First off, let me state straight up - I am not a political guru by any stretch of the imagination! This year however, I have become almost obsessed with the lack of moral values, character, and plain common sense of our so called leaders.
I think so much of this was noticed in the race for the White House. I am a huge Sarah Palin fan, simply because the lady has class, character, and courage. She also has common sense - something that so many people these days lack, not only in politics, but in life in general. She is an independent thinker; believes in what our founding fathers stood for, and fights for her people, not her platform.
This year, all the democrats and most of the republicans disappointed me. Now, as President Elect Obama is placing his team together, I'm even more outraged at our leaders for not calling "foul"! For insance, I am in awe at the harrassment, and downright meanness of the liberal media toward "Joe the Plumber". He was raked over the coals for having $3000 in back taxes that he says he didn't know he owed. Should he pay up? Absolutely - and I don't think he ever argued that point. But then there's Tim Geithner - the man Obama is appointing as Secretary of Treasury. He has over $34,000 of back taxes and the democrats are calling it a "mistake". And, the media isn't grilling him - they aren't even questioning it! And this is a potential leader in our country. This whole thing just has me puzzled, and quite frankly, pissed off.
I find it appalling the lack of moral character that is required anymore. I fear this great country has seen it's greatest days unless we learn to stand up, be heard, and uphold what is right. I keep hearing a song in my head by Casting Crowns:
"It's a slow fade when you give yourself away. It's a slow fade when black and white have
turned to gray. Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid, When you give
yourself away. People never crumble in a day."
I think the same could be said for countries or kingdoms - they never crumble in a day. It's a slow fade when we choose to take prayer out of schools, allow abortions, gay marriages, socialistic ideas. . . shall I go on? Over the years, it has been a slow fade. America is giving herself away and only a very few see it.
I see it . . . and it is unsettling. I have 3 beautiful kids whom I want to have the opportunity to grow up in a free, God-fearing society. That opportunity is slowly fading. It's my job to instill those priciples in them, stand up for what's right, and teach them moral and ethical responsibility along with character and integrity in their choices. I hope and pray that they have courage to stand up for what's right. I also pray that as we move forward as a country that conservative values are reignited. That won't happen though unless we communicate with our leaders. Send letters to your congressmen. Don't water down your values to "go with the flow". Walk out your faith to the best of your ability and let God shine through you. Change can come - but it's going to have to start wtih me and with you. Then it will flow into our families and overflow into the communities. That's change we can believe in!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Give Me A Revelation, Show Me What to Do . . .
The Christian music group "Third Day" has a song out called, Revelation. It's been out for a few months, but it seems to really be hitting me in the gut right now.
I posted a few months ago about not really being sure where I fit into the whole Batteries Plus thing. Back in September, the church called me and said they were looking to hire someone to work 20 hours a week doing Children's Ministry stuff along with some other miscellaneous tasks. I was glad to have an opportunity to do something different. The job could start in 2 weeks or begin after the first of the year. . . they weren't 100% sure. Dennis was excited for me and said to take it. As the semester moved along, I began to feel extremely uneasy about working at the church, which made no sense to me at all. I've always wanted to be on staff at our church. I love the people and what we do and why not get paid to work doing what you love and believe in? I started talking to Dennis over the course of a few weeks just to try and sort through why there was no peace in this decision. I finally verbalized to him that I felt going to the church, at least at this point in time, didn't feel like the right decision. He didn't question me, but said I needed to call our Children's Pastors immediately. I did so and they still love me. I feel bad that it's taken this long to get to a point of realizing that direction, for whatever reason, was wrong at this time. I still am puzzled by the whole thing, but feel at peace with the decision.
That said, God: Give me a revelation. Show me what to do, 'cause I've been trying to find my way and I haven't got a clue. Tell me should I stay here or do I need to move. Give me a revelation. I've got nothing without You. - Third Day
I don't know, maybe this is an obedience test. Maybe it has something to do with the challenges Caleb's had at school and I'm going to need to be more available for him. Maybe I'm still supposed to stand alongside my man rather than cheer from the sidelines. Maybe the timing is just off. No matter what it is, I feel at peace with the decision and that's a great way to begin this new year.
I love You, God and I fully trust you with my future. For I know the plans you have for me; plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
I posted a few months ago about not really being sure where I fit into the whole Batteries Plus thing. Back in September, the church called me and said they were looking to hire someone to work 20 hours a week doing Children's Ministry stuff along with some other miscellaneous tasks. I was glad to have an opportunity to do something different. The job could start in 2 weeks or begin after the first of the year. . . they weren't 100% sure. Dennis was excited for me and said to take it. As the semester moved along, I began to feel extremely uneasy about working at the church, which made no sense to me at all. I've always wanted to be on staff at our church. I love the people and what we do and why not get paid to work doing what you love and believe in? I started talking to Dennis over the course of a few weeks just to try and sort through why there was no peace in this decision. I finally verbalized to him that I felt going to the church, at least at this point in time, didn't feel like the right decision. He didn't question me, but said I needed to call our Children's Pastors immediately. I did so and they still love me. I feel bad that it's taken this long to get to a point of realizing that direction, for whatever reason, was wrong at this time. I still am puzzled by the whole thing, but feel at peace with the decision.
That said, God: Give me a revelation. Show me what to do, 'cause I've been trying to find my way and I haven't got a clue. Tell me should I stay here or do I need to move. Give me a revelation. I've got nothing without You. - Third Day
I don't know, maybe this is an obedience test. Maybe it has something to do with the challenges Caleb's had at school and I'm going to need to be more available for him. Maybe I'm still supposed to stand alongside my man rather than cheer from the sidelines. Maybe the timing is just off. No matter what it is, I feel at peace with the decision and that's a great way to begin this new year.
I love You, God and I fully trust you with my future. For I know the plans you have for me; plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
One Ticked off Mama!
Have you ever been so angry you can hardly see straight?! That has happened to me today. Mama Bear is protecting one of her cubs today. Below is the e-mail sent to one of my kid's teachers. I will leave the name of the teacher off for privacy reasons. . .
Mrs. _____________,
Rebekah informed me today that she needed her inhaler while in your class and you wouldn’t let her go to the nurse to get it. She said after a little bit, when you saw a tear rolling down her face, you allowed her to go get a drink of water, but not her inhaler.
If you look at her medical card, it is on file that she has an inhaler in the nurse’s office to be used “as needed”. Rebekah can develop asthmatic symptoms when the weather changes – especially when cold fronts come through. Rebekah doesn’t like taking medicine. . . especially needing to use her inhaler. She’s probably only been to the nurse 3 times this whole year to use it, so I’m guessing she wasn’t trying to get out of doing work or anything of that sort.
I am extremely upset that she was not allowed to go use it. I’m not sure what was going on in the classroom that was more important than her being able to breathe properly. Even if you felt she didn’t really need it, that decision is between the nurse, Rebekah, her doctor, and me.
Just so you are aware, I’ve informed Rebekah that if she truly needs her inhaler and any teacher tells her she can’t go use it, to respectfully tell the teacher she is going to need to disobey, then proceed straight to the office, tell (the principal) what she’s done and that she needs her inhaler and a parent called immediately.
If you have any questions regarding her health, I’d be happy to answer them.
Respectfully,
Lara Norris
Is it a little harsh. . . probably, but you dont' mess with Mama Bear's cubs!
Mrs. _____________,
Rebekah informed me today that she needed her inhaler while in your class and you wouldn’t let her go to the nurse to get it. She said after a little bit, when you saw a tear rolling down her face, you allowed her to go get a drink of water, but not her inhaler.
If you look at her medical card, it is on file that she has an inhaler in the nurse’s office to be used “as needed”. Rebekah can develop asthmatic symptoms when the weather changes – especially when cold fronts come through. Rebekah doesn’t like taking medicine. . . especially needing to use her inhaler. She’s probably only been to the nurse 3 times this whole year to use it, so I’m guessing she wasn’t trying to get out of doing work or anything of that sort.
I am extremely upset that she was not allowed to go use it. I’m not sure what was going on in the classroom that was more important than her being able to breathe properly. Even if you felt she didn’t really need it, that decision is between the nurse, Rebekah, her doctor, and me.
Just so you are aware, I’ve informed Rebekah that if she truly needs her inhaler and any teacher tells her she can’t go use it, to respectfully tell the teacher she is going to need to disobey, then proceed straight to the office, tell (the principal) what she’s done and that she needs her inhaler and a parent called immediately.
If you have any questions regarding her health, I’d be happy to answer them.
Respectfully,
Lara Norris
Is it a little harsh. . . probably, but you dont' mess with Mama Bear's cubs!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
History has been Made . . .
It didn't matter whether the Democrats or the Republicans won the election, history would be made either way. The first African American president or the first female vice president - either outcome, historical.
This year, history was made by Barack Obama. Our first African American president-elect. There is some pride I feel that our country has evolved far enough that we've now removed the lid as far as possiblities go. No more can anyone say, "it can't be done" because it has indeed been done.
There is also some sadness I feel. I was not an Obama supporter as I felt his policies didn't line up with my conservative beliefs. For that matter, much of what John McCain stood for didn't line up with my conservative beliefs - they were closer, though. I have to admit I'm a bit nervous to see where President-Elect Obama will take this country. I fear it will lead to bigger government and less individual responsibility and ingenuity. This is not what our Forefathers envisioned.
I was reading an article the other day that Dennis showed me. I'd like to share it:
Alex Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh at the time of America's birth, wrote a warning to America in 1787. He observed that the average age of the world's greatest civilizations was about 200 years, during which they inevitably progressed through the following sequence:
- from bondage to faith,
- from faith to courage,
- from courage to liberty,
- from liberty to abundance,
- from abundance to complacency,
- from complacency to apathy,
- from apathy to dependence, and
- from dependence back to bondage.
What is the problem with this? According to Professor Tyler, the next step from dependence is back into bondage. It's like the proverbial frog in the pan of water. Initially, he could easily leap to freedom, but if the water temperature is incrementally increased, the frog will eventually be boiled alive without even realizing it.
Consider the history of America as you look at the above cycle. I think this day and age, as a whole, we are in the "apathy" stage. Because of our apathy, turning from God, removing morals, lack of work ethic, and not fully educating ourselves on the current issues at hand, we are now headed to a government run, welfare program that will send us to the "dependence" stage and ultimately back into bondage.
This year, history was made by Barack Obama. Our first African American president-elect. There is some pride I feel that our country has evolved far enough that we've now removed the lid as far as possiblities go. No more can anyone say, "it can't be done" because it has indeed been done.
There is also some sadness I feel. I was not an Obama supporter as I felt his policies didn't line up with my conservative beliefs. For that matter, much of what John McCain stood for didn't line up with my conservative beliefs - they were closer, though. I have to admit I'm a bit nervous to see where President-Elect Obama will take this country. I fear it will lead to bigger government and less individual responsibility and ingenuity. This is not what our Forefathers envisioned.
I was reading an article the other day that Dennis showed me. I'd like to share it:
Alex Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh at the time of America's birth, wrote a warning to America in 1787. He observed that the average age of the world's greatest civilizations was about 200 years, during which they inevitably progressed through the following sequence:
- from bondage to faith,
- from faith to courage,
- from courage to liberty,
- from liberty to abundance,
- from abundance to complacency,
- from complacency to apathy,
- from apathy to dependence, and
- from dependence back to bondage.
What is the problem with this? According to Professor Tyler, the next step from dependence is back into bondage. It's like the proverbial frog in the pan of water. Initially, he could easily leap to freedom, but if the water temperature is incrementally increased, the frog will eventually be boiled alive without even realizing it.
Consider the history of America as you look at the above cycle. I think this day and age, as a whole, we are in the "apathy" stage. Because of our apathy, turning from God, removing morals, lack of work ethic, and not fully educating ourselves on the current issues at hand, we are now headed to a government run, welfare program that will send us to the "dependence" stage and ultimately back into bondage.
With that said, though it's time for conservatism to make a unified comeback to break this cycle!
God, please help us turn our hearts back to You. For in You, we find our true freedom!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Present . . . Present . . . Present
God gave this line of thought to me the other morning . . .
As a former educator, words tend to fascinate me.
Take a look at this word: PRESENT
What is this word? How do you say it? What does it mean?
Actually, depending on how it’s used, it has 3 different meanings and can be 3 different parts of speech.
adj. Now going on – not the future, not the past, but the present
v. to introduce or to give – to present
n. a gift – a present
Ex. On this present day and time I am going to present you with a present.
Now, let’s take a look at this scripture:
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
Romans 12:1 NAS
This scripture uses the word “present” in the verb form – to introduce or to give. We are to introduce (or give) our bodies as a holy sacrifice that is acceptable to God.
But, what if we took it a step further and thought of our bodies, talents, and sacrifices as a “present” in the noun form – as a gift. Shouldn’t our spiritual service of worship be a sacrificial gift or a present to God?
And why do we often feel like we have to wait until “perfect timing” (which never happens) to do what we know we’ve been called to do; shouldn’t we do it right now – in this present time – not wait until we are better at something or the timing is more right etc.
Now, I am not trying to add to the scriptures, so please don’t read more into what this scripture is really saying. But, what I want is for you to remember when you see the word “present” next time you read or hear this Bible verse, remember the 3 meanings of the word “present”
ie – Give your gift now!
Remember, what we are doing today (in the present) is giving or presenting ourselves as a living and holy sacrificial present, acceptable to God, which is our spiritual service of worship.
See and value yourself and your abilities that God gave you as He values you and your giftings. Don’t look at what you do as small, but as a magnificent present of worshipful service to the King.
Give your gift now!
As a former educator, words tend to fascinate me.
Take a look at this word: PRESENT
What is this word? How do you say it? What does it mean?
Actually, depending on how it’s used, it has 3 different meanings and can be 3 different parts of speech.
adj. Now going on – not the future, not the past, but the present
v. to introduce or to give – to present
n. a gift – a present
Ex. On this present day and time I am going to present you with a present.
Now, let’s take a look at this scripture:
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
Romans 12:1 NAS
This scripture uses the word “present” in the verb form – to introduce or to give. We are to introduce (or give) our bodies as a holy sacrifice that is acceptable to God.
But, what if we took it a step further and thought of our bodies, talents, and sacrifices as a “present” in the noun form – as a gift. Shouldn’t our spiritual service of worship be a sacrificial gift or a present to God?
And why do we often feel like we have to wait until “perfect timing” (which never happens) to do what we know we’ve been called to do; shouldn’t we do it right now – in this present time – not wait until we are better at something or the timing is more right etc.
Now, I am not trying to add to the scriptures, so please don’t read more into what this scripture is really saying. But, what I want is for you to remember when you see the word “present” next time you read or hear this Bible verse, remember the 3 meanings of the word “present”
ie – Give your gift now!
Remember, what we are doing today (in the present) is giving or presenting ourselves as a living and holy sacrificial present, acceptable to God, which is our spiritual service of worship.
See and value yourself and your abilities that God gave you as He values you and your giftings. Don’t look at what you do as small, but as a magnificent present of worshipful service to the King.
Give your gift now!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sad
I'm struggling today . . . Caleb came home with quite a few papers that he had flunked - twice! There has been suspision of dyslexia since the end of kindergarten and now that he's in 2nd grade, he is officially struggling quite a bit.
Over the years, Dennis and I have been praying and believing for him to "grow out of it", but it just hasn't manifest itself yet. Today his teacher officially started the paperwork to have him tested. Part of me is relieved and the other part is saddened. No one wants their child to struggle - especially with school. Caleb LOVES to learn. He is inquisitive and has a lot of knowledge in his brain, but getting it on paper and trying to do anything that has more than a 2-step process is painfully difficult for him. Homework often involves tears on his part and lack of patience on mine.
His teacher also asked me today to do some extra work with him at home for practice. Of course, I have to come up with the stuff to do. I spent some time online trying to find pre-made worksheets on his level for extra practice. The trick is to get normal homework finished and then practice the extra stuff without having a nuclear overload meltdown. Oh yeah, there is the issue of the number of hours in a day too. If I had wanted to homeschool, I'd have chosen to do that!
Next comes the guilt because I'm trying to figure out how to fit in time for my son! How horrible does that sound!?!?! He should be #1 priority, yet there's work, church stuff, I'm trying to increase my exercise routine to be more healthy, keeping up the house, regular homework, taking care of the other two kiddos, being a good wife to my husband, trying to have an occassional moment to myself, and now extra studying. Can anyone tell me how to add an extra 2 hours in the day? There goes that guilt again . . .
Please be praying for us. I want Caleb to have the best possible chance for success. . . and I need to keep my sanity! Calgon - - - take me away!
What I need to remember: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Over the years, Dennis and I have been praying and believing for him to "grow out of it", but it just hasn't manifest itself yet. Today his teacher officially started the paperwork to have him tested. Part of me is relieved and the other part is saddened. No one wants their child to struggle - especially with school. Caleb LOVES to learn. He is inquisitive and has a lot of knowledge in his brain, but getting it on paper and trying to do anything that has more than a 2-step process is painfully difficult for him. Homework often involves tears on his part and lack of patience on mine.
His teacher also asked me today to do some extra work with him at home for practice. Of course, I have to come up with the stuff to do. I spent some time online trying to find pre-made worksheets on his level for extra practice. The trick is to get normal homework finished and then practice the extra stuff without having a nuclear overload meltdown. Oh yeah, there is the issue of the number of hours in a day too. If I had wanted to homeschool, I'd have chosen to do that!
Next comes the guilt because I'm trying to figure out how to fit in time for my son! How horrible does that sound!?!?! He should be #1 priority, yet there's work, church stuff, I'm trying to increase my exercise routine to be more healthy, keeping up the house, regular homework, taking care of the other two kiddos, being a good wife to my husband, trying to have an occassional moment to myself, and now extra studying. Can anyone tell me how to add an extra 2 hours in the day? There goes that guilt again . . .
Please be praying for us. I want Caleb to have the best possible chance for success. . . and I need to keep my sanity! Calgon - - - take me away!
What I need to remember: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
FIREPROOF
Is your marriage "fireproof"? If you don't know what that means, let me encourage you to go see the new movie, Fireproof. Dennis and I went a couple of weeks ago and it is quite a testimony to the changing power a decision has along with the powerful hand of God working together.
This movie is made by the same group of people that made The Flywheel and Facing the Giants. If you liked the other two movies, I believe you'll like this one too. Part of the movie discusses a "Love Dare" that the husband goes through (watch the movie and you'll know what I'm talking about). You can actually get this book, The Love Dare, at Scripture Haven in the mall. I haven't read it yet, but I'm sure it will be fabulous!
Sarah, if you're reading this, it may be an idea for our next book we do for book club!
That's it - just wanted to plug the movie and the book. I know I want my marriage to be Fireproof and I want that for all of you as well!
This movie is made by the same group of people that made The Flywheel and Facing the Giants. If you liked the other two movies, I believe you'll like this one too. Part of the movie discusses a "Love Dare" that the husband goes through (watch the movie and you'll know what I'm talking about). You can actually get this book, The Love Dare, at Scripture Haven in the mall. I haven't read it yet, but I'm sure it will be fabulous!
Sarah, if you're reading this, it may be an idea for our next book we do for book club!
That's it - just wanted to plug the movie and the book. I know I want my marriage to be Fireproof and I want that for all of you as well!
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