It amazes me to see the creative ideas that come out of young active minds. I gave Marina, Emma, and Mataya each a couple sheets of stickers the other day...and before I knew it, they had created artsy feet! Too cute.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Aftermath
Romans 13:1
"Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
Isn't it interesting that throughout the centuries of history God has allowed such a variety of leadership to take position? Even in biblical Israel...God's chosen nation. They had evil kings. And then they had kings that were considered righteous and would call the people's hearts back to the Lord. God knew. God foresaw. Nothing came as a surprise to Him. Yet, He allowed things to happen for a purpose. His divine purpose. Of that I am so certain.
Throughout this grueling election process, I've received all kinds of comments and emails and opinions from friends, strangers, and then of course there's the media. I'm surprised by some ideas but not at all surprised by others. The ones that surprise me the most are the emails that warn that Obama is the anti-christ. C'mon now. I'm not at all an Obama supporter, but I wouldn't go that far. Whatever the case may be, the fact is that God has allowed this man to be elected as president over our great nation. And God has not been caught off-guard by this unraveling of events.
I think we need to be careful of our words. Not speak out of fear. And instead, use this situation to show people our unwavering faith and security in the ONE who is always in control. People's emotions are highly sensitive at the moment. And I wouldn't want my words or my opinions to hurt someone that holds an opposing viewpoint. I don't think that would be productive. And I don't think that would be right.
If you are discouraged by the outcome of this election...just remember that it is not OUR agenda that should take priority in our minds. It is GOD'S. And think about it...even when His chosen people, the nation of Israel...were ruled by wicked kings, or even worse, were conquered by other nations and forced into slavery...even through all that, His plans were not deterred. His plan to send His Son to earth, to walk among us, to minister to the needy, and to ultimately take our place on the cross...His plan to save us from our sins...That plan wasn't shaken or changed despite the activity of man.
So, as we regroup and head into four years of this next presidency, let's remember that God is not yet finished working among us and His agenda is so much greater than man's. I'm not saying that Obama is a wicked leader. I don't agree with his policies, but I will pray that God will give him wisdom and that He will speak to his heart in the profound way that only the Holy Spirit can do. And as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approach, I will let this time of year be a reminder that God's plans have always prevailed and will continue to prevail, despite our feeble attempts in government.
xoxo
"Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
Isn't it interesting that throughout the centuries of history God has allowed such a variety of leadership to take position? Even in biblical Israel...God's chosen nation. They had evil kings. And then they had kings that were considered righteous and would call the people's hearts back to the Lord. God knew. God foresaw. Nothing came as a surprise to Him. Yet, He allowed things to happen for a purpose. His divine purpose. Of that I am so certain.
Throughout this grueling election process, I've received all kinds of comments and emails and opinions from friends, strangers, and then of course there's the media. I'm surprised by some ideas but not at all surprised by others. The ones that surprise me the most are the emails that warn that Obama is the anti-christ. C'mon now. I'm not at all an Obama supporter, but I wouldn't go that far. Whatever the case may be, the fact is that God has allowed this man to be elected as president over our great nation. And God has not been caught off-guard by this unraveling of events.
I think we need to be careful of our words. Not speak out of fear. And instead, use this situation to show people our unwavering faith and security in the ONE who is always in control. People's emotions are highly sensitive at the moment. And I wouldn't want my words or my opinions to hurt someone that holds an opposing viewpoint. I don't think that would be productive. And I don't think that would be right.
If you are discouraged by the outcome of this election...just remember that it is not OUR agenda that should take priority in our minds. It is GOD'S. And think about it...even when His chosen people, the nation of Israel...were ruled by wicked kings, or even worse, were conquered by other nations and forced into slavery...even through all that, His plans were not deterred. His plan to send His Son to earth, to walk among us, to minister to the needy, and to ultimately take our place on the cross...His plan to save us from our sins...That plan wasn't shaken or changed despite the activity of man.
So, as we regroup and head into four years of this next presidency, let's remember that God is not yet finished working among us and His agenda is so much greater than man's. I'm not saying that Obama is a wicked leader. I don't agree with his policies, but I will pray that God will give him wisdom and that He will speak to his heart in the profound way that only the Holy Spirit can do. And as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approach, I will let this time of year be a reminder that God's plans have always prevailed and will continue to prevail, despite our feeble attempts in government.
xoxo
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Hitting the polls...
Tonight, exactly 44 minutes before the polls closed, Ryan arrived home from work, which allowed me to hop into the car and head to our voting location. I proudly exercised my right to vote. I am proud to be American. And proud to live in a free country. (Although those freedoms are severely threatened by certain politicians and certain litigations...but that's another discussion).
Ryan laughs at me sometimes...he thinks it's 'cute' that I'm so patriotic. I simply tell him, in a very serious, well-read, and intellectual tone...."Haven't you ever watched the movie 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson? Look at all the heroes our country has sacrificed for our freedom!"
Okay...maybe Hollywood is not the best source for American history. But the fact remains, so many heroes have sacrificed blood, sweat and tears for the freedoms we enjoy today. That is what makes this nation so great. And knowing that this land is filled with hardworking moral people, yes, on both sides of the aisle, who are striving to keep this nation great...that's a cool thing.
I realize tonight's election in monumental. Yet, I'm not stressing over it. I think certain kinds of "change" will have disastrous effect on our economy, job future, and so many other issues. Yet, I know we Americans are so resiliant. And knowing that God has my future in His hands gives me so much peace. It really does. In other years, I've been brought to tears with fear during election times. But, as monumental as this one is, I don't harbor that same level of fear. Is it spiritual maturity? Learned life lessons? Or simply a choice to have childlike faith? I'm not quite sure. But I firmly believe He is in control, despite the outcome of tonight's election. He is in control. Thank you Jesus.
Ryan laughs at me sometimes...he thinks it's 'cute' that I'm so patriotic. I simply tell him, in a very serious, well-read, and intellectual tone...."Haven't you ever watched the movie 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson? Look at all the heroes our country has sacrificed for our freedom!"
Okay...maybe Hollywood is not the best source for American history. But the fact remains, so many heroes have sacrificed blood, sweat and tears for the freedoms we enjoy today. That is what makes this nation so great. And knowing that this land is filled with hardworking moral people, yes, on both sides of the aisle, who are striving to keep this nation great...that's a cool thing.
I realize tonight's election in monumental. Yet, I'm not stressing over it. I think certain kinds of "change" will have disastrous effect on our economy, job future, and so many other issues. Yet, I know we Americans are so resiliant. And knowing that God has my future in His hands gives me so much peace. It really does. In other years, I've been brought to tears with fear during election times. But, as monumental as this one is, I don't harbor that same level of fear. Is it spiritual maturity? Learned life lessons? Or simply a choice to have childlike faith? I'm not quite sure. But I firmly believe He is in control, despite the outcome of tonight's election. He is in control. Thank you Jesus.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Secret Message
No sooner did I step into my steamy shower today, than a secret message slowly appeared on the glass sliding door. It was a huge heart surrounding the name "Grace," who recently is the object of Mark's affections. Wow! Now that's classic!Funny thing is...I'm not sure if it was written by our young, dreamy Mark...or by his jokester father who loves to poke fun at Mark's innocent infatuations. Both cases are highly likely. But what I DO know is that it's time for me to scrub my shower! Any bath that can archive a message like that is definitely overdue for a scrub!
Do Some Digging
Only a couple days from election day. And I encourage you to think. Do some digging. It will take effort. There is information overload out there. And at the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, I'd venture to say there's a whole lot of propoganda floating around. No, not floating...but intentionally targeting voters, college students, even kids. (Have you watched Nickelodeon lately!?! Oh my!)
Everyone seems to have something to say. Lots of anger. Heated words. Flaring opinions. So, I won't be one of them. All I will say is PLEASE do some digging. Read. Listen. Look beyond the rhetoric. Both candidates have reiterated (til they are blue in the face) the problems we face in America. We don't need to be reminded. They've both said that they are for the middle class. For economic reform. And are looking to put country first. Both candidates have offered 'Change.'
Yet, in our desire for change, I warn you not to blindly hop aboard a bandwagon. The 'opposite of Bush' doesn't necessarily mean the 'correct change.' DIG DEEP. Seek out answers. What exactly does each candidate's plan for 'change' entail??? What would be the respective consequence? I suspect that as people search for such answers, they will be forced to explore their own opinions regarding issues like socialism v capitalism, our freedoms, and what kind of policies would seek to slowly take those freedoms away. People will be led to ask themselves things like, "Do I think it's more profitable for government to have more control? Or is it more profitable for people to have more control?"
Decide what your values are. Then listen wisely and sharply to the things the candidates have said. THEN at that point, decide who lines up with your views. I think it would be a tragedy, though, for people to simply mark their ballot based on what's popular or based on the party they've always voted for. We've got minds. Let's use them. This election process is one of our amazing freedoms. May God bless Tuesday's outcome! And may we expend the same amount of mental energy (or more!) seeking out our Creator, Whose motives (thankfully) we never have to fear. xoxo
Everyone seems to have something to say. Lots of anger. Heated words. Flaring opinions. So, I won't be one of them. All I will say is PLEASE do some digging. Read. Listen. Look beyond the rhetoric. Both candidates have reiterated (til they are blue in the face) the problems we face in America. We don't need to be reminded. They've both said that they are for the middle class. For economic reform. And are looking to put country first. Both candidates have offered 'Change.'
Yet, in our desire for change, I warn you not to blindly hop aboard a bandwagon. The 'opposite of Bush' doesn't necessarily mean the 'correct change.' DIG DEEP. Seek out answers. What exactly does each candidate's plan for 'change' entail??? What would be the respective consequence? I suspect that as people search for such answers, they will be forced to explore their own opinions regarding issues like socialism v capitalism, our freedoms, and what kind of policies would seek to slowly take those freedoms away. People will be led to ask themselves things like, "Do I think it's more profitable for government to have more control? Or is it more profitable for people to have more control?"
Decide what your values are. Then listen wisely and sharply to the things the candidates have said. THEN at that point, decide who lines up with your views. I think it would be a tragedy, though, for people to simply mark their ballot based on what's popular or based on the party they've always voted for. We've got minds. Let's use them. This election process is one of our amazing freedoms. May God bless Tuesday's outcome! And may we expend the same amount of mental energy (or more!) seeking out our Creator, Whose motives (thankfully) we never have to fear. xoxo
Trick or Treat
Last night I had a date with a pink cheerleader, a sheriff cowboy, and a spooky alien. We circled the neighborhood in pursuit of candy...until Daddy came home from work. Then we hit a few more houses before heading to Grandma and Papa's house, to show them our costumes. And I just gotta chuckle when I think of little Marina. She is such a cool girl...as we approached spooky houses with moving parts or scary masks, she had no fear. Just a great sense of humor. The spookier they were, the more she would just laugh. I love it. Afterward, we spent some time @ the Grove's house. They were roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over a firepit and had a huge bouncy set up in their front lawn for the kids to jump in. What a fun night!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
There's a New Sheriff in Town!
And his name is Sheriff Brody!Reese dressed up for the Halloween parade at school today. He wore his Sheriff costume, complete with a leather vest that his daddy once wore as a child. Too cute!
This little sheriff has more than just a quick draw and a fast punch. He also has learned to read this week! Last night, while he was at the table practicing writing the letter 'j' he surprised us all when he began to sound out words on his own! "J-A-M....jam!" "J-U-G...jug!" We were so thrilled at this little guy's accomplishment! Now he's ready to take on the world, and has the sheriff badge to prove it.