't know what a "Honk and Wave" is, you make or carry signs at busy intersections in support of your candidate(s). While you try not to distract drivers, you also seek their supportive honks and waves.
On Friday, teenaged boys shouted out to my 8-year old (who was holding a "Yes, she can!" sign) the "c" word. Now there's class for ya. I responded to them, "Words like that are a weak mind trying to express itself forcefully." And encouraged them to get a thesaurus. I doubt they knew what it was, because there response was to shout out that word as many times as they could before the light changed so they could move away.
The usual response has been a one-fingered salute from Obama supporters. There was a time in this city when that gesture was a misdemeanor. Some folks give us the thumbs down sign.
But overwhelmingly we're getting honks and gestures in FAVOR of the McCain/Palin ticket and other local candidates. We've all enjoyed our time at these events meeting some rather unique people. It's interesting to learn how and why people came to support McCain/Palin.
As a former representative (Ed Jones) of Colorado Springs put it, "We cannot elect that communist!" Succinct and covers it all.
Sarah and I have been holding two signs which have gotten great responses and many folks have taken my picture, the first one says "Jane the plumber." The second one says, "I'm Bitter, I'm Praying, and I Pack a Gun!" Here's a picture of Sarah carrying the second sign.
On a personal note, we've been out doing "Honk and Waves" the last several days, which my oldest daughter has been in charge of for the El Paso County GOP. For those who don't know what a "Honk and Wave" is, you make or carry signs at busy intersections in support of your candidate(s). While you try not to distract drivers, you also seek their supportive honks and waves.
On Friday, teenaged boys shouted out to my 8-year old (who was holding a "Yes, she can!" sign) the "c" word. Now there's class for ya. I responded to them, "Words like that are a weak mind trying to express itself forcefully." And encouraged them to get a thesaurus. I doubt they knew what it was, because there response was to shout out that word as many times as they could before the light changed so they could move away.
The usual response has been a one-fingered salute from Obama supporters. There was a time in this city when that gesture was a misdemeanor. Some folks give us the thumbs down sign.
But overwhelmingly we're getting honks and gestures in FAVOR of the McCain/Palin ticket and other local candidates. We've all enjoyed our time at these events meeting some rather unique people. It's interesting to learn how and why people came to support McCain/Palin.
As a former representative (Ed Jones) of Colorado Springs put it, "We cannot elect that communist!" Succinct and covers it all.
Sarah and I have been holding two signs which have gotten great responses and many folks have taken my picture, the first one says "Jane the plumber." The second one says, "I'm Bitter, I'm Praying, and I Pack a Gun!" Here's a picture of Sarah carrying the second sign.
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