With all the Chick-fil-A hoopla I've gotten all riled up inside. This deal really IS about free speech. It is NOT about who is right and who is wrong regarding same sex marriage. It is NOT about the "wicked" rich cramming their opinions down our throats. We, the people, are much too smart for that, I hope. Be gay. Be straight. Walk hand in hand with God. Walk alone. It's your choice. We have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Go -pursue your happiness, but why do we have to be so ugly about it? The double standards that this country has decided to embrace is hateful and downright embarrassing. I am pretty sure the other nations of the world think we look like clowns as we crumble at the doings of our own hands.
For some reason, this day and age, it's okay for Hollywood or Oprah or any other democratic leaning person/entity to voice a liberal opinion (which they are fully entitled to), and yet, now that a conservative Christian owner of a business voices his personal opinion it's UN-American and "hateful". Since when has it not been okay, in America, to voice an opinion - even if it is different than your own? Since when has it not been okay, in America, to donate money to programs you support? Since when has it not been okay, in America, to have a peaceful demonstration to support or protest an ideal?
The people that know me know I am a born again, follower of Jesus Christ. I have family members that are as well. I also have family members that are not. But just because our beliefs are different doesn't mean we sling ugly words or call one another "haters." I am entitled to my personal beliefs and opinions just like everyone else. Yet, suddenly with this Chick-fil-A "controversy" I have been placed into a box labeled bigot, hater, and "rich bully" (even though I am far from rich when it comes to money) simply because my beliefs align with a man who stood up for his convictions.
I admire people who stand up for their convictions - even if they are different than my own. We have to stand for something or we will fall for anything. (No, that's not an original saying) But can't we stand on the Constitution and look at it with a keen eye into what this country really stands for and was founded on? This country was founded on biblical principles, promoting personal freedoms. . . . period. If you don't like that or disagree with those principles, that's okay. You have the freedom to disagree and debate the issue. You also have the freedom to leave so you don't have to live under the Constitution or you can choose to stay and deal with the fact that this country's foundation is different than your personal beliefs and then get in alignment. It's your choice -that's the beauty of America!
You know, it seems that when I think I've got certain "demons" in my life under control, situations arise that allow that devilish nature of mine to bubble to the surface in a flasht. I remember being in grade school and junior high having these people in my life that could make my blood boil. It wouldn't take long for something they said to set me off and I'd lash out with words that were hurtful to them in order to try and ease my own pain.
I've grown up a lot since then and over the years have learned how to control my words and I work hard at being able to smooth over a situation that has the potential to be real thorn in my side. I do pretty well most of the time, but tonight, I realized that sinful nature of wanting to say hurtful words because I've been hurt is still there. I wonder if that ever really goes away?
I received a phone call tonight from a customer. He called Dennis' cell phone, but Dennis was outside grilling burgers so I answered it. The man on the other end said, "Hi. I am looking for Dennis, but if you're his wife I'll talk to you" and then proceeded (without allowing me to even acknowledge whether or not I was his wife or if I had time to speak) to tell me of a situation regarding a personal belonging of his that one of our guys was replacing a battery in and our employee had broken a small piece of plastic in it and wanted to know what I was going to do about it because he wasn't leaving until he had an answer, he'd been done wrong before, he is a consultant and if it was his business he'd make it right, blah, blah, blah. This went on for about 5 minutes before he even took a breath. At this point all I had said was, "Hello".
After he had finished his speech, I asked him what store he was in because we owned 3 of them. He told me he was in C/S and was standing in the store as we spoke. I assured this customer that if he left his broken product my husband or I would look at it to see what we could do. He went on a rampage and assured me he would not leave his product and that I owed him a new one. (I forgot to mention, this product had been worked on in a Batteries Plus store of another owner previously so we knew it wasn't brand new). I again requested that the man leave the product so I could take a look at it on Monday. He again refused and asked if we had a store in Houston. I told him we had one in Katy and then he insisted I meet him in Katy this coming week after HE got off of work because he made $1300 an hour and wasn't missing work to take care of this.
In my brain, I'm thinking there is no way on this planet that I am meeting a total stranger after hours and have to drive an hour and a half to do it when he is standing in a store of mine 10 minutes away. I assured him I was not driving to Katy to meet him because that was not going to work with my schedule next week and again asked him to leave it in the College Station store, because we lived here, so we could handle it locally. He told me not to lecture him about tight schedules because he had a daughter with cancer and I had no idea what his schedule was like.
Now, I'm sorry about his daughter. It saddens me that anyone has to walk through cancer. But, I still wasn't driving an hour and a half when he was currently 10 minutes away and he lives in Bryan. (I didn't tell him this, but I
had committed to VBS every night next week, am opening a new store 2
hours away, have 3 kids at home, and am still trying to do my job up
here in C/S. He wouldn't have cared even if I had told him, but I wasn't lying when I said it wouldn't work with my schedule.) Anyway, when he realized I wasn't going to buy him a brand new product to replace his very used old product nor was I going to drive to meet him, he said, "I have a JD and I'm not afraid to use it." I said, "You are not going to threaten me!" Although I had no idea what a JD was! He said, "I didn't threaten you." At this point, I told him I was finished talking to him and he would have to talk with my husband. I went and got Dennis to take over before I drove to the store and took the guy down with those aforementioned words that were about to boil over.
(On a side note, the employee helping this guy never denied breaking his product. He fully owned it and said we'd take care of it. It wasn't like he was trying to hide something or get out of something. He was honest and had integrity through the whole thing. Totally was proud of him.)
Dennis got on the phone and the guy talked his ear off again for about 5 minutes without taking a breath. When Dennis had a turn to talk, he finally got the guy to agree to leave the stupid product so we could either fix it, send it off to be fixed, or replace it with a refurb. At this point my blood pressure was through the roof, I was shaking, and crying. That old nature of wanting to say words that were hateful and hurtful was so high up in my throat I almost let them loose. I'm glad I didn't, but boy did I want to. It was one of those moments where you've had just enough time to process that you think of all these great comebacks to what was said.
Later, as I was going over everything in my brain for about the 14th time, I decided to look up what a JD was on the internet to see what he had really threatened me with. Did you know it means Juris Doctor (ie - law degree). So, basically he threatened to sue me for not fixing his old product that was worth about $65. Seriously, he makes $1300 an hour and is going to sue me for $65. Some things just don't compute in my brain. This guy was on some weird ego trip. The fact that he had to mention how much he made, what his degree was in, and give me a sob story to try and guilt me into doing what he thought was right is just pathetic. I am a reasonable person and if we screw up, I'm all about making it right. That's how we roll.
Anyway, Dennis said when the dude comes to pick up his product, Dennis will be there to assure everything is good and the customer is happy. Once he's happy, Dennis will assure him he better never threaten me or any of our employees.
It takes all kinds to make the world go round. This kind can stay away from my team and out of my store. That kind isn't welcome.
Well, it's been awhile since I've picked up a book that has really challenged me. When I say "awhile" - I mean a couple of months. My daughter got me hooked on the Left Behind series again. She was reading them for school and wanted me to read along with her so if she had questions we could discuss it. By the way - I LOVE that! My oldest is 13 and she loves to discuss things with me. Not your typical teenager - I am a blessed woman!
Anyhoo - I've recently picked up the book Visioneering, by Andy Stanley and OMGoodness it is getting in my business. I've been in this mode recently of who am I and why am I here. This mentality has been with me for awhile and the longer I stay here, the more pitiful I feel. People like to be needed, useful, and feel like they are making a difference in their world. The last thing I want to do is simply go through the motions of existing. Do I think that's what I'm doing? No, not if I take a good look at where I am and what's going on in my world.
I help my husband run a successful business, I am raising 3 kids, recently I have become master chef in my house due to Caleb's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Our daily menu has changed dramatically and we don't just pick a box of mac & cheese off the shelf for dinner anymore. It is time consuming, waring, and a pain in my butt, never-the-less it has a definite purpose in helping keep my kiddo(s) and my husband and I healthy.
Why it is difficult for me to see vision and purpose in these tasks? I don't have any clue! I think God gives each of us things to do while we are here to prepare us. Prepare us for eternity and even greater things here on the planet. I'd like to think I'm in a preparation stage for something more. Sometimes I feel like I'm being ungrateful or selfish in wanting my life to be a bigger impact than doing the aforementioned things for my family. Then again, I know deep inside there is something more for me. I can't explain it - I just know it's there. And, at the appointed time, it (whatever "it" is) will have an opportunity to shine.
I learned in the book that I have to LOOK for opportunities. I wonder if I've missed some along the way because I wasn't really looking for new opportunities. Who knows, but I can't look back. I move forward with my eyes open and my heart in prayer, believing that God will show me what He has for me and when this time of preparation is through, He'll have me ready to take on whatever it is He has called me to do.
In the meantime, I move on with purpose, knowing that I am armor bearer to my husband and master chef, nutritionist, and mama to my kids. . . and THAT is important!
Well, if you think I'm talking about a spiritual restoration in progress, you'd be wrong - this time. Two weeks ago we returned from Nebraska and brought along with us my Dad's old 1971 Corvette. The story goes that he bought it in 1971- brand new shortly before my parents found out they were expecting me. It was their sole car for awhile and I actually remember riding in the back of that thing. (NO - there isn't a back seat!) I would sit in the compartment behind the seats and just chill. I'm guessing this is before car seats were mandatory and the world needed the government to tell people how to keep their kids safe. And look - I survived, but I digress . . . .
Anyway, when my brother was born I was 3 1/2 years old. At that point in my life I decided I was now a big sister and deserved to have the keys to the car. So, I asked my dad for the keys! Talk about getting a head start! My brother never stood a chance - the corvette was claimed early! (Don't worry - he is getting dad's old drag racing car which is TOTALLY cool!)
Dennis and I have been "piddling" with cleaning parts and repainting minor things (the engine, inside of the hood, etc). We need to rebuild the carburetor, get a new mufflers, gas tank, and radiator. Probably about $1000 investment - which isn't bad for an original, numbers matching 1971 Corvette to get her running. She won't be pristine as she needs a new paint job, but it will be fun to ride in it again, but this time in the driver's seat rather than behind the driver's seat!
Isn't a car restoration a lot like what we do daily in our walk with Christ? Sometimes we just need to clean up a few things in our lives, other times we need to totally replace things (resentment, anger, ways of thinking). The list goes on.
I know, I started off not being spiritual, but I couldn't help it by the time I got to the end. When God shows you something, sometimes you just have to write it down so you don't forget.
God, continue to restore me day by day as I walk with you. Help me clean up certain areas of my life that are not quite where you want them and help uproot the things that need to totally be redone and replaced.
Thank you for loving me even though my spirit isn't as pristine as I'm sure You'd like!
I had a feeling about a month ago that maybe I should start 2012 out with a fast to help me refocus and reconnect with God and what He has for me for this coming year. That was confirmed through our Pastor the following week when he announced our annual 21 day fast had been moved from Easter time up to January 9th - 31st. . . . I love confirmation from God! (Not that I need confirmation to fast, but I am excited because I feel like God really has something for me because of this confirmation.)
I don't really know what my future holds, but I do know Who holds my future.
God, I am asking that You reveal more of Yourself to me, that I may see a glimpse of Your face and get to know You more. I am also asking for You to reveal Your plan and purpose in my life. Show me if what I am doing through my work is all that you have for me or if there is more. Show me what I am supposed to be doing to help build Your house and minister in Your house. I don't want to miss Your calling and Your plan. Open my eyes and my heart to what You have for me. In Jesus name, Amen!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day 2011. What would have been my parent's 44th wedding anniversary was yesterday. Today I spent the day in the kitchen cooking my Dad's Cajun Dressing - the house still has that smell of onions, celery, and green pepper sauteing, and it will for probably another 24 hours!
David came up today with Colton and Makenzie and we cooked, went to lunch, and played at the park. I love my brother and his family! It amazes me the way some families just don't get along very well because David and I always have. We are very close and I pray it always remains that way. I can't imagine going through life with strife between us - it just shouldn't be that way!
I am thankful this Thanksgiving Eve for my brother - his love, his friendship, his silliness, and his support. I love his family and the joy they bring to my life. I am thankful for parents who loved me and raised me with integrity, manners, and a good work ethic. I am thankful for my 3 kids - who although argue often, still love each other and are healthy. Yes, Caleb has diabetes, but I am thankful he is here, on the planet, in my home, with all of his mental and physical capabilities. I have friends who can't say that. I am thankful for my husband, Dennis. Yes, he drives me insane sometimes, but I know he loves me unconditionally. I look at my past and realize where we've been as a couple - what we've walked through and how amazing it is we are still together. I couldn't have found a more committed man - committed to me and to Christ. What more could a girl ask for?
Thank you, Jesus for the gift of salvation. Without You, all the above is meaningless and without purpose. But because of You my entire family has the hope of eternity together and that is a blessing that words cannot even begin to convey. Help us all see You in our daily lives. Show us where You are leading us, clearly define our purpose here on the planet, and help us unite with a common vision.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
It's weird being in a place in my life where I am not involved in ministry. Since I resigned from Children's Ministry I've been instructed not to jump into anything and just sit and be refreshed for awhile. Many who serve/volunteer on a regular basis would think that an incredible opportunity, but honestly I am struggling with it. I feel as if I am wandering around my church, lost, not exactly sure where I fit in anymore. I've lost my title and in that it's almost as if I've lost my identity.
Leading in Children's Ministry shouldn't have defined who I am, but I think it did and I guess I need to work myself out of that mindset, because now I am looking for where I fit and the next definition of who I am so I can find my identity again. Now, I'm not always the sharpest crayon in the box, but I know enough to know that my title/position isn't who I am - it may be a part of what I do, but it's not who I am. So, that made me ask myself who I really am. All i came up with was titles - mom, wife, business owner, church member, friend, etc. How do we get out of the place where who we are is not what we do? I'm not sure I can even begin to answer that for myself.
I know Whose I am, but who am I really and how do I define that without titles? If you know the answer to this, I'm listening!
I admire people who stand up for their convictions - even if they are different than my own. We have to stand for something or we will fall for anything. (No, that's not an original saying) But can't we stand on the Constitution and look at it with a keen eye into what this country really stands for and was founded on? This country was founded on biblical principles, promoting personal freedoms. . . . period. If you don't like that or disagree with those principles, that's okay. You have the freedom to disagree and debate the issue. You also have the freedom to leave so you don't have to live under the Constitution or you can choose to stay and deal with the fact that this country's foundation is different than your personal beliefs and then get in alignment. It's your choice -that's the beauty of America!
