A couple of days ago, with the help of the wonderful html genius, Jessica, i completed an almost complete remodel of my other blog. I'm really excited about my remodel, and i would like to know what you think about it.
As part of my remodel, i installed a great little internet toy that tells me when people visit my blogs. Well, a few of you have visited this blog, and i imagine, were greatly disappointed that no new post existed - but none of you visited the other blog that i have been working so hard on.
Now i've mentioned before that the subject matter on that other blog isn't everyone's cup of tea, but just this once, will you please just look? I'm really kind of proud of it, and i'm hoping to get better at writing about such (to some of you) distasteful matters, and to try to reach a bigger and unfamiliar audience, so i would really love to have the feedback of my friends. And by friends, i mean you, those who read my personal blogs and and say nice things and pray with me and so on.
Also, when you follow the link to that other blog, please respond to a very snarky little poll in the top right hand corner. Again, i really really appreciate your feedback.
Oh, and one other thing: please pray with me for my husband's family who is encountering some unforeseen difficulties that i can't tell you anything about but that nonetheless very much need prayer for God's intervention.
And one more other thing, if you don't know how to get to my other blog, just follow this link, right here, and here, and here.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
filters
i would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
His mercy endures forever.
unless we simply ignore the world around us, it can sometimes be easy to get a little down - or a maybe a lot down.
but if we look to the Lord and remember His goodness, we can be sure that His goodness is bigger than the world's badness.
or if you prefer, "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."
because most of us are so earth-bound, so to speak, it's easy to read God's Word through a subconscious filter composed of our circumstances and what we know in our minds to be true of the concrete, human world around us. but we must remember that God's Word is the only true Truth. therefore, we must instead take note of our circumstances and what we know in our minds to be true of the concrete, human world around us through a conscious filter composed of the truth of the Word of God. He sees what we cannot see. and He loves us. and He said He would never leave us.
praise His name!
His mercy endures forever.
unless we simply ignore the world around us, it can sometimes be easy to get a little down - or a maybe a lot down.
but if we look to the Lord and remember His goodness, we can be sure that His goodness is bigger than the world's badness.
or if you prefer, "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."
because most of us are so earth-bound, so to speak, it's easy to read God's Word through a subconscious filter composed of our circumstances and what we know in our minds to be true of the concrete, human world around us. but we must remember that God's Word is the only true Truth. therefore, we must instead take note of our circumstances and what we know in our minds to be true of the concrete, human world around us through a conscious filter composed of the truth of the Word of God. He sees what we cannot see. and He loves us. and He said He would never leave us.
praise His name!
The Truth About Polar Bears
An advertisement has appeared on television lately, for an organization called WWF. WWF stands for World Wildlife Fund. In the commercial i speak of, actor Noah Wyle, very dramatically informs the viewer that polar bears are starving and dying off so quickly, because of "climate change," that "if we don't act now, most will die in our children's lifetime." If you haven't seen it, you can view a very similar video here.
I'm just as big a fan of the beautiful and magnificent polar bear as the next guy, but the information in this commercial didn't quite jive with my knowledge of climate change. And i've never even been to any part of the world that might ever have any knowledge of the existence of polar bears were it not for television, national geographic, and the zoo. So i started doing some research. And i would like to pass my research on to you.
Even among those who believe in global warming, the U.S. Senate of all people, cites numerous credentialed scientists who say the claims that the polar bears are in danger of extinction are full of bear dung. In fact many scientists are reporting rapid growth of polar bear populations, as reported by newsbusters.
Newsminer.com reported the appalled responses of Alaskan governor, representative, and senators at the news that the polar bears were being listed as endangers. Senator Don Young called it an "assault on sound science."
Senator Ted Stevens was quoted saying,
And now, in case you are among the many who believe that the claims of global warming are true, i will not pretend to be a scientist. I will simply refer you to the 600 - something and growing number of international scientists whose studies debunk almost everything you've heard in commercials and on the news. This report, most shockingly, is published by, of all people, The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Click here to read the very long article and have access to the reports and the incredible number of links to reports and studies that turn all the "news" upside down.
And now for my personal commentary.
I don't know know what makes anyone, especially the media, believe that it is o.k., acceptable, excusable, or much less, honorable, to tout blatant bold-faced, unresearched lies to the American public. I don't know why it's so easy for Americans, myself included, to fall for it when they do. But i'm tired. I'm tired of listening to lies and saying nothing. I'm tired of closing my mouth and being polite when absolute nonsense is spoken to my face.
I don't believe that it's necessary to be rude. But i believe that it is necessary to have an opinion and a point-of-view. And i believe that it is entirely vital that those who know the truth speak up about it, somehow.
Please don't buy the hype. Research the hype, but don't buy it. Know the truth.
I'm just as big a fan of the beautiful and magnificent polar bear as the next guy, but the information in this commercial didn't quite jive with my knowledge of climate change. And i've never even been to any part of the world that might ever have any knowledge of the existence of polar bears were it not for television, national geographic, and the zoo. So i started doing some research. And i would like to pass my research on to you.
Even among those who believe in global warming, the U.S. Senate of all people, cites numerous credentialed scientists who say the claims that the polar bears are in danger of extinction are full of bear dung. In fact many scientists are reporting rapid growth of polar bear populations, as reported by newsbusters.
Newsminer.com reported the appalled responses of Alaskan governor, representative, and senators at the news that the polar bears were being listed as endangers. Senator Don Young called it an "assault on sound science."
Senator Ted Stevens was quoted saying,
“I am disappointed and disturbed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to weaken the Endangered Species Act by listing the polar bear as threatened despite the steady increase in the species’ population. Scientists have observed that there are now three times as many polar bears in the Arctic than there were in the 1970s.
“Never before has a species been listed as endangered or threatened while occupying its entire geographic range.
“This decision was made without any research demonstrating dangerously low population levels in polar bears, but rather on speculation regarding how ice levels will affect Arctic wildlife. Worse yet, today’s decision cannot and will not do anything to reverse sea ice decline.
And now, in case you are among the many who believe that the claims of global warming are true, i will not pretend to be a scientist. I will simply refer you to the 600 - something and growing number of international scientists whose studies debunk almost everything you've heard in commercials and on the news. This report, most shockingly, is published by, of all people, The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Click here to read the very long article and have access to the reports and the incredible number of links to reports and studies that turn all the "news" upside down.
And now for my personal commentary.
I don't know know what makes anyone, especially the media, believe that it is o.k., acceptable, excusable, or much less, honorable, to tout blatant bold-faced, unresearched lies to the American public. I don't know why it's so easy for Americans, myself included, to fall for it when they do. But i'm tired. I'm tired of listening to lies and saying nothing. I'm tired of closing my mouth and being polite when absolute nonsense is spoken to my face.
I don't believe that it's necessary to be rude. But i believe that it is necessary to have an opinion and a point-of-view. And i believe that it is entirely vital that those who know the truth speak up about it, somehow.
Please don't buy the hype. Research the hype, but don't buy it. Know the truth.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Today's Church Review
The categories are appearance, greeting, music, sermon, after-the-sermon and over all response.
Well, this is the church i tried to attend last week but couldn't find. A former high school classmate of ours goes to the church, and i am connected to him on myspace. So, during the week, i inquired, and he advised, and it turned out we simply hadn't driven far enough. So today, we drove far enough, but we still didn't find it. So we drove another 1/2 mile past "far enough" and then turned around. I was just about to burst into tears over not finding the same church two weeks in a row and doubting whether my husband would be willing to venture after this seemingly non-existent church for a 3rd week in a row, when "hey, there it is!"
whew!
Appearance Category:
It's easy to miss because of some really beautiful Japanese Maples that line the front of the church property. My husband missed the place again when he came to pick me up. But the church was very nice looking from the outside and on the inside. It has a small foyer, and i'm guessing the sanctuary could seat about 200, if necessary.
Greeting Category:
As i walked toward the church door, it opened. Apparently i was being spied upon. =) Two friendly ladies greeted and eagerly welcomed me when i entered, and one of them gave me a tri-fold hand-out about the church. I liked that because i always look for those. I was a little late, so i wanted to sit down but had a hard time finding a seat. One of those nice greeter ladies pointed me to a seat that turned out to be right next to her saved seat that was marked by her Bible.
Music Category:
So far, this is the most ...i can't think of the right word..... complete, thorough, appropriate, functional......praise and worship team i have seen in my search for a home church in Coldspring. I think there were four guitar players, two of whom were also singing. Also, there was a whole row of women at microphones next to the male main leader guy. And one point, one of the ladies used a tambourine - not in that annoying way you might be imagining; it was actually o.k.
Also, the projector system, you know, for the words to the songs, was the same system that CTK uses. I really like that particular system, especially after seeing a couple of other inferior system, so that was nice. oddly, all the lyrics were in lower case, except of course words referring to God. i thought that was interesting. and that's especially funny since i do so much of my blogging in exactly the same format. but i'm not sure that my blog and that display of lyrics should really have the same format....
As for the music itself, it was pretty good. I didn't know all the songs they sang, but everything was pretty easy to follow. The style part of the time was a little folky, which was interesting. It was kind of a folk, hymn, hillsong sort of blend. The expression of praise was very sincere, from the stage and in the congregation. That was really nice.
Sermon Category:
I should tell you that the pastor of this church is a woman. She has been the pastor since....15 or 20 years ago when i attended as a teenager. She's a very nice woman. Before she got up to preach, i noticed the unusually large pulpit on the platform, and ....noted that detail. But when the pastor got up to preach, she stood instead, at a metal music stand placed next to the front row of the congregation. That was kind of cool. I like a sermon that i can take notes on, and this was one. I got some very good notes and some very good insight that wasn't something i've heard a hundred times before. I liked that. It's a different experience somehow with a female pastor. This particular one is about the age and southern demeanor that it's a little like hearing a sermon from Granny. I'm not saying that's a bad thing; it's just different from the norm.
After-the-Sermon:
Oh! Interesting altar call experience. After the close of the sermon, the pastor told us to stand up and then to close our eyes, and she asked for anyone who isn't saved to - (i dont' remember whether it was raise your hand or come forward or what) - signal. Then when no one responded, she started asking specific people (who apparently did not have their eyes closed as directed) if they were saved. She settled on two teen-aged girls who seemed to have indicated that they were not saved but they wanted to be. So she called them up to the front, briefly explained, prayed with them, and told them she would get them a Bible. After that, she closed the service and directed "y'all" to come and give these girls a hug. But before hugs could be given, she prayed for all the people who are sick and the people who need jobs in one big prayer.
After the final closing, i looked around and bee-lined it to the restroom. Then on my way out the door, the pastor headed me off before i could get out and asked me who i was. We talked for a few minutes, and she made sure i filled out one of those little cards before i left. I'm always happy to fill out one of "those little cards." I'm also interested to find out what they actually do about the information i give them.
Overall Response Category:
I enjoyed the service, and i will probably visit at least one more time. I was disappointed that the church is actually located closer to a couple of neighboring towns than it is to the one i live in. And since i really want to get involved in my community, that is kind of a deterrent.
I've been asking the Lord to give me direction about what church to make my "home" church. During the service, i started to wonder if God is trying to tell me that ......i think He might be telling me to pick one and get involved. I've toyed around several times, with the idea of getting involved in a few or a couple at the same time. But i might just be scared to really commit. But here's why....i kind of see Coldspring as a whole, and i don't like seeing it separated into different church bodies. I want the different bodies to be involved together, but everybody seems to have their own thing going. I can see that God is moving on this area. Several full gospel/non-denominational churches have sprung up in the last few years, and all of them are really growing. I can see a little bit of how God has been and is breaking down the spiritual coldness that has prevailed here for so very long, and i want to get involved, but i don't want to lose the big picture.
O.k., so that's my excuse, and while i've been typing that, i've been feeling kind of like i should visit church #2 next week. I guess i'll let ya know. At least church #2 is easier to find.
=)
Well, this is the church i tried to attend last week but couldn't find. A former high school classmate of ours goes to the church, and i am connected to him on myspace. So, during the week, i inquired, and he advised, and it turned out we simply hadn't driven far enough. So today, we drove far enough, but we still didn't find it. So we drove another 1/2 mile past "far enough" and then turned around. I was just about to burst into tears over not finding the same church two weeks in a row and doubting whether my husband would be willing to venture after this seemingly non-existent church for a 3rd week in a row, when "hey, there it is!"
whew!
Appearance Category:
It's easy to miss because of some really beautiful Japanese Maples that line the front of the church property. My husband missed the place again when he came to pick me up. But the church was very nice looking from the outside and on the inside. It has a small foyer, and i'm guessing the sanctuary could seat about 200, if necessary.
Greeting Category:
As i walked toward the church door, it opened. Apparently i was being spied upon. =) Two friendly ladies greeted and eagerly welcomed me when i entered, and one of them gave me a tri-fold hand-out about the church. I liked that because i always look for those. I was a little late, so i wanted to sit down but had a hard time finding a seat. One of those nice greeter ladies pointed me to a seat that turned out to be right next to her saved seat that was marked by her Bible.
Music Category:
So far, this is the most ...i can't think of the right word..... complete, thorough, appropriate, functional......praise and worship team i have seen in my search for a home church in Coldspring. I think there were four guitar players, two of whom were also singing. Also, there was a whole row of women at microphones next to the male main leader guy. And one point, one of the ladies used a tambourine - not in that annoying way you might be imagining; it was actually o.k.
Also, the projector system, you know, for the words to the songs, was the same system that CTK uses. I really like that particular system, especially after seeing a couple of other inferior system, so that was nice. oddly, all the lyrics were in lower case, except of course words referring to God. i thought that was interesting. and that's especially funny since i do so much of my blogging in exactly the same format. but i'm not sure that my blog and that display of lyrics should really have the same format....
As for the music itself, it was pretty good. I didn't know all the songs they sang, but everything was pretty easy to follow. The style part of the time was a little folky, which was interesting. It was kind of a folk, hymn, hillsong sort of blend. The expression of praise was very sincere, from the stage and in the congregation. That was really nice.
Sermon Category:
I should tell you that the pastor of this church is a woman. She has been the pastor since....15 or 20 years ago when i attended as a teenager. She's a very nice woman. Before she got up to preach, i noticed the unusually large pulpit on the platform, and ....noted that detail. But when the pastor got up to preach, she stood instead, at a metal music stand placed next to the front row of the congregation. That was kind of cool. I like a sermon that i can take notes on, and this was one. I got some very good notes and some very good insight that wasn't something i've heard a hundred times before. I liked that. It's a different experience somehow with a female pastor. This particular one is about the age and southern demeanor that it's a little like hearing a sermon from Granny. I'm not saying that's a bad thing; it's just different from the norm.
After-the-Sermon:
Oh! Interesting altar call experience. After the close of the sermon, the pastor told us to stand up and then to close our eyes, and she asked for anyone who isn't saved to - (i dont' remember whether it was raise your hand or come forward or what) - signal. Then when no one responded, she started asking specific people (who apparently did not have their eyes closed as directed) if they were saved. She settled on two teen-aged girls who seemed to have indicated that they were not saved but they wanted to be. So she called them up to the front, briefly explained, prayed with them, and told them she would get them a Bible. After that, she closed the service and directed "y'all" to come and give these girls a hug. But before hugs could be given, she prayed for all the people who are sick and the people who need jobs in one big prayer.
After the final closing, i looked around and bee-lined it to the restroom. Then on my way out the door, the pastor headed me off before i could get out and asked me who i was. We talked for a few minutes, and she made sure i filled out one of those little cards before i left. I'm always happy to fill out one of "those little cards." I'm also interested to find out what they actually do about the information i give them.
Overall Response Category:
I enjoyed the service, and i will probably visit at least one more time. I was disappointed that the church is actually located closer to a couple of neighboring towns than it is to the one i live in. And since i really want to get involved in my community, that is kind of a deterrent.
I've been asking the Lord to give me direction about what church to make my "home" church. During the service, i started to wonder if God is trying to tell me that ......i think He might be telling me to pick one and get involved. I've toyed around several times, with the idea of getting involved in a few or a couple at the same time. But i might just be scared to really commit. But here's why....i kind of see Coldspring as a whole, and i don't like seeing it separated into different church bodies. I want the different bodies to be involved together, but everybody seems to have their own thing going. I can see that God is moving on this area. Several full gospel/non-denominational churches have sprung up in the last few years, and all of them are really growing. I can see a little bit of how God has been and is breaking down the spiritual coldness that has prevailed here for so very long, and i want to get involved, but i don't want to lose the big picture.
O.k., so that's my excuse, and while i've been typing that, i've been feeling kind of like i should visit church #2 next week. I guess i'll let ya know. At least church #2 is easier to find.
=)
oh funny?
Tonight was the outing i spoke of a couple days ago, you know, to go to the comedy club. Well, we had decided we weren't going to go just because the expenses didn't really fit into our budget right now, but when James told his friend we weren't going, friend was visibly disappointed and offered to help out financially. So we went.
thoughts:
this couple is younger than us than we realized before; friend's wife and i didn't get to talk very much, but at least now we can recognize each others' faces; i had a little eye-opening into possibly "normal" thoughts of "regular" people; our hosts seemed a little disappointed when i didn't order alcoholic drinks, and i thought that their disappointment was a strange response.
as to the comedy:
there were 3 comics there to make us laugh. the first one was funny enough and almost clean; the second one quite a bit funnier but with unexpected bursts of objectionable content; the headliner was not that funny and very objectionable most of the time. headliner tipped his hand, though. i was listening to him as he made political and religious jokes, some of which stepped quite a way over "the line," but as he revealed his 12 years of catholic school and his disappointment with the catholic "celebration" of mass, i began to feel compassion for him and pray for him. he was making a joke, a joke with truth in it, when he reflected on the nuns he had come in contact with during his time in catholic school, when he said, "if that's the joy of the Lord, i'll take my hookers and booze." ( i might have some of those words mixed up, but it's pretty close )and i thought, he has a point. if we claim to represent the Lord, then we really need to trust Him and yield ourselves to Him to live through us and show Himself to the world.
so while he was telling jokes, i was praying for him. i asked the Lord to give him the gift of open eyes that see the truth. his name is Jimmy Dore. i hope you'll pray for him too. i think i saw into his heart for a minute, and i think he wants to know God.
as for our hosts, i don't think that this will be the end. i feel that God will use that experience to open up relationship. i'll wait for Him to open the next door.
tomorrow, if the Lord wills, i will find the church i tried to find last Sunday.
thoughts:
this couple is younger than us than we realized before; friend's wife and i didn't get to talk very much, but at least now we can recognize each others' faces; i had a little eye-opening into possibly "normal" thoughts of "regular" people; our hosts seemed a little disappointed when i didn't order alcoholic drinks, and i thought that their disappointment was a strange response.
as to the comedy:
there were 3 comics there to make us laugh. the first one was funny enough and almost clean; the second one quite a bit funnier but with unexpected bursts of objectionable content; the headliner was not that funny and very objectionable most of the time. headliner tipped his hand, though. i was listening to him as he made political and religious jokes, some of which stepped quite a way over "the line," but as he revealed his 12 years of catholic school and his disappointment with the catholic "celebration" of mass, i began to feel compassion for him and pray for him. he was making a joke, a joke with truth in it, when he reflected on the nuns he had come in contact with during his time in catholic school, when he said, "if that's the joy of the Lord, i'll take my hookers and booze." ( i might have some of those words mixed up, but it's pretty close )and i thought, he has a point. if we claim to represent the Lord, then we really need to trust Him and yield ourselves to Him to live through us and show Himself to the world.
so while he was telling jokes, i was praying for him. i asked the Lord to give him the gift of open eyes that see the truth. his name is Jimmy Dore. i hope you'll pray for him too. i think i saw into his heart for a minute, and i think he wants to know God.
as for our hosts, i don't think that this will be the end. i feel that God will use that experience to open up relationship. i'll wait for Him to open the next door.
tomorrow, if the Lord wills, i will find the church i tried to find last Sunday.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
ramble ramble
here i go again writing just because i need to write and having no idea what to say.
i have some political things spinning around in my head. if you ever want to read those, they're on www.veritableobservations.blogspot.com. I put them over there because not everybody wants to read about political stuff, and not everybody wants to read my personal ramblings.
james has had to go to work early every day this week, and for some wonderful reason, i have easily waken up with him every day except monday. i have had a very good week. i have listened to one recorded message which was very good. and i have spent more time in prayer than i have in a very long time. those are signs of breakthrough, i think.
on the flip side, for all of my wakefulness, i have had a horrible time getting anything done. today, i went in my bedroom at least three times, with the intent that i would pick up some dirty clothes on the floor, and every time came out having done something else - but not picked up the clothes. these are very simple tasks: wash the dishes, sweep the floor, pick up the laundry, and so forth. but for some reason this week, they have been very very difficult to wrap my mind around.
i think i might've found a key in the prayer/spend time with God every day difficulty. it seems to come down to humility. if i decide to willfully humble myself before God, whether i have anything to say or not, He seems to meet me right there.
my husband has a friend at work, who he has brought home for lunch quite a few times. i have been wanting an opportunity to meet this friend's wife but have not had one yet. i have a specific compassion for her, even though i haven't met her. today, we were invited to join james' friend and wife to use some free tickets to a comedy club. james left it up to me, and i decided to accept the invitation. i'm hoping and praying that this will allow an open door into this woman's life. the comedy part is a little scary. we all know that different people's definitions of "funny" can be vastly different and often offensive. i'll just leave that to God.
i have some political things spinning around in my head. if you ever want to read those, they're on www.veritableobservations.blogspot.com. I put them over there because not everybody wants to read about political stuff, and not everybody wants to read my personal ramblings.
james has had to go to work early every day this week, and for some wonderful reason, i have easily waken up with him every day except monday. i have had a very good week. i have listened to one recorded message which was very good. and i have spent more time in prayer than i have in a very long time. those are signs of breakthrough, i think.
on the flip side, for all of my wakefulness, i have had a horrible time getting anything done. today, i went in my bedroom at least three times, with the intent that i would pick up some dirty clothes on the floor, and every time came out having done something else - but not picked up the clothes. these are very simple tasks: wash the dishes, sweep the floor, pick up the laundry, and so forth. but for some reason this week, they have been very very difficult to wrap my mind around.
i think i might've found a key in the prayer/spend time with God every day difficulty. it seems to come down to humility. if i decide to willfully humble myself before God, whether i have anything to say or not, He seems to meet me right there.
my husband has a friend at work, who he has brought home for lunch quite a few times. i have been wanting an opportunity to meet this friend's wife but have not had one yet. i have a specific compassion for her, even though i haven't met her. today, we were invited to join james' friend and wife to use some free tickets to a comedy club. james left it up to me, and i decided to accept the invitation. i'm hoping and praying that this will allow an open door into this woman's life. the comedy part is a little scary. we all know that different people's definitions of "funny" can be vastly different and often offensive. i'll just leave that to God.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sneaky Cookie
Have you seen the commercials for the Smart Cookie? It's a weight loss aid advertised on television. According to the commercial, it's a little like SlimFast, but with a twist; you get to eat a cookie instead of drinking a shake. Also, the commercial says that you could save $1200 a year in groceries by eating the Smart Cookie instead. Wow!
I am of the portly variety, and i want a cookie, so i pulled up the website to see if the hoopla was something i would like to get involved in.
So here's my expose:
First of all, a four week supply of Smart Cookies is $279.00. Right now, you get a fifth week free. You judge for yourself, but i don't eat $279.00 in groceries for breakfast and lunch each month. But o.k. people have different budgets...what else? Well, here's the plan: You eat 6 cookies throughout the day. This is to help you develop the good habit of eating multiple small meals through the day instead of binging, etc. And then for the evening meal, you eat (are you ready?) a portion of lean chicken or fish and (are you sure you're ready?) 5 cups of vegetables. Yes, that's right. I said 5 cups.
Am i telling the truth? Here's the quote:
You can read it too. Just go to http://www.smart4life.com/SMFLLifeStyleProgram.aspx.
I don't know about you, but i can't eat 5 cups of vegetables in one sitting, no matter how hungry i am when i start out. I think that if i really tried, and i wasn't eating the Smart Cookies (or anything else at all), i could possibly eat 5 cups of vegetables throughout the course of the day. That might save me some grocery money.
Sneaky Cookie.
I am of the portly variety, and i want a cookie, so i pulled up the website to see if the hoopla was something i would like to get involved in.
So here's my expose:
First of all, a four week supply of Smart Cookies is $279.00. Right now, you get a fifth week free. You judge for yourself, but i don't eat $279.00 in groceries for breakfast and lunch each month. But o.k. people have different budgets...what else? Well, here's the plan: You eat 6 cookies throughout the day. This is to help you develop the good habit of eating multiple small meals through the day instead of binging, etc. And then for the evening meal, you eat (are you ready?) a portion of lean chicken or fish and (are you sure you're ready?) 5 cups of vegetables. Yes, that's right. I said 5 cups.
Am i telling the truth? Here's the quote:
Within 1 hour of waking up, eat your first Smart Cookie along with a glass of water. Then every 2-3 hours, when you feel hungry, eat another Smart Cookie. You should eat 6 Smart Cookies throughout the day and then a healthy, low fat dinner of chicken or fish with 5 cups of vegetables as outlined in your Program Guide included in your order. This will retrain you to eat small, multiple meals throughout the day.
You can read it too. Just go to http://www.smart4life.com/SMFLLifeStyleProgram.aspx.
I don't know about you, but i can't eat 5 cups of vegetables in one sitting, no matter how hungry i am when i start out. I think that if i really tried, and i wasn't eating the Smart Cookies (or anything else at all), i could possibly eat 5 cups of vegetables throughout the course of the day. That might save me some grocery money.
Sneaky Cookie.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
not an essay
i think i need to write more.
sometimes writing isn't just my venue for speaking; it's also my venue for thinking. and i know i'm not completely crazy on that count because i remember reading/knowing that the essay is a means of writing to solve a problem. i identify with having an unsolved problem at the beginning of a writing, but at the end of the "writing" having solved the problem.
i don't know if i have a problem per say, so i won't call this an essay, per say.
i think that when i don't write, i don't fully process - it's kind of like dreaming. when i don't write, i have a harder time staying/getting up the next day. or more accurately to my experience, since i haven't been doing much writing, i have an easier time staying/getting up when i have written. sometimes, however, i can exercise the part of my brain that puts things in order, and that has a similar function for settling things in my mind - you know like, i can put together a puzzle, or solve a genealogical mystery. both of these things usually last long into the wee hours of the morning, so it's especially noticeable if i'm then more awake the next day.
i've had an especially difficult time getting into God's Word lately. and i've put it off even more after having opened up the Word and then staring blankly at the page, reading words but not knowing what i read.
however, i have enjoyed a couple of televised Bible teachings. and those help me be more interested in the Word. i am fully aware that the Word is my life blood. and i know that the enemy would like little more than for me to stop getting in the Word altogether. so i have a new strategy.
i have, over the years, accumulated a fairly thick stack of recordings of teachings/sermons, etc. from CTK. this is partly because i served in the nursery about every month for 3 or 4 years, and when you serve in the nursery, if you remember to ask for it, you get a free recording of the sermon that you missed. these messages that i have on cd, however, i have for the most part, never listened to. so i have collected a great stack of them, and i have them ready for tomorrow. i don't plan to listen to all of them tomorrow. probably i'll listen to only one of them, truth be told.
but if i remember correctly, the Word of God tells me to stir up the gift of God within me. is that about right? well, this seems like a good method. it really is true that we need each other. i'm so thankful for the body of Christ. i don't know where i would be if it weren't for the "encouraging one another..." that i have experienced over the years.
o.k. well, the other thing is happening that also helps me sleep better, i'm having a little happy thankful cry.
i guess i'll go now.
ha! maybe that was an essay!
sometimes writing isn't just my venue for speaking; it's also my venue for thinking. and i know i'm not completely crazy on that count because i remember reading/knowing that the essay is a means of writing to solve a problem. i identify with having an unsolved problem at the beginning of a writing, but at the end of the "writing" having solved the problem.
i don't know if i have a problem per say, so i won't call this an essay, per say.
i think that when i don't write, i don't fully process - it's kind of like dreaming. when i don't write, i have a harder time staying/getting up the next day. or more accurately to my experience, since i haven't been doing much writing, i have an easier time staying/getting up when i have written. sometimes, however, i can exercise the part of my brain that puts things in order, and that has a similar function for settling things in my mind - you know like, i can put together a puzzle, or solve a genealogical mystery. both of these things usually last long into the wee hours of the morning, so it's especially noticeable if i'm then more awake the next day.
i've had an especially difficult time getting into God's Word lately. and i've put it off even more after having opened up the Word and then staring blankly at the page, reading words but not knowing what i read.
however, i have enjoyed a couple of televised Bible teachings. and those help me be more interested in the Word. i am fully aware that the Word is my life blood. and i know that the enemy would like little more than for me to stop getting in the Word altogether. so i have a new strategy.
i have, over the years, accumulated a fairly thick stack of recordings of teachings/sermons, etc. from CTK. this is partly because i served in the nursery about every month for 3 or 4 years, and when you serve in the nursery, if you remember to ask for it, you get a free recording of the sermon that you missed. these messages that i have on cd, however, i have for the most part, never listened to. so i have collected a great stack of them, and i have them ready for tomorrow. i don't plan to listen to all of them tomorrow. probably i'll listen to only one of them, truth be told.
but if i remember correctly, the Word of God tells me to stir up the gift of God within me. is that about right? well, this seems like a good method. it really is true that we need each other. i'm so thankful for the body of Christ. i don't know where i would be if it weren't for the "encouraging one another..." that i have experienced over the years.
o.k. well, the other thing is happening that also helps me sleep better, i'm having a little happy thankful cry.
i guess i'll go now.
ha! maybe that was an essay!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Good Grief!
This morning, i decided to try a different church here in Coldspring. I've been there before, and i thought i knew right where to go, and i assumed they probably started around 10:30, so we planned to leave about 10. And we went where i believed the church to be located, and there was nothing. We drove and drove and tried other roads, but it wasn't there either. Then i came home and looked it up, and according to google, it's exactly where i thought it was, but alas, no church.
Good grief!
I've sent a myspace message to someone i know who goes there, asking for directions. I feel kind of like a dummy now. And i'm all dressed up with no place to go.
Bleh.
Good grief!
I've sent a myspace message to someone i know who goes there, asking for directions. I feel kind of like a dummy now. And i'm all dressed up with no place to go.
Bleh.
Friday, February 13, 2009
i don't have to title this if i don't want to
Let's see...
Puppies:
Samson was later named Charlie. Barney remains named Barney. Barney is growing a little faster than Charlie, and James thinks he might have a little Chow influence in his genes. Both are lovable and cute and always hungry. The other day, when we went to town, they decided to try out the middle of the street for a new play area, so we're working on that. Oh! And Stanley thinks that the dogs are his brothers. They all three play together just like siblings, and the nap together too. That's working out very well. I credit God, who hears my desires, even the ones i think won't matter to him - like how my pets get along.
On other things, spring is coming, and many of our trees are budding up. I can't wait to see what they become and how the place looks in the spring time. We are starting to make some progress toward getting our garden started, and i am very excited about that. I'll feel a little more like i'm earning my keep after i'm cultivating successful vegetable gardens, and i can see the cans of them in our pantry and bags of them in our freezer.
I have started but not nearly finished several books: the writings of Josephus, Utmost Life, by Tim Storey, and Common Sense, by Thomas Paine. This evening, i completed my reading of the U.S. Constitution. My genealogical pursuits are ever-progressing, which is a lot of fun for me. Of course, i am also reading my Bible. I am currently very interested in the 118th Psalm.
Church: Last Saturday's women's group was very different and uncomfortable for me. When i woke up on Sunday morning, i was forcing myself to go to church, even though i really didn't want to, and then the Lord blessed me by inspiring my husband to take me to Conroe, where i was able to fellowship with the members of the body who already know and love me.....and it was SO refreshing!
God's goodness: I am overwhelmed by the little desires of my heart that i notice God's hand attentively acting on. His grace is so sufficient, and His love is so much more than intimate. I cannot describe how He romances me. One day recently, i turned to see the most lovely sunset and immediately felt Him pouring His love on me. I burst into tears and answered that i love Him too. I am overwhelmed again that He pursues me undyingly, without regard to my energy level or attention span. He just loves me. I am amazed.
I visited my neighbor today and got to pray with her. I felt strongly that i should go see her today, so after James got home (someone has to watch the dogs so they don't go in the street) i walked next door. I haven't visited Meme since before Christmas. She said that she was thinking about me, and then i appeared at her door. God's pretty cool.
Puppies:
Samson was later named Charlie. Barney remains named Barney. Barney is growing a little faster than Charlie, and James thinks he might have a little Chow influence in his genes. Both are lovable and cute and always hungry. The other day, when we went to town, they decided to try out the middle of the street for a new play area, so we're working on that. Oh! And Stanley thinks that the dogs are his brothers. They all three play together just like siblings, and the nap together too. That's working out very well. I credit God, who hears my desires, even the ones i think won't matter to him - like how my pets get along.
On other things, spring is coming, and many of our trees are budding up. I can't wait to see what they become and how the place looks in the spring time. We are starting to make some progress toward getting our garden started, and i am very excited about that. I'll feel a little more like i'm earning my keep after i'm cultivating successful vegetable gardens, and i can see the cans of them in our pantry and bags of them in our freezer.
I have started but not nearly finished several books: the writings of Josephus, Utmost Life, by Tim Storey, and Common Sense, by Thomas Paine. This evening, i completed my reading of the U.S. Constitution. My genealogical pursuits are ever-progressing, which is a lot of fun for me. Of course, i am also reading my Bible. I am currently very interested in the 118th Psalm.
Church: Last Saturday's women's group was very different and uncomfortable for me. When i woke up on Sunday morning, i was forcing myself to go to church, even though i really didn't want to, and then the Lord blessed me by inspiring my husband to take me to Conroe, where i was able to fellowship with the members of the body who already know and love me.....and it was SO refreshing!
God's goodness: I am overwhelmed by the little desires of my heart that i notice God's hand attentively acting on. His grace is so sufficient, and His love is so much more than intimate. I cannot describe how He romances me. One day recently, i turned to see the most lovely sunset and immediately felt Him pouring His love on me. I burst into tears and answered that i love Him too. I am overwhelmed again that He pursues me undyingly, without regard to my energy level or attention span. He just loves me. I am amazed.
I visited my neighbor today and got to pray with her. I felt strongly that i should go see her today, so after James got home (someone has to watch the dogs so they don't go in the street) i walked next door. I haven't visited Meme since before Christmas. She said that she was thinking about me, and then i appeared at her door. God's pretty cool.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Why This is Bad
I haven't written in this blog for a while...because i sometimes find it difficult to reflect upon the politics of the day without getting a little too riled up. So i have avoided speaking, except to my husband and the t.v., of course, about political concerns and responses to the news of the day.
Today, i would like to explain why i believe that what the federal government is involved in is wrong. I have heard or read support for various objectionable federal actions explained by saying that "we shouldn't let people just suffer," or "it's the Christian thing to do." I agree with both statements. Americans, people, Christians, should not sit by and allow the suffering of their neighbors and countrymen if it is within their power to prevent it.
That said, the forefathers of our American heritage were very wise men. The more i learn and read, the more i am impressed with the amazing wisdom and foresight of the passionate men who founded the United States of America. These men were educated and experienced. They were educated on the history of the civilizations of the world, and they were experienced in the effects of an overly powerful government on the citizens of a nation.
In their wisdom, and i believe prayerful forethought, these men composed a document known as the Constitution of the United States. I am ashamed to say that until recently i had never read the constitution all the way through. In fact, i hadn't even considered its actual content for about the last 20 years. I remember having to memorize the preamble as a school assignment in the 8th grade (1988 or 1989). Since then, not a thought of concern. Last 4th of July, someone gave my husband and me a copy of the constitution, along with some other important historical American writings. It was upon reading and considering these writings that a few things became very clear, very simple, not complicated at all.
Today, i will talk about the 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This isn't the one you hear about. Most people quote the the right to free speech or the right to bear arms or they "plead the fifth," referring to one small phrase in the 5th amendment which ensures a citizen protection from testifying against their own guilt. The 10th amendment gets much too little attention. I'll quote it for you:
Like it or not, the founders of this nation believed that federal government should have as little involvement in the running of the country as possible. Because of that belief, they set down exactly what the federal government of this country should be allowed to do, and then, as if to say, "we really mean it," clarified: everything else is the responsibility of the state government or the people themselves, period.
And this is why all of the reportedly noble actions that the president and congress are pursuing right now - are wrong. They may or may not be wrong morally. I'll let you evaluate the merits of passing on a couple trillion dollars in debt to our descendants. But before getting to any of the moral ramifications, our constitution does not allow the president, nor any branch of the federal government, the authority to give federal tax dollars to private businesses. I'm sure some of you disagree. See, there is this unfortunate statement in Article I, Section 8, which states as follows:
I fear that the intent of our forefathers was not fully expressed here, and our contemporaries who wish to carry federal government further than they should, must interpret this sentence with a great deal of liberality. However, i scoff at the notion that our federal government could possibly, at this point in time, produce any "regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money" to anyone's satisfaction.
The point is this. The writers of our constitution put limits on federal government in order that federal government would be limited. This is because unlimited federal government yields.....well it yields the opposite of what they were trying to create.
I hope, in future to posts, to share some inspirational writings of those who planned out the hopeful success of the United States. They are eye-opening. I haven't read nearly as much as i should have, as an American Citizen. But as i read, i'll share.
In conclusion (i know, you should never actually use that phrase), the reason that it's not o.k. for the federal government to show charity to my fellow man, is that it's my responsibility to show charity to my fellow man. And if any government should ever get involved, it should be my state government, after an election on whether to do so. Forced charity by tax dollars is not charity at all. It is, instead, socialism in action.
I'll end with a great quote:
Today, i would like to explain why i believe that what the federal government is involved in is wrong. I have heard or read support for various objectionable federal actions explained by saying that "we shouldn't let people just suffer," or "it's the Christian thing to do." I agree with both statements. Americans, people, Christians, should not sit by and allow the suffering of their neighbors and countrymen if it is within their power to prevent it.
That said, the forefathers of our American heritage were very wise men. The more i learn and read, the more i am impressed with the amazing wisdom and foresight of the passionate men who founded the United States of America. These men were educated and experienced. They were educated on the history of the civilizations of the world, and they were experienced in the effects of an overly powerful government on the citizens of a nation.
In their wisdom, and i believe prayerful forethought, these men composed a document known as the Constitution of the United States. I am ashamed to say that until recently i had never read the constitution all the way through. In fact, i hadn't even considered its actual content for about the last 20 years. I remember having to memorize the preamble as a school assignment in the 8th grade (1988 or 1989). Since then, not a thought of concern. Last 4th of July, someone gave my husband and me a copy of the constitution, along with some other important historical American writings. It was upon reading and considering these writings that a few things became very clear, very simple, not complicated at all.
Today, i will talk about the 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This isn't the one you hear about. Most people quote the the right to free speech or the right to bear arms or they "plead the fifth," referring to one small phrase in the 5th amendment which ensures a citizen protection from testifying against their own guilt. The 10th amendment gets much too little attention. I'll quote it for you:
Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Like it or not, the founders of this nation believed that federal government should have as little involvement in the running of the country as possible. Because of that belief, they set down exactly what the federal government of this country should be allowed to do, and then, as if to say, "we really mean it," clarified: everything else is the responsibility of the state government or the people themselves, period.
And this is why all of the reportedly noble actions that the president and congress are pursuing right now - are wrong. They may or may not be wrong morally. I'll let you evaluate the merits of passing on a couple trillion dollars in debt to our descendants. But before getting to any of the moral ramifications, our constitution does not allow the president, nor any branch of the federal government, the authority to give federal tax dollars to private businesses. I'm sure some of you disagree. See, there is this unfortunate statement in Article I, Section 8, which states as follows:
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
I fear that the intent of our forefathers was not fully expressed here, and our contemporaries who wish to carry federal government further than they should, must interpret this sentence with a great deal of liberality. However, i scoff at the notion that our federal government could possibly, at this point in time, produce any "regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money" to anyone's satisfaction.
The point is this. The writers of our constitution put limits on federal government in order that federal government would be limited. This is because unlimited federal government yields.....well it yields the opposite of what they were trying to create.
I hope, in future to posts, to share some inspirational writings of those who planned out the hopeful success of the United States. They are eye-opening. I haven't read nearly as much as i should have, as an American Citizen. But as i read, i'll share.
In conclusion (i know, you should never actually use that phrase), the reason that it's not o.k. for the federal government to show charity to my fellow man, is that it's my responsibility to show charity to my fellow man. And if any government should ever get involved, it should be my state government, after an election on whether to do so. Forced charity by tax dollars is not charity at all. It is, instead, socialism in action.
I'll end with a great quote:
"Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil . . . Wherefore, security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows, that whatever form therof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expense and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others." Thomas Paine, 1776, from his publication, "Common Sense"
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