Nursing Home Blues

Mom and Doris at the Francesville Parade!
Just last week, Erik and I went to a Christmas Dinner at the nursing home where mom lives. It was very nice. There was a meal including many pies. The Monon middle school "Ambassadors" performed a spectacular musical, with bright costumes, singing, dancing and clogging. The church volunteers provided along with the meal, a present for each resident. Mom, Erik and I enjoyed ourselves, even though there were awkward moments like when mom asked the resident across from us, if his wife was his mother, TWICE! But it was good to see mom smile and appreciate the attention. However, sitting with us was Doris, mom's roommate. She didn't have a family member there and was rather depressed. Doris who is usually happy and excited to be involved, refused to eat and went back to her room. This is one of many times I've seen her disappointed that her family wasn't there. I'm not sure why they didn't come? At Thanksgiving she was sitting at a table eating Thanksgiving dinner alone because her tablemates had all gone home with their families. All I know is it is breaking my heart. When I can't attend a function, I try to find another family member to go and Debbie has went too. I wish other family members could have this opportunity sometimes too. Mom doesn't remember what day it is but I don't want to leave her sitting alone on special occasions. Those occasions don't come often. I have been selfish in the past, because it has been hard on me to go get her. It was sometimes an inconvenience, she wanted to rush back home, or she got tired and confused. But after seeing Doris so lonely for her family I don't want to let mom sit up there alone. I know she'll have her bad days...We all do. But a holiday shouldn't be one of them. It is an opportunity for us to make memories with her. We won't have many of those left, whether she lives 1 or 20 years longer. I know I won't want to spend my birthday, Christmas, etc. without my family ever. I pray I don't have to. I have a friend that says that he will never put his parents in a nursing home. I understand his feelings. But I also know that for my mom it was a good thing. I spent many nights praying about it and she is happy there for the most part, of which I am happy and relieved. I can have my own life and not worry that she is taken care of. Mom is lucky to have a family to care about her so much. I just pray that Doris won't have to spend another occasion alone again and her family will recognize she needs them before it is too late. I am so thankful for the Wonderful staff at Parkview and all the volunteers. They value the elderly and will reap a reward, I am sure. "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7

"I Get by with a Little Help from my Friends"

"I get by with a little help from my friends." -John Lennon
This is true. I have some very valuable friendships:
First and foremost, my friend, Jesus. "We have a friend that sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18 :24) "What a friend we have in Jesus, who all our sorrows bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer." -Hymn
The friends that got me thru school, puberty, boyfriends, graduation, then have been thru life with me. "It takes a long time to grow an old friend." -John Leonard. Thanks Ginger, Pam, Nina, Jody, and Matt.
Roger, who is my best friend. My shoulder to lean on, my fellow dreamer. "There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage." -Martin Luther. Thanks Pooky.
My daughter who I share bond of family and friendship! Thanks Poo-poo-tissue.
Our couple friends who we just have fun with, traveling or hanging out! Thanks Matt and Traci, Ginger and Kelly.
Those friends who lean a listening ear. Those who are honest but supportive! "I can trust my friends. These people force me to examine, encourage me to grow." -Cher. Thanks Traci, Ginger, Nina, Matt, Roger.
Our church friends who have prayed with and for us, who do not judge but counsel us with Godly wisdom. Ecclesiastes 4:10 "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man that falls and has no one to help him up."
Thanks Ed and Jenny, Rodd and Illene, Kevin and Lori, etc...
My buddy, Erik. He is my sunshine. "People let me tell you about my best friend. He's my one boy, my cuddly toy, my up, my down, my pride and joy." - Theme song from Eddy's father.
My son Kevin. We don't share too much in common right now but I hope to someday be his friend. It's hard to be a friend when you are being a parent. Meanwhile I can tease with Kevin and that makes me smile. There has been a spider infestation in our house. I never know where the next rubber spider will show up!
My mom, she inspires me! I'll forever admire her faith and her love for her family!
Grandma Eleanore, who I want to be like. She lives life to the fullest! And never grows old. Thanks Grandma Eleanore.
My newest little friend, Camdyn. You make me smile!!
My co-workers who tirelessly hear my stories, who know too much about me and I them and who make it bearable to go to work! Thanks Connie and Etta.
My clientele who I've become close to. Thanks Lola, Bonnie and Vickie.
Our dog, Maxine. She just wants to eat, sleep and be walked. She needs me!
Then there are those who I may have not talked to in awhile or who we've grown apart, those who are family, those who were family at a time and I still treasure (Grandma Edna, Kari, Teen, Karen, Connie B.) those I've worked with and had fun (Amber and Michelle), those who correspond via e-mail or at Christmas, those who in some way have impacted my life. To all who have touched my life, Thank you.

Couldn't have said it better, again! Megafreeway or Narrow Way? by Greg Laurie

Tuesday, November 21, 2006Megafreeway or Narrow Way?

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
— Proverbs 14:12
There is a road to heaven. Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it" (Matthew 7:13).Jesus was saying there is a clear way to walk in life. Certainly He was not advocating the fuzzy thinking of our time that claims that all roads lead to God, that says, "You have your truth, I have my truth, and eventually we will all end up in the same place."Some people seem to think the road to heaven is like a megafreeway where we all have our lanes, and we are all going to get there eventually. Some have a lane of religion. Others have a lane of philosophy. Others have a lane of something else. And the pervading belief about this freeway to heaven is that we can change lanes if we want to: I don't like this philosophy lane. . . . I am going to go over to the religion lane. . . . I am going to go over to this other lane. . . . That is how they envision it.But that is not the way Jesus described it. He said, "Broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it."Some say, "I will find my own way." Maybe they will. But it can be the way of death. The road Jesus offers is a narrow one. If you have not yet chosen to walk on that narrow road, take the next exit from your megafreeway. You can choose to walk with Christ. Choose life today! Greg Laurie Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Our Astonishing World

"The law of biogenesis states that life always comes from life. Both observational science and Genesis 1 tell us that organisms reproduce after their own kind. This and other natural laws exist because the universe has a Creator who is logical and has imposed order on His universe."
"Everything in the universe, every plant and animal, every rock, every particle of matter of light wave, is bound by laws which it has no choice but to obey."
-Jason Lisle, Phd
quotes taken from Answers Magazine Oct.-Dec. 2006

Crepuscular Rays



A Bipolar Emission Nebula


















Tornado and Rainbow over Kansas

Addictions and Obsessions

I watch Dr. Phil regularly and even though I get extremely frustrated with the dramatics I am interested in human psychology. It is disturbing to see that behind many white picket fences there are so many human concerns. I remember being young and believing I was invincible. My faith was unshakable, my marriage was stable, my morals were intact, etc. Then human imperfection got in the way. I use to say, "I would never..." Never say never. Some of the things I have witnessed on the Dr. Phil show have definitely seemed unconventional. And yes, there are things I don't believe I'd ever do that I see on there. However, I believe that many of us have a "Sin which doth so easily beset us" Hebrews 12:1, obsessions, addictions that we may always battle with. Whether it is alcoholism, drug use, bulimia, cutting, anger management, pornography, an unhealthy relationship, etc., an obsession or addiction can take over your once calm life and turn your days into constant frustration. It can come from out of nowhere or it could stem from a deeper root. If allowed to breed it can destroy your life and others. Sometimes even harmless behaviors can escalate into a consuming obsession. I've watched interviews where normal people become addicted to things and they have become so consumed that their families were suffering too. In fact they made a show to glamorize this, called "Desperate housewives" (I've never personally watched it). Affairs, pill addictions, shop lifting, lying, deception, greed, jealousy, etc are good TV, Why? I don't know. Look at our soaps, our talk shows. Well, it might be good TV but it's not "good real life"! It's miserable. Mark 7: 20-21 "It is the thought-life that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy , slander, pride and foolishness." New Living Translation.
I think our family structure may be destroyed if we don't seek help. Where does one find help from obsessions and addictions? First I had to want to be free from my obsession. I couldn't live like that anymore. Personally I believe finding professional guidance to break free is essential. Then having people in your life to find you accountable for your actions, people who will not sugar coat things for you but tell you the truth. To protect against obsessions and addictions I believe in seeking God with all your heart through prayer and Bible study. Naturally avoiding the thing that causes your weakness 100% will keep you guarded. Lastly, associating with people who will make you stronger, people that too have went through something similar and triumphed! Then don't ever think yourself invincible again. For even King David (a man after God's own heart, Acts 13:22 ) was tempted and sinned. (2 Samuel 11) Being through an obsession myself has made me more aware of the infallibility of mankind. I hope I am more forgiving and sympathetic. But of course there are things to me that seem unforgivable. I am mortified and bewildered at the shear evilness of some human beings. "Lord, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph?" Psalm 94:3 But for those wishing to be released and absolved there is forgiveness, there is prevalence.
**There is a powerful video by "Third Day" called "Cry Out to Jesus" at music.yahoo.com/musicvideos type in "Cry Out to Jesus" to watch/listen. Powerful!!!!

Submission???

Commitment - "Through all things difficult commitment is where our strength lies."
I'm reading a book that I've found very insightful called "Confessions from a honest wife" by Sarah Zacharias Davis. It is a composition of letters from women about varying issues of marriage. There are many quotes from the book that have been perceptive. For example in regards to submission (which is a very scary word for me) it quotes Loius Anspecher:

"Marriage is that relationship between a man and a woman in which the independence is equal, the dependence mutual, and the obligations reciprocal."

As a youth I had Ephesians 5:21-33 highlighted in my Bible and beside it I wrote "God's Way" Now later in my life after some "life experiences" I cringed at that when I turned to it. What I am cringing at is an interpretation of Ephesians 5:22 where the wife is to submit unwittingly to the husband. Since I'm an "absolutist" I can not change the scripture to mean what I want it to. So for years I've rejected the idea of submission. Why the change in my thinking? Well, I could blame it on the shapings of my past. However, that is the part of "Confessions" that troubles me- blaming our pasts or others for our choices! Certainly thru my divorce I felt a naivete. So if this is indeed what caused my adversity to submission I could blame my ex and never trust a man again. But as I stated I don't believe in blaming our problems on our pasts. It is not my parents, peers or ex's fault if I chose to allow my past experience to dictate my future. We truly do the best with what we know at the time. And I've learned that I can submit (give) my heart to a man that loves me "even as Christ loved the church" Ephesians 5:25. This man will not misuse that. He will be the soft shoulder for me to lean on. I have this picture on our bedroom door of two penguins hugging. The female penguin's head is nestled under the males. This is how I feel with Roger. I feel safe, cared for, not dependent on but supported. I'm sure I am dependent on Rog for many things. I'm sure, too that he is dependent on me for many things. It truly is nice for both partners to feel equally important in a relationship. When we feel secure in our position in a relationship we don't feel as if we are giving up anything. I appreciate the strengths my male counter parts have over me. I am not afraid to "value" a man that respects me.

Love The One You're With

Recently I watched "Shadowlands" an HBO movie about the unconventional marriage of C.S. Lewis (authour of Chronicles of Narnia). He stated "God doesn't necessarily want us to be happy. He wants us to love and be loved. We think childish toys bring us all the happiness there is and our nursery is the whole wide world. Something must drive us out of the nursery to the world of others and that something is suffering." Upon the recent anniversary of 911 I would agree that suffering drove people to care about the world of others. I watched a TV reinactment about a man that was unable to escape the building because he became too winded to descend anymore stairs. One man stayed with him and died with him. I wonder if the man that had gave up had truly felt any self-worth. His wife said that she didn't believe that he knew how important he was to so many. How many people don't feel valued. C.S. Lewis said God wants us to love and be loved. I think that God does want us to be happy just not forget what is important, love. "These are three things that will endure- faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corithaians 13:13
Not to give the story line away but C.S. Lewis did learn that we sometimes only truly value something if we are going to lose it. Roger says "You only grow thru trials and that is why God doesn't want you to stay too comfortable." I've learned to love Roger more deeply in the trials we've gone thru together. Some would argue that romantic love is fleeting but I haven't given up yet. If I think about the reasons I feel in love they were purely selfish. It was about how Rog made me feel about myself. Too often life gets in the way and we stop making each other feel as special, valued. So it's an effort to stay in love. It takes lots of communication and letting each other know our needs. I've never had a problem saying what I need. Of course even when I don't say it Roger knows when something is amiss.

Don't Go Ugly

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last: but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." Proverbs 31:30 New Living Translation

"If you are ugly at 16, it's not your fault. If you are ugly at 90, it is." -Unknown

"Reflect self-confidence. If you want your children to feel valuable, you must feel valuable. Be your own best friend. Don't concentrate on physical appearance so much. The world does that for them!"- This was something I wrote for Jess' baby book.

I haven't always been a shining example of self-confidence. I've criticized things about myself to my family. However, something about maturing has made me appreciate what God has given me. Being a hair stylist I've always been aware of fashion and style. However, I've learned that I dare not compare myself with a model, celebrity, etc. I chose only to try and copy clothes, hair and makeup not size, shape, or appearance. After all, how many celebrities don't model self-worth? Many of them have addictive behaviors such as eating disorders, drinking, drugs, etc. If they valued themselves they wouldn't have these addictions. I think the most beautiful women reflect self-confidence and integrity. I've never begrudged a woman to try a little makeup and a new hairstyle. Otherwise I'd not have a job! But certainly those things don't make true beauty. There are people who are outwardly beautiful yet very ugly. I wish I could conteract all the negativity my children will ever feel about themselves. I just hope that they know that God is the healer of damaged self-esteem. Whatever has caused us to doubt our self-worth is not of God. For the Bible says "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalms 139:13.

Couldn't Have Said it Better

Wednesday, August 30, 2006No Brownie Points- by Pastor Greg Laurie

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.


— Ephesians 2:8-9
Some years ago a poll conducted by a major news magazine found that most Americans were sure they were going to heaven, but most didn't expect to see their friends there. A majority of those polled anticipated that Mother Theresa would make the cut, and a number also cited certain celebrities and politicians whom they thought would qualify.Sadly, this shows the confusion and the flawed reasoning that go into the most important decision we will ever make in life: the decision regarding where we will spend eternity.Though this may come as a surprise to many people, Mother Theresa, as wonderful of a humanitarian as she was, did not have any better odds of making it into heaven than anyone else. Why? Because our entrance into heaven is not on the basis of what we have done for God; it is on the basis of what God has done for us. That is what it comes down to.The lowest of the low, if they repent and ask God to forgive them, in spite of what they have done, will be admitted into heaven. And the best of the best, in spite of all of the good they have done, will not necessarily get in if they have not put their faith in Christ as their Savior. It doesn't matter what we have done, as commendable as it may be. Our entrance into heaven has nothing to do with good deeds or bad deeds. But it has everything to do with what Jesus did on the cross and our recognition that we cannot meet God on our own merit.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000Have Pastor Greg's devotionals blessed you? Write to let him know! Greg@harvest.org

"Remember now your creator in the days of your youth. before the difficult days come and the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them." Ecclesiastics 12:2

My prayer for my children is that they will someday see the greater picture. Youth often live life for the moment. They feel indestructable. They feel their whole lifes are ahead of them and they need to have as much fun as possible. I love to see my kids enjoy life in good, healthy ways. I just pray for their protection against the powers and principalities of darkness. I whole heartedly believe there are evil influences trying to rob us of our souls. The Bible says "We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6 :12. "For the theif cometh but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy...." John 10:10. I think these evil influences come in many forms, in some music, in the media, in drugs, in cults and occults such as Wicca, even sometimes churches. There are churches that appear to tell a form of the truth but in reality tell a lie. These churches believe that we make our own truth, or that we pick and chose what we believe of the Bible. This is a form of spiritual depravity that will steal one's soul. I told Kevin recently that there is such a bigger picture out there as to why I don't want him to go to "Ozz Fest" or not. I have my parental reasons to not let him go such as the drinking, the drugs, the mayhem but far greater is the spiritual influence of the music/musicians. No matter how great a musician is, if he promotes anger, violence, immortality his music is "worthless". The big picture is "What do I want Kevin to pattern his life after?" And it is not after a rock musician with bigger problems than one could imagine. I want him to be a man with a belief in not just "a greater power", but in the greater power. The one who sacrificed His life for us to "...have life and have it more abundantly." also John 10:10. I want my children to not find their own ways but to seek God's way. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he will direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5&6
A friend of mine called today to tell me her son accepted Christ in his life. I am so happy for them. She said it is evident there is a change in his life. She says he just sounds happier. He is 22 and I'm sure he spent some of his life doing his own thing but God had a greater plan for him. I believe that God has a plan for each of my kids. He will not give up on them and neither do I. While Jess lived at home I tried my hardest to guide her. I am trying to do the same with Kevin. We are sometimes at odds. He does make his own choices but I am still trying to guide him. I am not afraid to say uncomfortable things to him if they might make him think of his actions. As adults we get to make our own decisions. I've certainly never wanted someone telling me how to live my life. At times I've even not wanted to listen to God's word and tried to ignore it. I've learn mostly from experience. Of course I don't want any of my kids struggling but sometimes that is how we learn our greatest lessons. It is hard to watch sometimes but I trust that God has a greater purpose. "And what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger", I've heard said. God accepts us and patiently waits for us to need Him.
I am happy that I have Erik, still young and tender hearted. The teenage years will rip your heart out and Erik has help me keep my sanity. Roger is a great support system too. Lately Erik and I have been getting up at 5am when Roger goes to work. We walk 2 miles, then read a devotion, have a prayer, then read a book together. We have lots of good talks on our walks and have gotten really close. I thank God that Erik has the opportunity to know God from a youth and I hope that Roger and I have grown as parents, at least in example.

Temporal Things

"What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul." Matt. 6:20

I said I was going to write the awesome things about being an adult. First off, I have to say that I believe that this world is temporal. And all things that give enjoyment here are only for a moment. I think that we only find true contentment and happiness in this life thru faith in Jesus Christ. We can attain to gain financially, through career, education or success. These things can all be good, but do not prepare us for eternity. Preparation for eternity is only achieved thru simple faith. Not of works. Not how much you do. But simply by faith..."Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 I believe not because the Bible has been proven to me...but because I chose to believe. There are people who study the history of the Bible and can give you good reason to believe it theoretically. Then there are those who try to discredit it or question the deity of Christ like those believing works of fiction such as "The Davinci Code" For those looking for scientific evidence to believe the Bible they may find in thru such organizations as answersingenesis.org. I've believed since I was a child. Not that I haven't questioned things but what causes me to overcome these doubts are seeing the results of living things God's way as opposed to my way. I find it much easier to believe that God created this incredible world with all it's complexities rather than to believe it all evolved from an atom. I am amazed by the indescribable solar system. See the astronomy pictures of the day at antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html. Or the amazing Earth. See the earth science picture of the day at epod.usra.edu/.
I have found that material things only bring temporary happiness. I get enjoyment from a new car, new clothes, new house decor, etc. but they are soon the old car, the old clothes, the old decor. When I get bored with the mundane I try to make excitement out of the mundane. Like many people I'm sure, I have days where I feel like I'm sick too of working, worrying, living. So after I'm done with my pity party I realize life goes on and I am truly blessed. Of course it could be worse, right? So I look for ways to pull myself out of the quagmire of life and live. It truly is a wonderful life. So here are things about this temporal world that bring me pleasure.
Sunrises and sunsets.
Gentle rains.
walks at dawn with Erik and Max.
a ride on the 4-wheeler at dusk with Roger.
music- Worship music, heals and uplifts my spirit. Classical, (listen to the young family of pianists "The 5 Browns"), this inspires me. Salsa, makes me want to dance. Christian, this gives me hope.
Books- The Bible, strengthens my faith. Self-help, gives me direction ( read "A Long Way Off" by Kitti Murray if you've experienced hurt over a child). Fiction, helps me escape reality. Devotionals, helps me build on my faith (read "Irrepressible Hope" by 7 incredible faith-inspired authors)
Foods- Cajun anything! Chicago style hotdogs, cobb salad with blue cheese dressing, Red Lobster's biscuits, Chili's egg rolls, hot apple pie with ice cream, etc, etc.
Sitting by a fire.
Holding a baby.
Driving wherever I want...(when I was a child I often could not wait to drive to Lake Michigan and get out and dip my feet in, instead of sitting in the car while my parents drove by the lake!)
Ride on the back of a motorcycle with the wind on my face-this I did with my brother Paul who I miss and remember often.
Shopping at thrift stores- it is such a bargain that you feel good about the money you are not spending at Neiman Marcus. (Never shopped there by the way. Don't care either.)
Vacations- whether they are weekend trips or road/plane trips I enjoy every one of them. I may not have traveled worldwide yet but I get out of "Mayberry" now and then.
Laughing-with my family and friends or at myself. And of course at "I Love Lucy"
Meeting ordinary and extraordinary people. I've never met a president, an arch bishop or a celebrity but I've met very many interesting people. And old people have such good stories too!
So it may seem like childhood was the best days of my life and somedays I wish I could be a child again but with age comes experiences and appreciation. I have yet to experience- being a grandma, dancing at a child's wedding, retirement, menopause :)
True, life has it share of disappointments too. A song we sang in church today says, "Blessed be the name of the Lord... He gives and takes away... My heart will chose to say, blessed be the name of the Lord." God has given me much and taken away little. I hope that I will always be able to bless God thru the good and bad. I admire people such as Barbara Johnson who experienced a lot of heartache, deaths of 2 sons, an estranged son, her own sickness, etc and still keeps her faith. To trust the Lord that he has a greater purpose is the greatest demonstration of faith.

Faith Under Fire

The other day a sister in my church was verbally discredited in front me by a colleague, I'll call Jan. (This is not the first time I've heard disparaging things about my christian family). I was angered but I said nothing. I later thought of plenty of things I could of said. None which would probably profited me any. However, I've struggled with liking, or being forgiving of Jan. Seems whenever someone disagrees with a Christian's belief they are adament to speak up against them. And Christians are called judgemental? True some are judgemental and they are not very "Christian". I believe a true christian doesn't look for other's faults but prays for them. So I am struggling to pray for her. "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use and persecute you (or those you love)* my insert." Matt. 5:44
My christian friend who was discredited, encourages her kids not to date while in high school. I do not whole heartedly agree but do see her reasons and admire her for her stand. Kids are exposed to so much at too young an age and so many parents are passive. It is easier for a parent to give in to a child then to stand their ground. I know this all too well. I too battle with my teenage son over curfew, etc. I hate to distrust him or check up on him. I hate to tell him "no, you can't do something your friends are doing". I often am ignored for days after saying "no". I am not winning a popularity contest! I've heard parents say that kids will just sneak around if they can't do the things they want. Well, should I buy my kids booze, cigarettes or drugs since they are going to sneak and get it anyhow? Should I be Laissez-faire about their grades saying they will get what they get? What is so wrong with telling your kids what kind of behavior is or is not acceptable or risky? I try my hardest not to make it easy for my kids to be exposed to what I feel is harmful behavior. I do believe they will try to get away with things and they will sneak around. But if I'm not making it easy for them, they will have less chances. Less chances to drink, have sex, etc mean less chances of consequences. I am not for providing beer for kids in the hopes they will stay at home and drink 'cause they may become dependant on alcohol. I am not for giving my kids a condom in hopes that they won't have unprotected sex 'cause they may still get hurt emotionally if they aren't in a committed relationship. I am for talking openly to my kids about sex, drinking, drugs, etc. and consequences. They still ultimately make the decision but I've done my best to discourage a problematic behavior. Alcohol, sex, etc. can be like playing with fire. And most parents don't want their kids playing with fire! Most parents won't even say "play with fire but be responsible!"
I don't need to defend my christian friend or others of my faith because Jesus said, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthews 5: 11-12
I do want to pray for Jan. I know she is having a tough time in her life. I know she doesn't understand others different than herself. It is easy to be defensive when we don't feel good about ourselves!

Forgiveness

Experiences in life often shape our personalities. I have learned not to judge people too harshly because they are what they are because of life circumstances. However I believe it is also possible and sometimes necessary to change what shapes us. Especially when it affects those around us. Too often we use the excuse that is just the way I am. Or I was born that way.
Yesterday I was somewhat angered to hear of an acquaintance of mine putting down women because he's been through a divorce. It was affecting someone close to me that I'd rather not have a poor opinion of women. After all I am a woman! I too was scarred by a divorce. I too could of thought all men were scum. So... Divorce scars...Not just the divorcees but the children. Jess asked about the statistics of divorce. Yah, they suck, 50-50. I believe from experience that our children need us to do all that we can to make our marriage work. I wish Jess and Kev had never experienced divorce!! I hope they won't be afraid of marriage but will work with a fever to protect their marriages when they have one. Especially giving their children the gift of both parents united, not divided! I still believe in happy endings. I thank God and give Him total credit for happy ever afters. I think that marriages need that extra help that God gives us. After all without God where is the forgiveness? I think people fail to forgive when they don't feel they have ever really done anything to be forgiven for. How often we think, I would never do that! A friend gives me credit for not holding grudges. Truth is I do hold hard feelings. I have a hard time when someone does me wrong and doesn't recognize it or doesn't ask for forgiveness. But life has taught me that I can screw up and screw up bad. I need others' forgiveness so I need to forgive others. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, then your Father will forgive you your trespasses. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14 &15 KJV
"And why to you look at the speck in your brother's eye and do not consider the plank in your own eye." Matthew 7:3 NKJV If we recognize our own idiosyncracies maybe it'll be easier to understand others. How about the person that cut us deeply? Haven't we all been there? A friend of mine was recently hurt by her family members. Been there, done that? I know a few, who have. I've also seen people carry it to the grave. How much of it is misunderstanding? I want to be forgiven. I will try to forgive. That doesn't mean that some people just push our buttons with their arrogance....Sometimes these people just make life unpleasant and if they aren't gonna change I don't want to spend much time with them. It's not my job to correct them, but forgive them. After all I do have a lot to work on, myself.

Passion

This picture is titled "It's all about You."


Easter truly is the most powerful Christian holiday. When I think of Easter, I think, of course of the death of Christ and the resurrection.
Two years ago Mel Gibson produced the movie "The Passion of Christ" I had mixed views on the movie but not on the message. Christ suffered beyond what we could envision or even Mel Gibson could portray. But more remarkable was the passion behind his suffering. Passion- (meaning in context to the movie) "the sufferings of Christ on the cross or His sufferings subsequent to the Last Supper." -The Random House dictionary.
However I believe Christ's true passion; "any powerful emotion or feeling , as love or hate."-Random House dictionary, was his love for mankind. As demonstrated by the love of Christ for the thief on the cross. One thief mocked Christ saying "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" This is all of us. We doubt Christ, we doubt his power. We don't understand his plans for us. We are too proud to admit we are wrong. Of course, like the first thief, there are those who would rather mock than believe. But the other thief humbly said, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." To which Jesus announced to the thief and anyone who then and now will believe. "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:39-43 This thief did not let his pride get in his way. Jesus' life, his death, his resurrection were all for this purpose. This was his passion. His greatest desire, his "most powerful feeling" of love for mankind was to take our sins upon himself.
Judas pretended to be Jesus' friend, plotted and betrayed Christ and never sought forgiveness. Judas' life ended in despair as he hung himself. Where his tortured soul is God only knows? Peter denied Christ three times before Christ's death. However Peter sought forgiveness and received Christ's redemption.
Christ died for the thieves, the Peters, the ones that are accepting of his Passion.
"He who finds his live will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." Matt. 10:39. We can seek to "find ourselves" We can look in success, money, education, love, fun.
I have a passion for adventure. Seems mostly that my adventurous side is waning (as a friend once told me). I still long for adventures. I don't think I will risk my life to do anything adventurous, (even though hiking at Turkey Run during a lightening storm was pretty risky). I probably won't rob that bank either, okay Roger?:) I think the most adventurous thing I have done lately is hike at Tippecanoe State park with Erik (We did see a snake...Okay... A baby snake and we went on a restricted pier that was roped off:) But I don't get discouraged about my lack of adventure. I feel if I keep running the race for which I've been called the biggest adventures await me - not in this lifetime.
I had gotten away from my faith for a period of time. I chose to find my life in fulfilling my desires. I was enjoying things about life. I was mostly happy with my job, my family, my marriage. But still I was empty and very discontent. I often felt compelled to come back to my roots. I found my roots when I walked into church and heard the old familiar hymns and praise songs I grew up listening to. I remember the joy it stirred up in my soul. I remember wanting part of that again.
Music is so powerful. I've been to concerts like "Lynard Skynard" where the crowd will stand the entire concert, clapping, singing, jumping up and down. Now that is exciting to a degree but it pales in comparison to the feeling I get when I hear worship music. I can be moved to tears by a powerful hymn like, "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus." and I can feel elated when I hear a song like "Blessed Be Your Name." written by Matt and Beth Redman or "Great is Our God" sung by Chris Tomlin. Songs like "Thief" and "Love Song" sung by Third Day speak a message so real and powerful. I mentioned to Jess and a friend of mine the power of worship music. It lifts me up when I'm down. It inspires my faith.
I believe that thru music, God brought me back to that "Old Rugged Cross" (my dad's favorite hymn)
I thank Jesus for his Passion. "I am the resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me shall never die." John 11: 25,26

Remember

Alzheimers/Dementia is a hard thing to witness. It may be harder to live with. I worry that I may someday find out, or maybe I won't know any better? Anyhow, I've seen my mom slowly get worse over the course of about 8 years. I think it was sometime after her heart surgery. I have listened to her repeat things she just told me too many times to count. Soon she was not a safe driver anymore cause of the confussion. Then I watched her not be able to care for herself as well. She didn't notice the change in seasons or dress accordingly. She was not able to remember what she needed at the grocery store. Then she wasn't able to cook for herself anymore. Despite it all she always remembered her family. She never remembered that we had just been there, but was always ecstatic while we were there. I took her to the Winamac park last week to eat our DQ and watch the river and the squirrels. She enjoyed herself. This week they tell me she seems to be in a depression. I wouldn't blame her, since her surroundings don't change much and they can be pretty glum- in a nursing home. She is not glum though when she is with her family. I dreamt last night that she was worse. She was forgeting everyone. I took her face in my hands and made her look at me. She had that far away look in her eyes that she sometimes get when she is overtired or overspent. I said to her, "Mom, who am I?" I didn't think she knew me. She got a familiar look in her eyes and said "You're Lorie" I cried and said "Yah, mom I am. Do you remember the good times we've had? Don't forget the good times we've had. Stay with us mom, please." And I woke with such a heavy heart that I sobbed in bed. I don't want her to forget us. I've prayed that she won't. We've had some memorable times together. Times where she's joked with Roger, the time she tried to cross the monkey bars at the Knox park, times where she'd be-bop to the music thru 5-Star as she shopped for groceries, times she'd tease Erik or Kevin about having girlfriends. It has been harder and harder to communicate with her. Anything too detailed or lenghty seems to get lost in a cloud. She tires so easily. I feel sometimes that I could do more for her. That just maybe she could have come to live with us, despite that everyone told me it wasn't a good idea. (Except Rog of course, he was open to whatever would make me and mom happy. Rog has been my huge supporter. I love him so much for that!) Then there are times I think I should visit more, stay longer, etc. This disease has caused her confussion and I know that is difficult. For the most part, she has accepted it. She'll say, "Oh, honey I don't remember, I have Alzheimers." I don't ask her if she remembers someone's visit, I just say "I see that Chris and Debbie were here to see you last weekend. I tell her about visits she's had to our house to see the kids. I hope that when we are not there that someone will remind her that we were. She tells me that she sleeps a lot. They want to give her a drug so she won't be aggitated. This is where my dream came from. I am so worried it will make her out of touch. I don't want to see her slip away.

I just called mom. I said, "Mom" She said, "That's me!" I feel much better. She is looking forward to our visit on Sunday. I don't think she knows that is 4 days away. As Dr. Bejes told her "Every view out your window is a new view" When we go on drives everything seems fresh to her. She does remember somethings. Like a big truck bed with the words "Overland" on it, that we pass on our way to Winamac. Or the big tractor tires for sale across the street from DQ. Those things are familiar to her. And of course when we turn on the street she lives, she suddenly recalls "Oh, I know this place. This is where I live." She also says "It is so nice here."
I am happy and sad for mom. But mostly I am just glad for each day she is with us.

As a Man Thinks, So is He

My mother use to not allow me to say anything negative about one of my children. If I called them a brat she'd correct me saying if you call them a brat they'll act like a brat. In turn she'd tell them what good children they were. She loves the poem "Children Learn What They Live." "If a child lives with criticism, they learn to criticize...If a child lives with laughter, they learn to laugh", are some of the bits of wisdom from this poem.
This can also be applied to ourselves. We often beat ourselves up... I'm not thin enough...My house isn't clean enough...I'm not a strict enough parent...I'm too strict...I'm not as spiritual as others...These are things I tell myself. Instead we need to seek out the good things we do... I'm sometimes a strict parent but I want what is best for my children...I'm not strict enough sometimes but I can allow myself to make mistakes...I sometimes have a messy house but I spend time with my family...I may not be as spiritual as someone else but God sees the intent of my heart...I over indulge to relieve stress, but I don't' have to...
My desires don't have to dictate my actions!
We do need to recognize our faults and need to improve destructive behavior, whether it be gossiping, sexual indiscretion, over indulgence, etc. A very good rule of thumb to keep from allowing something to take over our lives is this quote by Samuel Smites...

"Sow a thought, reap an action;

Sow an action, reap a habit;

Sow a habit, reap a character:

Sow a character, reap a destiny."

-Taken from the book "Every Woman's Battle" by Shannon Ethridge.

Also proverbs 27:12-

"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it."

I know I've recognized disaster in my life before, kept going and suffered for it. However my thoughts are what started the whole mess. We cannot always control our thoughts but we can redirect them. As an old proverb states...

"You can't keep a bird from flying over your head,

but you can keep him from building a nest in you hair."

My resolutions for contentment

Choose to love myself and others,

Chose to forgive my mistakes and others,

Chose to be patient with myself and others,

Chose to accept imperfections in myself and others,

Chose to learn from my mistakes,

Chose to change destructive behavior,

Chose to do my best and no more,

Chose to love every line and wrinkle,

Chose to love every curve,

Chose to play, laugh and have fun!

I'd like to conclude with the fact that my mom takes every moment for what it is. I was so worried that she would be unhappy in a nursing home. I worried myself unnecessarily. Her frame of mind is positive. She is happy and content in her life. She may not remember what happened a few minutes earilier but she knows Who holds her future. We should all be so wise as she is.

"Life is about 10 percent how you make it...And 90 percent how you take it."-Barbara Johnson

Dreamers

"Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born." -Dale Turner  "Love is renewable."-me
This picture was taken on a rainy night at Indiana Beach. It was our 10th anniversary and we saw a full rainbow that evening too.
Our Dreams:To my Lobster:To have a house built in the woods.I love that we share dreams, To go white water rafting, easy white water:)I love that we laugh together,
To own a '32 Ford Highboy.I love that we try new things together,
I love the way your body fits mine when we spoon,
To stay on the ocean. DID THIS ONE- JAN 2010, RIVERIA MAYA, MEXICOI love the way you look at the sound board on Sunday mornings,
To go on a cruise.I love the way you smell.To snorkel in the ocean. DID THIS ONE-JAN 2010, RIVERIA MAYA, MEXICO (NEXT TIME WITH A LIFE VEST!)
I love the shape of your nose and the softness of you lips,To have grandkids. THIS ONE STARTED, SEPT. 27, 2006, CAMDYN TYLER! HAD A SECOND ONE, SEPT. 17, 2009, DRAVEN COAL!I love the way we sit side by side on the same couch cushion,
To build a business together. We've thought of several. Most recent a Christian bookstore/coffee house.
I love the sound of you strumming your guitar,
To jet ski. TRIED THIS ONE...FUN, BUT WOULDN'T BUY ONE!I love the way you yell at the TV during football,
To drive across route 66 on a hotrod tour.I love the way you type one key at a time,
To travel across the USA, via motor home.I love the way you hum when you laugh,
To sail.
I love the way you comfort me when I am overwhelmed,
To rob a Bank. Ok, that's mine.I love the way you love our son,
To rock climb. MAYBE NOT THIS ONE ANYMORE...TRIED A ROCK WALL AND DIDN'T LIKE!I love the way you try to please me,
To para-sail.
I love your willingness to sometimes allow me to be right,
Zipline or Traversing. DID THIS ONE ALSO JAN. 2010 AT EXPLOR, RIVERIA MAYA, MEXICO. AWESOME!
I love the way you d my kids,
I love the way you joke with my mom,
I love the way you are content,
I love that you are smart,
I love that you are a man of God,
I love that you are hard working,
These are some of our dreams, we add to them all the time.
I love the way you make me question things,
I love that even when I don't like you I know I love you and you love me! *If you watch CSI, you might know how to find a secret message in this blog:)

Teenage Son Syndrome

Communicating with my teenage son is so frustrating. Somewhere between 8th grade and the end of his freshman year he became alien to me. The boy who use to make me laugh so hard, who would sneak up and scare me, who would ask me to come hear the music to a song he was learning on the guitar, who wouldn't leave or go to sleep at night without a hug and an "I Love You", and the boy who when he was younger always sat by my side when we watched TV. Where'd he go? Now I have to sneak up behind him on the computer to steal a hug. I have to coax him to answer simple questions of which most of the time I get a "I don't care", "I don't know", or a grunt. When I call thru his, now locked, bedroom door "Goodnight, I love you." I usually get only a "goodnight." This was different with my teenage daughter. We sure did butt heads. I got lots of angry looks and hurtful words. But we always made up, and she hardly ever went to sleep, even at 17, without having a hug and saying "Goodnight, Mommy. I love you."
My son can eat and not gain a pound. I buy him whole milk and believe me, he is the only one that can drink that and not worry about the fat content! I buy him his favorite things, like strawberry syrup for his milk and vanilla pepsi-'cause he hates all the diet stuff I normally buy. If he wants something I go out of my way to do it, like ordering flowers for a girlfriend, washing his clothes and not drying them too much, or even starting his car on a cold morning. I long so much for appreciation. My husband and younger son (the one who still hugs me) call him "The Prince".
I am literally ecstatic when I see him smile. There are times he trusts me with little pieces of his life, girlfriend info, college/future plans, funny things that happen at school, etc. These are the times I cling to. When he sets down to watch TV with us I am happy he is just in the room, even if it is across the room now. I am sad for the short days that are left with my teenage son at home for he is junior in highschool. One day he will not be eating dinner with us as often, sitting at the computer a room away, playing his guitar in his room, watching "King of Queens" with me. Someday all too soon he will have moved on to another era in his life. As my daughter did and I struggled so hard letting go! I must.. I will.. and I am so thankful for every stage of my childrens' life. I am thankful every day God gives us on this earth together!
Kev's favorite song is "Simple Man" by Lynard Skynard:
"Mama told me when I was young, come sit by me my only son, and listen closely to what I say, and if you do this it will help you some sunny day, ah yah...to be a simple man, oh take your time don't live to fast, troubles will come and they will pass,oh find a woman, ooh baby, you'll find love and don't forget son there is someone up above. And be a simple kind of man..."

Results From "Survey of the Opinionated"

I sent out "a survey for the opinionated" recently via e-mail. Thanks to a few of my friends and family I got some interesting answers to some controversial subjects. I want to compile those answers, trying to vary them. I don't necessarily agree or disagree but I found the diverse answers interesting. There were a few opinions that weren't elaborated on, probably cause they are touchy subjects, (eg. Being born gay and pro-choice). Following you will find some of the answers I received. *I will interject new opinions if I receive them. Or you may post a comment at the end. Thanks.
1. Would you consider yourself, Conservative or Liberal?
5 conservative and 2 liberal. 1 very conservative and only one who elaborated:
"Politics is not my thing, it is so messed up" -Nick
2. Do you believe in Creation or Evolution?
6 for creation, 1 for evolution and 2 who elaborated :
"Creation and micro "evolution." That means that I believe living beings can adapt over time based on changes to their environment. For example, people who work in freezers, like meat packers, develop an extra layer of fat under the skin of their hands which provides protection from constant exposure to cold. There are lots of other examples of small biological changes that occurs when our body becomes stressed and needs to change. I do not believe in macro "evolution: which is the jump of one species to another... One time I saw a picture in National Geographic of a gorilla wading in a stream. He was standing straight and up to his chest in water and I thought, "Woa, he really does look a lot like a man." Then I asked myself why God would create such a creature that had so many similarities to a human being? My theory is that God created all animals and brought them to Adam to show him,"Look, none of these animals, however similar, are a suitable companion for you because you are unique. They many look a little like you or act a little like you but they are not like you. Only the companion that I create will be the perfect match for you." I think God wanted Adam to realize that he was set apart in a special place in God's creation.- Pam
"I believe that all was created but some animals have evolved from their original form."-Christie 3. Do you believe in Censorship?
Here it appears that people are mixed.
2 No, 4 yes, 3 yes and no
Some elaborated:
"I believe in freedom of speech although when it comes to TV and such I think you need some conservative censorship to protect our youths from language, sex, etc."-Roger
"For adults not really, as for children somethings are not meant for them to hear or see."-Christie
"No... Censorship is a dangerous road because who determines what needs to be censored...You have to take the good with the bad and learn to discern truth from untruth."-Pam
4. Do you believe in Capital punishment?
4 yes, 2 no and 3 not sure
"No...My daughter asked me once if all the soldiers were going to go to hell for killing people. How do you say you can't kill people and then say, well only in these circumstances."-Pam
"Yes, if you kill (premeditated) you should die. God laid down guidelines for this back with the Israelites."-Roger *He also believes there is a difference in killing (as in war) and murder (as in premeditated)
5. The war in Iraq, good or bad?
3 good, 3 bad and 3 both
"All war is bad!! Not just Iraq...But I also believe in defending our country...Strongly..But we have war on the streets of America... Drug wars, political war, racist war, Christian war, etc. etc,... But, I love America and we need to do something to straighten out our country...What?? I wish I knew where to start."- Traci's aunt"Good!! Better on their soil than ours. I believe they left us no choice."- Christie
"Very good-Democracy in the region will stabilize it over time."-Tom
6. Love Dogs or Cats? This was to be a light hearted question in the mix of complicated ones!
I thought this would be a gender thing. But wasn't really.
6 love both, 1 prefers cats and 1 dogs, and 1 "No, just like them."-Tom
*"Dogs, Cats are evil."-Jess (she's allergic to cats!)
7. Life after death? Does heaven and hell exist?
This certainly wasn't a cut and dry answer.
Only 3 people believe in hell but most believe in an after life."Yes, I believe in life after death. I believe Hell does not exist but I do believe our spirits go somewhere, a type of Heaven maybe until we are ready for our next life."-Nikki"I believe the Bible. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies: and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25-26 Hell? Matthew 10:28"-Myself8. Who is God?
Most expressed belief in God as the creator. Others also said:"I believe there is more than one & they are Male & Female."-Nikki"...Mostly I think, for me, he's the still small voice that is constant and ever present that defines my life for me and brings stillness and peace."-Pam
"The Father, the Son, the Holy spirit, the creator and Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior."-Roger
9. Spanking our own children?
5 believe in spanking (not beating) 4 against spanking
"(Spanking not beating) only in extreme cases when nothing else will get a child's attention and they are headed for serious trouble."-Tom
"I think spanking confuses children. This is from my experience as a child and from what I've heard/seen from my own children. Discipline is good. I believe in consistency in discipline and finding each child's form of currency. "-Myself10. Teachers spanking our children?
3 yes, 4 no and 2 agree to the following:
"I think that since the discipline has been taken away from the teachers that the kids are more out of control and not as respectful.. I know that when I was in school and a teacher threatened to take you out in the hall for a smack, the class straighten right up though. I would be worried about whether the teacher and I would not see "eye to eye' on whether what the child did warranted a spanking.'-Traci
11. Are you a racist?
4 said no, others felt they were somewhat racist
"We all are to some degree, but that's no excuse to let it rule you."-Roger
"Only toward people who want special attention because of their race."-Christie
12. Pro-life, Pro-choice?
8 pro-life, 1 pro-choice
"Pro-life, yet again another tough one there can be so many variables here."-Nick
"Pro-life and pro-forgiveness, I am strongly opposed to abortion, but every woman who has made this choice and regretted it deserves forgiveness. "-Myself
*"Pro-life, it's not a choice that should be made by anyone other than God."-Jess
13. Sex-education at home, at school?
7 for both home and school, 2 for at home
"At home, but the reality is that sex is everywhere. Kids are going to be exposed."-Pam
"Sex ed class in high school I think would be OK but parents should start talking to their kids as soon as they know what sex is."-Traci
14. Dr. Phil, Love him, hate him, don't care?
I included this question 'cause I've come across some people that dislike him quite a bit.
4 liked him 1 hated him, 2 don't care and 2 never watched him
"He's okay when I agree with him."-Roger
"Like him most of the time although I do think that he is pretty full of himself most of the time. He does do a lot of good things for many people though."-Traci
15. Passing out condoms to teens?
2 said yes, 3 said no, 2 said this is up to parents, 1 unsure, 1 said don't care
"They started passing out condoms at school and the teen birth rate went up along with sexually transmitted disease. Passing out condoms is telling them, GO AHEAD...Parents are responsible for takin care of this...NOT the schools.."-Traci's aunt
"I'm for it, teens are going to have sex either way! This way they are less likely to spread disease and have unwanted pregnancies."-Christie
16. Prayer in School?
4 said yes, 2 said no, 3 said on a voluntary basis
"I believe that we should not take God out of the schools. This is America and if the ones that don't like it, they need to go back where they came from."-Traci
"I think prayer in school should be allowed on an optional basis. If my child went to school in another country and was forced to say prayer to an idol, I'd be disturbed. I can understand a non-believing parent feeling like that about Christian prayers. I don't think Christianity should be forced or hindered. It always has to be a free choice. That's the way God planned it."-Pam
17. Marriage between same sex?
2 yes, 7 no
"Marriage sure, if both people are in love, why not? But I don't think it is right for them to raise kids."-Christie
18. Born gay, become gay?
2 born gay, 7 become gay
"Gay is a personal choice."-Tom
"Are we born with a sexual preference?  I would say no because our sexual desires don't come into play til we are adolescents.  However many gay ppl would say it is not a choice.   It would seem like we have no choice in who we love, so ppl who commit adultery could also say that it was not their choice, they just fell in love.  So it's a sin issue and has to be dealt with between the person and God.  Like all sins, forgiveness and deliverance is available to those who ask. 1 John 1:9"
19. Union, non-union?
3 union, 1 non-union, 2 neither, 1 both, and 2 unsure
"Non-union has done well for both my husband and my father."-Christie
"Both can be evil."-Nick
"Management will never change, always trying to get the most for the least. Unions will never be effective for the same reason. A person must make their capabilities valuable."-Tom
20. Absolute Truth, relativism?
4 for absolute truth, 4 for relativism, 1 other
"God's word is absolute truth. Nothing in this world (other than God's rules of nature) is black and white just various shades of gray."-Tom
"Absolute truth but who decides the truth? You or God?"-Roger
That concludes my survey. This was really time consuming! But I enjoyed it. I wonder, has anyone's opinion changed by hearing others? I know I was quite impressed upon by some answers. Thanks.
How about Gun control? Something to think about...

Prayer Changes Things?

I had a dream the other night and I saw the most beautiful castle. There was also the most incredible sunset I'd ever seen. I told Roger that I hoped God wasn't giving me a preview of Heaven that I was going to see that day:) Well, that was another day and here I am on this wretched earth still:) I really believe we have a beautiful world, {Listen to "Beautiful World" by G.S. Megaphone} Recently I witnessed the fraility of life. I was second upon the scene of an accident which the devastation of the vehicle left me certain someone was killed. Later I learned that a 16 year old was thrown from the truck. She died two days later from internal injuries. I happened upon this accident by chance since I missed my regular turn. I did not respond as I would have liked. I froze in my car, willing myself to get out but I never. I did pray. I knew the first car there was a fireman and a first responder. A friend said that the fireman was there for the physical need and I was there to pray. I did not know who or what to pray for. I just prayed. I'm not sure what purpose my prayer served. I wanted to see a life spared from death but it wasn't.
I have questioned the great mystery of prayer lately. Prayer is the one thing God gave us to do because we are so powerless. It truly is our only source of hopefulness. Do we have some influence on what happens in our lives I've asked myself? Doesn't God ultimately decide anyway? After pondering this question and talking with others I've come to the belief that prayer can change things. If...The big word that determines our destinies. "If my people which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways. I will heal their nation."
2 Chronicles 7:14 (paraphrazed) We make choices that infuence our lifes. God knows what those choices will be, even the prayers we are gonna pray. Since we don't see the big picture we often don't understand how our prayers/actions make a difference. Roger said that he once copied some scripture to share with his dad. What he didn't realize at the time was that he was copying those scriptures more for himself. He needed them later for inspiration and faith. We don't always see how things are gonna lead.
Prayer isn't just mindless repetions. Prayer is our communion with God, which means he is also communing with us. Alot of times during prayer and meditation we may hear God. Not an audible voice but a thought that we feel has come from God. He may speak to us about an unforgiven heart and bring someone to mind that we need to forgive. He may bring to mind a person that needs our prayers, love, support, he may convict us of a sin. Prayer is also a way to give God glory that he desevers. ACTS is a acronym for praying. A-Adoration, C-Confession, T-Thanksgiving, and S-Suplication. As in the Lord's Prayer "Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the Power forever and ever. Amen." Matthew 6:9
I wish I knew all the great mysteries of God but "...For now we see thru a glass darkly, but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known." 1 Cor. 13:11-13 I doubt that I'll always understand God's plan. I question whether my faith will sustain when God takes away: during the grief; the trials of this life. But I know without Him I'd have total hopelessness. As a friend of mine put it "What else do we have to do when we are in despair" There really are no atheists in trenches or ICU. I pray because "if" I can have some way to change things, I need to.
Jesus or Hopelessness.

Who Needs Church?

Today is the day of the mega-church. These are churches that are trying to adapt to what people want. I was asked to a church by a lady that said, "It is more of a production than a church service". Is this Biblical? I'm not sure. The Bible says "Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind, that ye may prove that which is the good, and perfect, and acceptable will of God." Romans 12:2 If we are trying to fit into the world then we are not in the will of God. However the bottom line is, Is the church revealing the true word of God, even those things that may step on peoples toes? After all who wants a meal without the real meat. The meat of Christianity is the Bible. We will spiritually die without it. I have found that I receive substance for a Christian life thru my church. I believe there are many churches that do this. I go to church to worship my maker, feeling in awe of His Holiness, feeling revived. I go to hear the word (Bible) to strengthen my faith, and understand the depths of God's word. I go to fellowship with other believers to encourage my faith, to pray and share needs with each other. Nothing is as powerful as receiving prayer from others. I truly believe that I have witnessed God's hand working thru others prayers to recognize my needs, even in my most darkest despair. I've seen family's lose loved ones and others rally around them to help them thru their darkest hours. I've seen people rejoice thru their trails because their creator is greater than anything is this world. I pray I keep the faith to sustain. A couple of years ago when I was into getting tattoos (definitely a phase, however I don't regret the one's I got) I chose two scriptures to include in my tattoo. They reminded me that God will help sustain my faith, but I must lay aside the things (sins) that entangle me and must keep looking unto Jesus. Phil. 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." and Hebrews 12:1&2 "let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." The truth is that Church doesn't save you but it certainly helps you "Keep the Faith", as Heb. 10:25 says "Let us not give up meeting together...but let us encourage one another..."

Desensitizing

While reading the reviews for "King Kong" I read that while previewing the old version, movie goers lost their lunch after seeing a scene with man-eating spiders. Thus this part of the script was cut. Today the new "Kong" is filled with graphic content that won't even shock most viewers. We have become so desensitized to violence, language, etc. When I would have forgone a movie with offensive language especially the misuse of God or Christ's name now I chose my movies by those with lesser language, if say God's name is constantly misused as opposed to one or two times. I may not even notice it if it is used, say only twice. I as all of America have become desensitized. Ratings have made us more aware of a movie's content. I have watched some 1970s movies that I would have never watched if I'd know the content. I don't particularly like to waste my time watching offensive, vulgar movies. I chose to watch some movies even though I know the Hollywood version of things are a misconception of what life is. For example Hollywood glorifies drug and alcohol abuse in many movies. Sure now and then you see the down side but especially many teen movies glorify the aforementioned. As with sex too. I think my friend was right on when she questioned why would a teen not have sex unless they have some moral convictions. I don't think there is any basis for this anymore unless it is taught in the home or church. Everything else points teens to believe premarital sex is okay, normal and the thing to do. Our schools don't teach abstinence. The media encourages and displays sex freely and openly among anyone. As in "King of Queens", one of my favorite TV sitcoms, sex with a married woman by Doug's friend was not necessarily wrong as it was an uncomfortable situation when her husband came around. Then there is the bombardment of premarital sex in Friends, Seinfield, and newer shows like "Two and a Half Men". Then there are the movies like "40 Year Old Virgin" and now "Grandma's Boy". Why would our children think that sex is sacred, shared between spouses, in a caring and loving relationship where two people are committed to one another and respect one another? The kind of sex that can satisfy only as two people that really know each other's needs and are not subject to the complications of hurt emotions when one partner tires of the other. Of course then there is the implications by Hollywood that sex isn't just normal for a man and a woman but also between a man and man or woman and woman. So as in the(ground-breaking, ha) movie "Breakback Mountain" we get to witness the love story of two men. While many people are battling this sort of obsession and it is destroying lives and jeopardizing the family structure, Hollywood chooses to try and make us desensitized to yet another immorality. I was happy that the movie "Walk the Line" did show the adverse affects of drug use, putting selfish needs before family and marriage and the gift for a second chance when we chose the right decisions. I was not pleased that they left out the spiritual journey that Johnny Cash had. One in which was hinted at by Hollywood when June and her christian parents stood behind Cash to help him over his addiction and then showing Cash going to church with June. While something like Cash's spirituality is left to the imagination other immoralities have been jammed down our throats in many movies. I wonder what kind of movies, TV the next generation will be exposed to. Right now I am no longer fazed by them boiling a human head on CSI. However I would still be sickened by dogs lapping up human flesh as in "Hannibal" Sometimes we just need to distinguish the over-all movie content. Then "Whatsoever things are good,... whatsoever things are pure,...if there be "any good" ...We should think on these things." Phil 4:8 revised