I think I've already mentioned how much I love the Olympics. I really do. Whether it's Winter or Summer, I enjoy watching the show of athleticism and competitiveness. I like learning about the different sports, about the countries, and especially hearing the personal stories of the athletes. I love feeling American pride while watching our athletes represent our country in such a fine manner. Heck, I even like the commercials. It's been a wonderful two weeks of all of this, and I'm sad to see it end.
As I reflect on these winter games, I realize there's another thing I enjoy about the Olympic event, and that's the sportsmanship of not just the athletes, but the countries themselves. It's a thing of beauty to watch the people of this world getting along with each other, even encouraging and lending support to each other. For two weeks, it feels like the world is a little smaller and much more friendlier.
It reminds me of Christmastime. For a short period of time each year, the world is a rosier place where people want to share their Christmas spirit with friends and strangers alike. But by January 1st, that Christmas good will has pretty well died out and becomes a mere memory. It's the same for the Olympic spirit. It's time is limited.
I'm guessing that most of us are looking forward to moving on from the late nights of non-stop Olympic coverage and on to our normal sleep patterns, but I, personally, am going to miss watching and feeling that Olympic spirit. And unlike Christmas, which comes around every year, we're going to have to wait two years before the Olympic flame is lit again. But when it is lit, it will burn brightly, and once again, we can bask in it's glow.
Showing posts with label my two cents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label my two cents. Show all posts
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
black history=my history
Today, being the first of February, kicks off Black History Month. I've never given this themed month too much thought. But I remember last year getting to February 28th and thinking, "I didn't write anything on my blog that would commemorate the history of the black person or praise the accomplishments of anyone from the black community."So, when I read something today that reminded me that we are once again to this month on the calendar, I started thinking about what Black History Month really means to me. What should it mean to me? Although I think it's a good thing that we recognize the many contributions made by the black man or woman, why do we have to have a month to do that? Why aren't we doing that all year long?
And why do we single out the black heritage? Do we have a Native American month?, or a Hispanic month? Not that I know of. I'm thinking that black history is a part of American history. We shouldn't pigeon-hole all that is of the African-American people into just one month out of the entire year. Their history is every American's history. That's just my opinion.
Even though I have the above opinion, I went looking into some black history. I found the Bio site is featuring biographies on all kinds of black people, from activists to athletes to politicians to musicians. The History site also gives some interesting milestones and stories. I enjoy history - all kind of history - so I will spend some time reading these features this month.
I guess that's really the purpose of Black History month... education. And to that end, it's an important month that shouldn't go by without notice.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
incredibly unbelievable
My heart is very heavy after reading THIS. (click for link)
I just don't get it; a pastor who preaches from his pulpit that he wants President Obama to die, and to go to hell. He doesn't just make that statement, but gives examples in which manner he wishes President Obama to die. All because he's pro-life. Evidently, he also wanted President Bush to die because he didn't believe in the Iraq war.
Obviously, this man is misguided. What gets me is that he is a pastor - someone who should have learned of God's love in great detail and who should then turn around and preach, teach, and model that love. He gives Christianity a black eye. He makes all Christians look like hypocrites. He makes a mockery of Jesus and His teachings. It makes me so sad.
I don't care what your politics are. If you call yourself a Christian, you should want to follow Christ and His teachings, which is all based on love, not hate. Jesus didn't pray for the death of Herod or any other political leader. Jesus wanted everyone to be saved from hell. I don't understand how this guy can call himself a Christian, let alone a pastor.
I just don't get it; a pastor who preaches from his pulpit that he wants President Obama to die, and to go to hell. He doesn't just make that statement, but gives examples in which manner he wishes President Obama to die. All because he's pro-life. Evidently, he also wanted President Bush to die because he didn't believe in the Iraq war.
Obviously, this man is misguided. What gets me is that he is a pastor - someone who should have learned of God's love in great detail and who should then turn around and preach, teach, and model that love. He gives Christianity a black eye. He makes all Christians look like hypocrites. He makes a mockery of Jesus and His teachings. It makes me so sad.
I don't care what your politics are. If you call yourself a Christian, you should want to follow Christ and His teachings, which is all based on love, not hate. Jesus didn't pray for the death of Herod or any other political leader. Jesus wanted everyone to be saved from hell. I don't understand how this guy can call himself a Christian, let alone a pastor.
Monday, August 17, 2009
back to school
It's that time of year once again. Excited children are busy filling their backpacks. Teenagers are simultaneously complaining about returning to school yet looking forward to seeing their friends once again. And parents are either cheering or dreading the fact that life will be back to routines and homework nightmares. The summer is coming to an end and the new school year is about to begin.
This got me to thinking about public schools and our expectations of them. I've seen too many parents who drop their darling five year olds off on their first day of kindergarten, pick them up at high school graduation and expect them to be well educated, well behaved, and well adjusted adults.
If we, as parents, expect the schools to fulfill these roles, we will be sorely disappointed. Public schools are flawed and and have their limits. Even if your child is attending a top notch school, there's more learning needed that the school can't and shouldn't provide.
Know that the family life you provide for your child(ren) will have a much bigger impact than any school can give. Remember that there are things a public school can't teach, such as ethics, morals and Biblical truths (if that's important to your family). We, as parents, can teach our kids how to get along with others, how to show compassion, how to respect authority, how to take responsibility, and the list goes on.
We also need to let our children know how important the family unit is. Do whatever you have to do to make this a priority, as it will get harder the older your children get. Before you know it, your children will care more about what their peers think than what mom and dad say. This is normal, but if they know their family is there for them and love them unconditionally, they most likely will come through it all as well adjusted adults.
Side note: Speaking of school starting, we will be taking my baby up to school Wednesday to start his second year in college. Danielle will start as soon as she returns from Nepal. Boy, the summer sure went by fast. We'll be back to living in an empty nest and missing the life and love of our two children living here with us. Life goes on.
This got me to thinking about public schools and our expectations of them. I've seen too many parents who drop their darling five year olds off on their first day of kindergarten, pick them up at high school graduation and expect them to be well educated, well behaved, and well adjusted adults.
If we, as parents, expect the schools to fulfill these roles, we will be sorely disappointed. Public schools are flawed and and have their limits. Even if your child is attending a top notch school, there's more learning needed that the school can't and shouldn't provide.
Know that the family life you provide for your child(ren) will have a much bigger impact than any school can give. Remember that there are things a public school can't teach, such as ethics, morals and Biblical truths (if that's important to your family). We, as parents, can teach our kids how to get along with others, how to show compassion, how to respect authority, how to take responsibility, and the list goes on.
We also need to let our children know how important the family unit is. Do whatever you have to do to make this a priority, as it will get harder the older your children get. Before you know it, your children will care more about what their peers think than what mom and dad say. This is normal, but if they know their family is there for them and love them unconditionally, they most likely will come through it all as well adjusted adults.
Side note: Speaking of school starting, we will be taking my baby up to school Wednesday to start his second year in college. Danielle will start as soon as she returns from Nepal. Boy, the summer sure went by fast. We'll be back to living in an empty nest and missing the life and love of our two children living here with us. Life goes on.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
spiritual snobbery
I met with a couple of people yesterday and our conversation meandered into the discussion of spiritual snobbery. It was easy for the three of us, who were pretty like minded, to see how some people, even some churches, get wrapped up in religious legalism and the perceived DOs and DON'Ts. They then have a sense of superiority of who they are over those who don't measure up to their expectations, or what they feel like God expects of each one of us.
I thought about our discussion the rest of the day. I could instantly think of people that I could and would put into this category. I thought about those people and tried to figure out why they viewed their religion and life in the manner that they did. I am so far from the DOs and DON'Ts and the righteous judgment of others when it comes to being a Christian.
Or am I? I realized, as I was having this conversation in my head, I was judging. I realized, if I was honest with myself, I had to put myself in that same group of spiritual snobs. I try really hard not to judge, but it was obvious that I was doing a little of that at this moment. At this point, my thoughts changed tracks a little. What does God expect from me when it comes to my spirituality and sharing my faith with others?
I honestly don't feel like I come on too strong and make people feel judged when it comes their faith, but I had to wonder if I wasn't coming on strong enough. Maybe God wants me to speak up more, get more in people's faces, preach the Biblical truths every moment of every day, and make sure my friends and acquaintances all know that the end may be coming soon and heaven and hell are real places.
The more I thought about this, the more I realized I do all these things, but in a way that is appropriate for my personality. I realized that my spirituality is between me and God, and I need to remember that about others. I have certain opinions, but so do others. I can be turned off by how some people choose to show their faith, but maybe that's more of my issue than theirs.
It's when we - yes, you and me - feel a need to judge other's levels of spirituality or how they live out their faith that we become spiritual snobs. Let us not judge others for what should be strictly between them and God. Help them appropriately, yes, but judge, no.
I thought about our discussion the rest of the day. I could instantly think of people that I could and would put into this category. I thought about those people and tried to figure out why they viewed their religion and life in the manner that they did. I am so far from the DOs and DON'Ts and the righteous judgment of others when it comes to being a Christian.
Or am I? I realized, as I was having this conversation in my head, I was judging. I realized, if I was honest with myself, I had to put myself in that same group of spiritual snobs. I try really hard not to judge, but it was obvious that I was doing a little of that at this moment. At this point, my thoughts changed tracks a little. What does God expect from me when it comes to my spirituality and sharing my faith with others?
I honestly don't feel like I come on too strong and make people feel judged when it comes their faith, but I had to wonder if I wasn't coming on strong enough. Maybe God wants me to speak up more, get more in people's faces, preach the Biblical truths every moment of every day, and make sure my friends and acquaintances all know that the end may be coming soon and heaven and hell are real places.
The more I thought about this, the more I realized I do all these things, but in a way that is appropriate for my personality. I realized that my spirituality is between me and God, and I need to remember that about others. I have certain opinions, but so do others. I can be turned off by how some people choose to show their faith, but maybe that's more of my issue than theirs.
It's when we - yes, you and me - feel a need to judge other's levels of spirituality or how they live out their faith that we become spiritual snobs. Let us not judge others for what should be strictly between them and God. Help them appropriately, yes, but judge, no.
Friday, June 19, 2009
give yourself a gift
...
Two weeks ago I posted an Aloha Friday question about getting pedicures. I wrote about how I felt pedicures were a way I nurtured myself, and I got a lot of comments that confirmed that many give themselves this small gift on a regular basis.
My Aloha Friday question today is:
How do you nurture yourself?
I hope women realize how important it is to nurture themselves in some way. It doesn't have to be anything big or expensive, but taking the time to do something that feeds your soul and tells you that you are important.
I especially think this is critical while we're mothers of young children. Don't get me wrong; being a mother is the most important thing we can do. But we need to take breaks away from our children to recharge our batteries and give us a better perspective on what we're doing. Nurturing ourselves reminds us that we are more than just a mother. We are individuals, we are wives, we are sisters, we are friends.
If you don't take time for yourself, I encourage you to do so. Take a walk, read a book, put headphones on and listen to a few songs without being interrupted, join a Bunko group. There are endless ways to step out of your normal, daily routine and do something that says, "I matter!"
Two weeks ago I posted an Aloha Friday question about getting pedicures. I wrote about how I felt pedicures were a way I nurtured myself, and I got a lot of comments that confirmed that many give themselves this small gift on a regular basis.
My Aloha Friday question today is:
How do you nurture yourself?
I hope women realize how important it is to nurture themselves in some way. It doesn't have to be anything big or expensive, but taking the time to do something that feeds your soul and tells you that you are important.
I especially think this is critical while we're mothers of young children. Don't get me wrong; being a mother is the most important thing we can do. But we need to take breaks away from our children to recharge our batteries and give us a better perspective on what we're doing. Nurturing ourselves reminds us that we are more than just a mother. We are individuals, we are wives, we are sisters, we are friends.
If you don't take time for yourself, I encourage you to do so. Take a walk, read a book, put headphones on and listen to a few songs without being interrupted, join a Bunko group. There are endless ways to step out of your normal, daily routine and do something that says, "I matter!"
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
where does hate come from?
and
Why is there so much hate in the world?
This is what's been rattling around in my brain lately, ever since a white supremacist entered the Holocaust museum and opened fire, killing a security guard. He didn't just hate Jews, but his hate was so passionate that it drove him to want to kill those he hated. And a week before, a fanatic went into a church and shoots down an abortion doctor all in the name of pro-life. How can someone who proclaims to be pro-life snuff out a life? I don't understand hate and I definitely don't understand murder. How does someone have that much hate in them?
I googled "where does hate come from" and found a few interesting sites and tidbits of information. One shared theory is that all hatred arises from a story; there can be no hatred without a tale of woe to tell about how the hater has been wronged in some way. Others (professionals and otherwise) have stated that it comes from fear, ignorance, arrogance, a sense of superiority, upbringing, and/or insecurities.
I say it's a combination of at least some of these, if not all of them. In some ways, they're all intertwined with each other. That's why I wrote what I did in yesterday's post. I think ignorance is common. Judgement comes from ignorance. In fact, we can all look at that list and find one or more areas where we may personally struggle with. But I think it's safe to say that we don't allow it to become hate. Or maybe it does, to some degree. Maybe there's more hate in us common folk than we know or are willing to admit to. I don't know. Does anyone know?
I realize I'm asking questions that I'll never get clear answers to. I simply don't think there are any answers to the age old question of; Why does the seed of hate bloom in some but not others? It's just one of those sad facts of life. And it makes me feel sad for those who let hatred rule and ruin their lives.
God wants us to live a life of joy. There can be no true joy when hatred is present. In my humble opinion, true joy comes from love - loving and being loved. Imagine what this world would be like if we all practiced love more. Who knows how many lives might be changed? Who knows how much hate might be driven away?
Hate is easy.
Love takes courage.
...
Why is there so much hate in the world?
This is what's been rattling around in my brain lately, ever since a white supremacist entered the Holocaust museum and opened fire, killing a security guard. He didn't just hate Jews, but his hate was so passionate that it drove him to want to kill those he hated. And a week before, a fanatic went into a church and shoots down an abortion doctor all in the name of pro-life. How can someone who proclaims to be pro-life snuff out a life? I don't understand hate and I definitely don't understand murder. How does someone have that much hate in them?
I googled "where does hate come from" and found a few interesting sites and tidbits of information. One shared theory is that all hatred arises from a story; there can be no hatred without a tale of woe to tell about how the hater has been wronged in some way. Others (professionals and otherwise) have stated that it comes from fear, ignorance, arrogance, a sense of superiority, upbringing, and/or insecurities.
I say it's a combination of at least some of these, if not all of them. In some ways, they're all intertwined with each other. That's why I wrote what I did in yesterday's post. I think ignorance is common. Judgement comes from ignorance. In fact, we can all look at that list and find one or more areas where we may personally struggle with. But I think it's safe to say that we don't allow it to become hate. Or maybe it does, to some degree. Maybe there's more hate in us common folk than we know or are willing to admit to. I don't know. Does anyone know?
I realize I'm asking questions that I'll never get clear answers to. I simply don't think there are any answers to the age old question of; Why does the seed of hate bloom in some but not others? It's just one of those sad facts of life. And it makes me feel sad for those who let hatred rule and ruin their lives.
God wants us to live a life of joy. There can be no true joy when hatred is present. In my humble opinion, true joy comes from love - loving and being loved. Imagine what this world would be like if we all practiced love more. Who knows how many lives might be changed? Who knows how much hate might be driven away?
Hate is easy.
Love takes courage.
...
Monday, June 15, 2009
judge not
It happened when I was quite young.
The viewing pleasure of my favorite TV show, The Brady Bunch, was nearly cut off when my grandparents told my parents that they didn't think my siblings and I should be watching such a show. "What!?" was my immediate response. "How can such a G-rated show be such a problem?"
What had happened was my grandparents judged the weekly must see by it's name, and nothing else. They had not actually seen the show and thought it was about some outlaw cowboy gang. [You have to remember that this was back in the '60s] All we had to do was have them sit down and watch it to have them realize that they grossly misjudged it. It was something we could then chuckle about, and still do to this day.
But for me, there was a lesson in the whole episode. 'You can't judge a book by it's cover' became real to me in a new way and I think it has stuck with me ever since.
In Middle School and High School, I had a couple of friends that made a lasting impression on me. One was a spunky red head who wore extra thick glasses due to near blindness. She was constantly ridiculed because of her looks. I spent a lot of time with her and at her house. I saw first hand not only what a normal fun-loving girl she was but the effects of the ridicule had on her.
The other friend was flawless in her looks so, therefore, she was well liked and popular. Here, again, I spent a lot of time with her but not so much in her home. That was because she had a very dysfunctional family. I was never told anything, but looking back at it now, I would guess that there were a couple forms of abuse taking place. This friend once said to me, "I'm not the person everyone thinks I am."
My point is that it is so common for us (me included) to take the easy way out and judge someone or something by what little information we have. It takes more work to go the extra distance to find out what a person is really like or what the true situation may be.
I believe God doesn't want us to judge at all - that's His job. I have to remember that it's not my place to make judgment calls and that I really can't judge anyone unless I've walked in their shoes. Which, of course, I haven't. I also don't want to be judged (Matthew 7:1). This is where one of my favorite verses comes into play.
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31
Words I try to live by and have tried to teach to my children and students in youth ministry. I write this all as a precursor to what's really been on my mind lately, which I will write about in my next post.
The viewing pleasure of my favorite TV show, The Brady Bunch, was nearly cut off when my grandparents told my parents that they didn't think my siblings and I should be watching such a show. "What!?" was my immediate response. "How can such a G-rated show be such a problem?"
What had happened was my grandparents judged the weekly must see by it's name, and nothing else. They had not actually seen the show and thought it was about some outlaw cowboy gang. [You have to remember that this was back in the '60s] All we had to do was have them sit down and watch it to have them realize that they grossly misjudged it. It was something we could then chuckle about, and still do to this day.
But for me, there was a lesson in the whole episode. 'You can't judge a book by it's cover' became real to me in a new way and I think it has stuck with me ever since.
In Middle School and High School, I had a couple of friends that made a lasting impression on me. One was a spunky red head who wore extra thick glasses due to near blindness. She was constantly ridiculed because of her looks. I spent a lot of time with her and at her house. I saw first hand not only what a normal fun-loving girl she was but the effects of the ridicule had on her.
The other friend was flawless in her looks so, therefore, she was well liked and popular. Here, again, I spent a lot of time with her but not so much in her home. That was because she had a very dysfunctional family. I was never told anything, but looking back at it now, I would guess that there were a couple forms of abuse taking place. This friend once said to me, "I'm not the person everyone thinks I am."
My point is that it is so common for us (me included) to take the easy way out and judge someone or something by what little information we have. It takes more work to go the extra distance to find out what a person is really like or what the true situation may be.
I believe God doesn't want us to judge at all - that's His job. I have to remember that it's not my place to make judgment calls and that I really can't judge anyone unless I've walked in their shoes. Which, of course, I haven't. I also don't want to be judged (Matthew 7:1). This is where one of my favorite verses comes into play.
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31
Words I try to live by and have tried to teach to my children and students in youth ministry. I write this all as a precursor to what's really been on my mind lately, which I will write about in my next post.
Monday, June 1, 2009
i could hardly believe my eyes
I stood there in disbelief. I just couldn't wrap my mind around what I was seeing. Here's what caught my eye as I walked down the aisle in my neighborhood T*rget.
What's the big deal you may ask? They're just bras. And now you're wondering why I'm posting pictures of bras on my family friendly blog. Well, these aren't ordinary bras, and that is the only reason why I'm posting pictures.
You see, even though these bras look like something you or I (maybe not) or our teenage daughters might wear, they are for a different age group. And that's what gave me pause. They were in the young girls section. These bright, colorful, padded bras that look like they should be worn by a teenager or young adult, are being sold to 5-12 year olds.
I don't know, maybe it's been too long since my daughter was this age. Maybe this is what all the 6 year olds are wearing nowadays. I just have a concern about growing up our young girls too fast and this seems like it would only add to this problem. It's not as big of a deal for a 12 year old, but 5 or 6? Or even 7 or 8? C'mon, really?
If I was a young girl and I saw these eye appealing apparel in my section of the store, I'm sure I would be begging my mom for one - even if I were too young to be wearing one. I'm sure I'd have a friend or two who were wearing one which makes it even more appealing.
So what do you think? Are our young girls too young to be wearing these bras?
What's the big deal you may ask? They're just bras. And now you're wondering why I'm posting pictures of bras on my family friendly blog. Well, these aren't ordinary bras, and that is the only reason why I'm posting pictures.
You see, even though these bras look like something you or I (maybe not) or our teenage daughters might wear, they are for a different age group. And that's what gave me pause. They were in the young girls section. These bright, colorful, padded bras that look like they should be worn by a teenager or young adult, are being sold to 5-12 year olds.
I don't know, maybe it's been too long since my daughter was this age. Maybe this is what all the 6 year olds are wearing nowadays. I just have a concern about growing up our young girls too fast and this seems like it would only add to this problem. It's not as big of a deal for a 12 year old, but 5 or 6? Or even 7 or 8? C'mon, really?
If I was a young girl and I saw these eye appealing apparel in my section of the store, I'm sure I would be begging my mom for one - even if I were too young to be wearing one. I'm sure I'd have a friend or two who were wearing one which makes it even more appealing.
So what do you think? Are our young girls too young to be wearing these bras?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
a nightmare no one deserves
I saw it many years ago, between two boys who lived on my block. I knew both boys because all the kids played together. They were the same age as my daughter. One boy was a bully and the other was meek and mild, and nice. Everyone knew bully boy, and knew he was a bully. Everyone knew nice guy and knew what a sweet kid he was.
I don't know when it started exactly, but I know it went on for years. It probably started when both boys were in elementary school. It ended when they were in middle school. Bully boy made life miserable for many classmates, but nice guy was one of his favorite targets. Some times the bullying was verbal, some times it was physical. School got involved, to no avail. Police got involved, to some avail.
It ended when nice guy had endured enough, mustered up enough courage, and punched bully boy. [I would have loved to have been there to see it!] From what I heard, bully boy was stunned. From what I heard, other kids cheered... to themselves. Of course, there was a price to pay. Nice guy was suspended for a day or two, and the police were once again called in. But that was about it. Nice guy found something to be proud of and bully boy moved on to torment other kids. I don't know if it had much impact on bully boy, but it changed nice guy's life.
I also saw it when my daughter was in middle school, between some mean girls and herself. Girl bullying is a little different. It's more verbal and manipulation. Mean girls deserve that name, and a few other choice descriptive words. Danielle made it through middle school and chose to attend a different high school than her classmates. Those few short years had a profound impact on her, and her self-esteem. It was so hard, as a parent, to watch and try to fix. There wasn't much we could do.
Oprah did a show yesterday on bullying. It made me mad. It made me sad. It made me cry. Part of the show was about two boys who killed themselves because they felt so tortured and felt as though there was no way out from the constant bullying. There are real and tragic consequences to bullying. It is more common in the schools than you may want to think.
If you have a child in school - and it can happen all the way from elementary to high school, there's a good chance they have seen bullying first hand, if not been part of it in some way. Please don't turn a blind eye to this destructive behavior. If your child is being bullied, please don't tell them to just ignore the bully. That will solve nothing and life ends up being an ongoing nightmare for them. If you suspect your child has bullying tendencies, address it now.
There are many good web sites that talk about bullying, including cyber-bullying - which is growing and can be even more vicious, but I think this one does a good job of covering everything. Again, please don't turn a blind eye to this deep impacting issue. It's something we all should be concerned about.
I don't know when it started exactly, but I know it went on for years. It probably started when both boys were in elementary school. It ended when they were in middle school. Bully boy made life miserable for many classmates, but nice guy was one of his favorite targets. Some times the bullying was verbal, some times it was physical. School got involved, to no avail. Police got involved, to some avail.
It ended when nice guy had endured enough, mustered up enough courage, and punched bully boy. [I would have loved to have been there to see it!] From what I heard, bully boy was stunned. From what I heard, other kids cheered... to themselves. Of course, there was a price to pay. Nice guy was suspended for a day or two, and the police were once again called in. But that was about it. Nice guy found something to be proud of and bully boy moved on to torment other kids. I don't know if it had much impact on bully boy, but it changed nice guy's life.
I also saw it when my daughter was in middle school, between some mean girls and herself. Girl bullying is a little different. It's more verbal and manipulation. Mean girls deserve that name, and a few other choice descriptive words. Danielle made it through middle school and chose to attend a different high school than her classmates. Those few short years had a profound impact on her, and her self-esteem. It was so hard, as a parent, to watch and try to fix. There wasn't much we could do.
Oprah did a show yesterday on bullying. It made me mad. It made me sad. It made me cry. Part of the show was about two boys who killed themselves because they felt so tortured and felt as though there was no way out from the constant bullying. There are real and tragic consequences to bullying. It is more common in the schools than you may want to think.
If you have a child in school - and it can happen all the way from elementary to high school, there's a good chance they have seen bullying first hand, if not been part of it in some way. Please don't turn a blind eye to this destructive behavior. If your child is being bullied, please don't tell them to just ignore the bully. That will solve nothing and life ends up being an ongoing nightmare for them. If you suspect your child has bullying tendencies, address it now.
There are many good web sites that talk about bullying, including cyber-bullying - which is growing and can be even more vicious, but I think this one does a good job of covering everything. Again, please don't turn a blind eye to this deep impacting issue. It's something we all should be concerned about.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
in God i trust
My sister sent me an email today asking all the recipients to go vote plus forward on the email. I don't like forwarding mass emails, but posting it here on my blog might be even better. That's if you, the reader of this post, votes and forward on the information, however you feel fit.
MSNBC has given us an opportunity to vote on whether we think the motto "in God we trust" should be removed from U.S. currency. Follow the link below and cast your vote.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/
The email my sister sent made some kind of comment saying, "won't NBC be surprised?" I don't know if they will be or not, but I kinda was. When I cast my vote, with over 14 million voting already, the numbers were 13% for removing the motto and 87% to keep the motto on the currency. I don't know what I was expecting exactly, but I was pleasantly surprised by these numbers. If you get a chance, voice your opinion by voting.
and on another note....
The Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Hornets tonight which advances them to the second round of the basketball playoffs. Yippee!
MSNBC has given us an opportunity to vote on whether we think the motto "in God we trust" should be removed from U.S. currency. Follow the link below and cast your vote.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/
The email my sister sent made some kind of comment saying, "won't NBC be surprised?" I don't know if they will be or not, but I kinda was. When I cast my vote, with over 14 million voting already, the numbers were 13% for removing the motto and 87% to keep the motto on the currency. I don't know what I was expecting exactly, but I was pleasantly surprised by these numbers. If you get a chance, voice your opinion by voting.
and on another note....
The Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Hornets tonight which advances them to the second round of the basketball playoffs. Yippee!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
eight is more than enough
Something has been bothering me for a little over a week now and as I've done in the past, if something is on my mind, I bring it here. I mostly do this to get it off my chest, but it also helps me to get different perspectives and insight by the comments that are left. So let me know what you think.
I know this will sound judgemental. Even though I try very hard not to judge others, I'm having a hard time not judging in this situation. I'm talking about the mother who had octuplets last week.
My first thoughts must have been what most people hearing the news would have thought; eight babies.... what a handful, or glad it's not me or that's incredible. I kept waiting for the pictures; of the babies, of the happy mother and father. I wanted to hear how this extraordinary event was going to change the lives of those involved - in challenging and wonderful ways.
As one day turned into the next and information about the mother started emerging, I became even more intrigued, and disturbed. It ends up that the mother is a single unemployed mom who already has six kids, all under the age of eight. She lives with her mom in a small (probably a two bedroom) house. Not ideal circumstances.
I can't help but wonder how she's going to manage giving the necessary care to fourteen children, eight of them infants. I want to know what kind of fertility clinic would help to impregnate a woman with her particular set of circumstances. I can only speculate why this woman would want another child and take the chance of having more than one.
I can't be the only one that thinks she acted irresponsibly and that those eight precious babies may be in trouble. I've heard she wants a TV deal, something like Jon & Kate plus 8. I guess if that happened, it would change her financial situation, but little else. I truly hope that it all works out some how. I really don't want to judge this woman. I just want what's best for those babies, as well as her other children.
I know this will sound judgemental. Even though I try very hard not to judge others, I'm having a hard time not judging in this situation. I'm talking about the mother who had octuplets last week.
My first thoughts must have been what most people hearing the news would have thought; eight babies.... what a handful, or glad it's not me or that's incredible. I kept waiting for the pictures; of the babies, of the happy mother and father. I wanted to hear how this extraordinary event was going to change the lives of those involved - in challenging and wonderful ways.
As one day turned into the next and information about the mother started emerging, I became even more intrigued, and disturbed. It ends up that the mother is a single unemployed mom who already has six kids, all under the age of eight. She lives with her mom in a small (probably a two bedroom) house. Not ideal circumstances.
I can't help but wonder how she's going to manage giving the necessary care to fourteen children, eight of them infants. I want to know what kind of fertility clinic would help to impregnate a woman with her particular set of circumstances. I can only speculate why this woman would want another child and take the chance of having more than one.
I can't be the only one that thinks she acted irresponsibly and that those eight precious babies may be in trouble. I've heard she wants a TV deal, something like Jon & Kate plus 8. I guess if that happened, it would change her financial situation, but little else. I truly hope that it all works out some how. I really don't want to judge this woman. I just want what's best for those babies, as well as her other children.
Monday, January 26, 2009
words can never hurt me.....
Let me say up front that if you are a sarcastic person, I don't mean to offend you by what I write here. I write about sarcasm today because I don't quite understand why people have to be sarcastic. I've been bothered by this characteristic lately so I did some research on the subject. Let's start with the definition:
sar·casm (sär'kāz'əm):
1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
"According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "sarcasm" derives from ancient Greek for "to tear flesh, gnash the teeth, speak bitterly." Its first definition is "a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter gibe or taunt." Although sarcasts may just intend to be funny, their words can also be very hurtful to the intended target."
I guess that's why I don't understand why people use sarcasm. I, personally, would never dream of trying to hurt someone else through the words I use. So in that way, sarcasm is so far from my way of talking or writing.
I've heard sarcastic people who say that they don't intend on hurting their target - it's just who they are. Do they not realize that even though it's not their intention to hurt, their word do just that. Are they blind to this or do they just not care that they actually do hurt people with their words? I read this online and found it useful in trying to understand:
"Though they may not be aware of it, sarcasm is their means of indirectly expressing aggression toward others and insecurity about themselves. Wrapping their thoughts in a joke shields them from the vulnerability that comes with directly putting one's opinions out there. "Sarcastic people protect themselves by only letting the world see a superficial part of who they are," says Steven Stosny, a Washington, D.C.-based therapist and anger specialist. "They're very into impression management."
Because humor and hostility often come mixed together, it can be difficult to pinpoint a wisecracker's primary intent. "Sometimes sarcasm is humor—purely a Don Rickles kind of joking—and sometimes it's just innocently insensitive," Stosny says. "But other times, it's devaluing." Everyone benefits from a wisecracker's comic relief, but if you are the target of regular swipes, it's best to assertively call the joker out. His hilariousness doesn't give him the right to belittle you." (source)
Don't get me wrong - I can take some sarcasm and even find the humor in it. I can be sarcastic myself, even though I try not to be. It's when a person constantly uses sarcasm that makes me want to turn away and not listen to a thing he or she has to say. I find it annoying and degrading. But maybe it's just me.
sar·casm (sär'kāz'əm):
1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
"According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "sarcasm" derives from ancient Greek for "to tear flesh, gnash the teeth, speak bitterly." Its first definition is "a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter gibe or taunt." Although sarcasts may just intend to be funny, their words can also be very hurtful to the intended target."
I guess that's why I don't understand why people use sarcasm. I, personally, would never dream of trying to hurt someone else through the words I use. So in that way, sarcasm is so far from my way of talking or writing.
I've heard sarcastic people who say that they don't intend on hurting their target - it's just who they are. Do they not realize that even though it's not their intention to hurt, their word do just that. Are they blind to this or do they just not care that they actually do hurt people with their words? I read this online and found it useful in trying to understand:
"Though they may not be aware of it, sarcasm is their means of indirectly expressing aggression toward others and insecurity about themselves. Wrapping their thoughts in a joke shields them from the vulnerability that comes with directly putting one's opinions out there. "Sarcastic people protect themselves by only letting the world see a superficial part of who they are," says Steven Stosny, a Washington, D.C.-based therapist and anger specialist. "They're very into impression management."
Because humor and hostility often come mixed together, it can be difficult to pinpoint a wisecracker's primary intent. "Sometimes sarcasm is humor—purely a Don Rickles kind of joking—and sometimes it's just innocently insensitive," Stosny says. "But other times, it's devaluing." Everyone benefits from a wisecracker's comic relief, but if you are the target of regular swipes, it's best to assertively call the joker out. His hilariousness doesn't give him the right to belittle you." (source)
Don't get me wrong - I can take some sarcasm and even find the humor in it. I can be sarcastic myself, even though I try not to be. It's when a person constantly uses sarcasm that makes me want to turn away and not listen to a thing he or she has to say. I find it annoying and degrading. But maybe it's just me.
Friday, January 16, 2009
smile and say hi
Jake told me last night (through text messages), that in one of the classes he's a learning assistant for, there's a kid he was once friends with in elementary school. In fact, very good friends. The two of them would occasionally go over to each other's homes to play and they invited each other to their birthday parties. They were in the same class for many years. But after they finished fifth grade, they went on to different middle schools and never saw each other again - until yesterday, in a freshman college class.
So I asked him what this kid's response was when he realized who Jake was and Jake's response was, "oh, I didn't say anything." What? I asked him why not and if he was planning to say something like, "hi, remember me, I'm Jake Varey." His response to me was, "no, I'm not planning on saying anything unless he says something to me first."
Although I think I would say something if I were in his shoes, I can kinda understand where he's coming from. In the past two days I've had situations where I've come into proximity of people I knew but didn't feel comfortable enough or it necessary for me to greet or instigate a conversation with.
The first situation was a neighbor and someone we used to go to church with. I only know the couple very casually and I wasn't sure they would truly recognize me, so I actually did my best to avoid them in the store. We ended up at the cashier at the same time but they never looked my way so I didn't speak up.
The second situation was a mother and sister of a kid from youth group in which I'm very close to. I know the mother well enough and have spoken to her countless times over the years, but I felt hesitant to call out her name and engage in a conversation. I think I felt guilty because she had surgery a few months back and I never followed up to see how she was doing or if I could help in any way. She ended up seeing me and we did have a short conversation before both of us headed into the same theater.
So, I know there's times when we don't want to make that first step in greeting someone or to see them at all, but I'm questioning whether that is good, or even right. God wants us to love our neighbors, and that doesn't just mean those who live in our neighborhood. How can we do that if we don't allow ourselves to be open and available to others?
If Jake doesn't ever take that first step of saying hi with an old classmate, how will he ever know what may lie beyond; what kind of relationship he and this old acquaintance could have, how his life may be enriched, or how he might minister to another person. It means that there are times when we have to step out of our comfort zone but knowing that there's a chance that we may be blessed by doing so, or that we may bless someone else.
These are just my thoughts on the subject. I'd love to hear yours.
So I asked him what this kid's response was when he realized who Jake was and Jake's response was, "oh, I didn't say anything." What? I asked him why not and if he was planning to say something like, "hi, remember me, I'm Jake Varey." His response to me was, "no, I'm not planning on saying anything unless he says something to me first."
Although I think I would say something if I were in his shoes, I can kinda understand where he's coming from. In the past two days I've had situations where I've come into proximity of people I knew but didn't feel comfortable enough or it necessary for me to greet or instigate a conversation with.
The first situation was a neighbor and someone we used to go to church with. I only know the couple very casually and I wasn't sure they would truly recognize me, so I actually did my best to avoid them in the store. We ended up at the cashier at the same time but they never looked my way so I didn't speak up.
The second situation was a mother and sister of a kid from youth group in which I'm very close to. I know the mother well enough and have spoken to her countless times over the years, but I felt hesitant to call out her name and engage in a conversation. I think I felt guilty because she had surgery a few months back and I never followed up to see how she was doing or if I could help in any way. She ended up seeing me and we did have a short conversation before both of us headed into the same theater.
So, I know there's times when we don't want to make that first step in greeting someone or to see them at all, but I'm questioning whether that is good, or even right. God wants us to love our neighbors, and that doesn't just mean those who live in our neighborhood. How can we do that if we don't allow ourselves to be open and available to others?
If Jake doesn't ever take that first step of saying hi with an old classmate, how will he ever know what may lie beyond; what kind of relationship he and this old acquaintance could have, how his life may be enriched, or how he might minister to another person. It means that there are times when we have to step out of our comfort zone but knowing that there's a chance that we may be blessed by doing so, or that we may bless someone else.
These are just my thoughts on the subject. I'd love to hear yours.
Friday, November 28, 2008
two tales
There are two stories in the news right now that has me thinking about the contrast between the two.
The first is a local story here in Denver (source). There may be similar ones around the country. It is about a couple who put an ad on Craig's List inviting anyone who didn't want to spend Thanksgiving alone to their home for a Thanksgiving meal. They had over 30 people respond to the ad. The couple decided that instead of picking a few, they would extend the invitation to all of the respondents.
When word got out about this couple's good will, food and chairs and tables were donated for the occasion. Last year at this time the couple was living in a donated tent camper after losing their business and home. They have been able to pull themselves out of the harder times into a modest townhome and minimal income. Still, they felt like they wanted to help out those less fortunate. And that, they did. Thirty plus strangers gathered in the small townhome to enjoy the food and fellowship that so many of us take for granted.
The second story tells us about the consequences of the frenzy of Black Friday, a day that is all about consumerism and materialism. In New York, an employee of WalMart was trampled to death by a horde of shoppers who stormed the doors (source). Once the employee fell to the ground, he was simply and tragically ran over by a crowd of eager shoppers. Others were hurt, including a pregnant woman.
My questions are; Did anyone not notice they were trampling over a body laying on the ground? Did anyone try to help this man up? Was that bargain worth this man's life?
I know the Friday after Thanksgiving has always been a huge shopping day, but I don't always remember it being called Black Friday. When did it get this name? How did it become such a frenzy for both the retailer and the shopper?
To be honest, I don't know what else to write. I don't want to offend anyone. I'm not saying that if you went out shopping on this day, that you're a bad person. I know many who love going out shopping on this day, and I would not think of judging anyone for this.
I'm just wondering how this all happened. I'd like to blame the retailers for inciting such a madness, but doesn't part of the responsibility need to be taken by the consumer? And I guess we can say that this year, it's the economy that's playing such a large role in our craziness.
There's no real point to this point except to write a commentary on the times we live in. There will always be the spirit of giving and caring. There will always be the reality of consumerism and the fact that we feel like we "need" something. Maybe the bottom line is that we need to figure out what we really "need."
It is a blessing that we will be able to spend the next holiday, Christmas, with our extended family in California. We're all looking forward to this trip.
Blessing #28 in a month's worth of blessings.
The first is a local story here in Denver (source). There may be similar ones around the country. It is about a couple who put an ad on Craig's List inviting anyone who didn't want to spend Thanksgiving alone to their home for a Thanksgiving meal. They had over 30 people respond to the ad. The couple decided that instead of picking a few, they would extend the invitation to all of the respondents.
When word got out about this couple's good will, food and chairs and tables were donated for the occasion. Last year at this time the couple was living in a donated tent camper after losing their business and home. They have been able to pull themselves out of the harder times into a modest townhome and minimal income. Still, they felt like they wanted to help out those less fortunate. And that, they did. Thirty plus strangers gathered in the small townhome to enjoy the food and fellowship that so many of us take for granted.
The second story tells us about the consequences of the frenzy of Black Friday, a day that is all about consumerism and materialism. In New York, an employee of WalMart was trampled to death by a horde of shoppers who stormed the doors (source). Once the employee fell to the ground, he was simply and tragically ran over by a crowd of eager shoppers. Others were hurt, including a pregnant woman.
My questions are; Did anyone not notice they were trampling over a body laying on the ground? Did anyone try to help this man up? Was that bargain worth this man's life?
I know the Friday after Thanksgiving has always been a huge shopping day, but I don't always remember it being called Black Friday. When did it get this name? How did it become such a frenzy for both the retailer and the shopper?
To be honest, I don't know what else to write. I don't want to offend anyone. I'm not saying that if you went out shopping on this day, that you're a bad person. I know many who love going out shopping on this day, and I would not think of judging anyone for this.
I'm just wondering how this all happened. I'd like to blame the retailers for inciting such a madness, but doesn't part of the responsibility need to be taken by the consumer? And I guess we can say that this year, it's the economy that's playing such a large role in our craziness.
There's no real point to this point except to write a commentary on the times we live in. There will always be the spirit of giving and caring. There will always be the reality of consumerism and the fact that we feel like we "need" something. Maybe the bottom line is that we need to figure out what we really "need."
It is a blessing that we will be able to spend the next holiday, Christmas, with our extended family in California. We're all looking forward to this trip.
Blessing #28 in a month's worth of blessings.
Monday, November 24, 2008
dear mother
This is my letter to a young mother as part of the Mother Letter Project. Please read my previous post for more information.
Dear Mother,
I am a mother who recently became a mother living in a house void of children. My youngest left for college and I found myself unsure of what my mothering role would now look like. It is different, but I have been reassured that I am still a mother. Once a mother, always a mother. It is just a different phase of motherhood.
This has caused me to reflect on the past 20 years and take note of the different phases of motherhood. There are a few. Just as our children go through phases, so do we. I think if we, as mothers, are aware of this, it gives us permission to grow and transform ourselves right along with our children.
We also need to give ourselves permission to not be perfect, to fail at times, to be human. Not only do we personally need that grace, but our children need to see that we make mistakes and that we can learn from our mistakes. Our children learn so much from us, as parents, and so much of it is from who we are as people, how we treat others, and how we conduct ourselves.
When I think back on the different phases my kids and I have gone through, there are two constants that shine brightly. The first, when I made my children and our family a priority, everything else fell into place appropriately. If I kept my agenda focused on them, it was easier to know what was truly important and what was not. Motherhood is constantly being selfless, but the benefits and blessings are infinite.
The other thing that I feel is very important is making sure you nurture yourself in small (or big) ways on a regular basis. It's important not to lose yourself and/or get to a place where you feel so overwhelmed that you can't be an effective and loving parent. Give yourself a break every once in a while. Find a way to tell yourself that you are more than just a mother. Find a way to find the joy in life and in being a mom. By doing this, you become a better mother.
Before you know it, your kids will be grown and will leave your home. Enjoy each and every stage you encounter while you're with them. There will be heartache, and there will be immeasurable joy. Love them unconditionally, and the love flows back to you. And know that your job as mother is the most important thing you'll ever do.
Sincerely,
Diana
Dear Mother,
I am a mother who recently became a mother living in a house void of children. My youngest left for college and I found myself unsure of what my mothering role would now look like. It is different, but I have been reassured that I am still a mother. Once a mother, always a mother. It is just a different phase of motherhood.
This has caused me to reflect on the past 20 years and take note of the different phases of motherhood. There are a few. Just as our children go through phases, so do we. I think if we, as mothers, are aware of this, it gives us permission to grow and transform ourselves right along with our children.
We also need to give ourselves permission to not be perfect, to fail at times, to be human. Not only do we personally need that grace, but our children need to see that we make mistakes and that we can learn from our mistakes. Our children learn so much from us, as parents, and so much of it is from who we are as people, how we treat others, and how we conduct ourselves.
When I think back on the different phases my kids and I have gone through, there are two constants that shine brightly. The first, when I made my children and our family a priority, everything else fell into place appropriately. If I kept my agenda focused on them, it was easier to know what was truly important and what was not. Motherhood is constantly being selfless, but the benefits and blessings are infinite.
The other thing that I feel is very important is making sure you nurture yourself in small (or big) ways on a regular basis. It's important not to lose yourself and/or get to a place where you feel so overwhelmed that you can't be an effective and loving parent. Give yourself a break every once in a while. Find a way to tell yourself that you are more than just a mother. Find a way to find the joy in life and in being a mom. By doing this, you become a better mother.
Before you know it, your kids will be grown and will leave your home. Enjoy each and every stage you encounter while you're with them. There will be heartache, and there will be immeasurable joy. Love them unconditionally, and the love flows back to you. And know that your job as mother is the most important thing you'll ever do.
Sincerely,
Diana
Saturday, November 8, 2008
what are we unhappy about?
I received this in an email today from a good friend. She passed it on to me as it was passed on to her. The email claims it is written by Dave Letterman but I have serious doubts that that is true. It just doesn't sound like him. Still, what is written hits the mark and that's why I'm posting it here.
David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see...
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'
A.. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week
B.. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C.. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D.. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
F.. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G.. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H.. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J.. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K.. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L.. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M.. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?
Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like OJ. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.
With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
It is a blessing to be an American; to have the luxuries, the privileges, the rights, and the freedoms that this country affords each and every one of us.
Blessing #8 in a month's worth of blessings.
David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see...
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'
A.. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week
B.. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C.. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D.. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
F.. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G.. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H.. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J.. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K.. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L.. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M.. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?
Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like OJ. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.
With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
It is a blessing to be an American; to have the luxuries, the privileges, the rights, and the freedoms that this country affords each and every one of us.
Blessing #8 in a month's worth of blessings.
Monday, October 20, 2008
comfort zones
I seem to be running into the same theme lately, and that would be; stepping out of one's comfort zone. This is actually something I think of often since I feel like God constantly gives me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone as He wants to stretch me and my self-given capacities.
Such opportunities have not alway been obvious to me. It had been real easy to walk right on by and not given the situation a second thought. But once I changed my mind set and started listening to God's prompting, those opportunities became so obvious that there was no way I could ignore them.
This doesn't mean that I always jump in with both feet. I'm real good at rationalizing why I can't do something or why I shouldn't get involved. But I'm getting better and to be honest, the more I venture out of that rather small area of comfort, the bigger my zone gets and it becomes easier and more rewarding.
Rewards? That actually has become one of the clear reasons God has shown me for stepping out and doing something that I wouldn't normally have thought to do. And the biggest reward, for me, is that of blessing someone in a real and tangible way. Most of the time, I end up being the one that is blessed.
In my prayer group today, we discussed this subject in great length. We were challenged by the following questions.
::> How often do I sacrifice my own agenda? or How Much do I inconvenience myself for another?
::> What do I do to bless someone else without looking for credit?
::> How often do I pick right over easy?
::> How can I determine to change my habits?
If you feel inclined, challenge yourself to answer and reflect on these and then find a way to make that first step out of your comfort zone. Be a blessing and be blessed.
Such opportunities have not alway been obvious to me. It had been real easy to walk right on by and not given the situation a second thought. But once I changed my mind set and started listening to God's prompting, those opportunities became so obvious that there was no way I could ignore them.
This doesn't mean that I always jump in with both feet. I'm real good at rationalizing why I can't do something or why I shouldn't get involved. But I'm getting better and to be honest, the more I venture out of that rather small area of comfort, the bigger my zone gets and it becomes easier and more rewarding.
Rewards? That actually has become one of the clear reasons God has shown me for stepping out and doing something that I wouldn't normally have thought to do. And the biggest reward, for me, is that of blessing someone in a real and tangible way. Most of the time, I end up being the one that is blessed.
In my prayer group today, we discussed this subject in great length. We were challenged by the following questions.
::> How often do I sacrifice my own agenda? or How Much do I inconvenience myself for another?
::> What do I do to bless someone else without looking for credit?
::> How often do I pick right over easy?
::> How can I determine to change my habits?
If you feel inclined, challenge yourself to answer and reflect on these and then find a way to make that first step out of your comfort zone. Be a blessing and be blessed.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
do we need more wooden arrows?
I don't understand.
And I'm trying not to let my ignorance skew my emotions, but I'm also mad. I know this whole financial "rescue" (they're not using the word bailout anymore; something about negative connotations - duh!) is needed, but it makes me mad that the big, greedy guys get to be bailed out (I can still use the word), while the average citizen is expected to own up to their responsibility and trudge on through hard times. No one come along and bails us out!
What I don't understand and makes me more mad is the "extras" they added to this current rescue plan. I heard about it on a couple of the morning shows and went online to find out what the "extras" were and why they were there. Here's what I found that the senators added to the bill: (source)
* Manufacturers of kids’ wooden arrows - $6 million.
* Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands rum producers - $192 million.
* Wool research!
* Auto-racing tracks - $128 million.
* Corporations operating in American Samoa - $33 million.
* Small- to medium-budget film and television productions - $10 million.
Why? I guess, because they can. Lobbyist doing their jobs and in my opinion, Senators, at least a few of them, who are not. It should be all about restoring our economy with as little money as possible. After all, who will be paying for this in the long run? I believe that would be you an me, the average citizen.
As I look at this list, I would think all of these entities, with the exception of maybe kids' wooden arrows (but do we need these?), can either raise their own funds or have access to funds just by what they do. How much money pours into the racing industry? Don't rum producers make a bundle of money from sales? Why is the federal government concerned about small to medium budget films?
Call me ignorant, but I just don't understand.
And I'm trying not to let my ignorance skew my emotions, but I'm also mad. I know this whole financial "rescue" (they're not using the word bailout anymore; something about negative connotations - duh!) is needed, but it makes me mad that the big, greedy guys get to be bailed out (I can still use the word), while the average citizen is expected to own up to their responsibility and trudge on through hard times. No one come along and bails us out!
What I don't understand and makes me more mad is the "extras" they added to this current rescue plan. I heard about it on a couple of the morning shows and went online to find out what the "extras" were and why they were there. Here's what I found that the senators added to the bill: (source)
* Manufacturers of kids’ wooden arrows - $6 million.
* Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands rum producers - $192 million.
* Wool research!
* Auto-racing tracks - $128 million.
* Corporations operating in American Samoa - $33 million.
* Small- to medium-budget film and television productions - $10 million.
Why? I guess, because they can. Lobbyist doing their jobs and in my opinion, Senators, at least a few of them, who are not. It should be all about restoring our economy with as little money as possible. After all, who will be paying for this in the long run? I believe that would be you an me, the average citizen.
As I look at this list, I would think all of these entities, with the exception of maybe kids' wooden arrows (but do we need these?), can either raise their own funds or have access to funds just by what they do. How much money pours into the racing industry? Don't rum producers make a bundle of money from sales? Why is the federal government concerned about small to medium budget films?
Call me ignorant, but I just don't understand.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
listening with your heart [part two]
Tuesday I wrote about listening to our children with our hearts (read here). Here is the continuation of my thoughts.
Working with two different youth groups over the last eight years, I probably heard this phrase more than any other; "My parents just don't understand." Heck, I'd hear it from my own kids. And I remember thinking it when I was a teenager. Part of it is normal for teenagers. But I think we, as parents, can work harder at trying to understand.
When my kids would say this to me, my answer most of the time was, "You're right. I probably don't. Please help me to understand." And most of the time, they would try.
I see communication as the answer to helping us parents understand our children and I don't think you can have too much of it. It needs to be a constant in the life of a family. It needs to be something that is practiced all the time. It needs to work both ways. Each party (parent and child) needs to both listen and be given the opportunity to speak, knowing they are being listened to and treated with respect.
It needs to be used in the everyday so when something more critical comes along, there will already be a precedent. You can't expect to be able to discuss subject "A" if you have no history of talking things out. The more a family communicates, the more each person knows about the others and how they feel about certain subjects. And when something totally out of the blue is dropped in your lap, it can be discussed openly and freely because this format has already been established.
You may be thinking, "Well of course I'm planning to communicate with my teenager." I don't doubt that is the plan for most parents. But something happens when a kids starts to feel their way into [pre]adolescence. They're trying to figure out who they are and their "voice" becomes scary to parents and adults. Parents aren't sure what's going on. They feel like they're losing control. They don't like what they hear and see. Many will try to make sure their child acts "appropriately," according to their own views and agenda. Some will simply find it easier to just tell the child, "Do this" and "Don't do that," without giving the child a voice in the matter. And others will simply withdraw completely as the task is too difficult. They simply give up.
Here's where it gets tricky. I whole-heartily believe that parents should be parents and impart values and discipline. Kids actually want this. But I think parents also need to loosen the reigns enough for the child to grow and learn for themselves who they are and how to make it in this world. And this is where communication makes it all work.
The child learns from his/her parents because the parents are constantly communicating their values, respect, love, and support. When the child sees this and hears this on a regular basis, they will know it in their heart that their parents care about them and wants what is best for them. They then will feel safe to communicate their fears, needs, and desires and will actually appreciate their parent's input and guidance.
This doesn't work perfectly all the time. I am not a perfect parent. You can ask my children - they didn't always feel safe to express their feelings and and often times, didn't. That's part of being a teenager; keeping things to themselves and sharing only with their peers. But if a parent sets out to understand their teenager, it can only help that relationship and ultimately, the transformation of the teenager as they emerge as the person they were meant to be.
Working with two different youth groups over the last eight years, I probably heard this phrase more than any other; "My parents just don't understand." Heck, I'd hear it from my own kids. And I remember thinking it when I was a teenager. Part of it is normal for teenagers. But I think we, as parents, can work harder at trying to understand.
When my kids would say this to me, my answer most of the time was, "You're right. I probably don't. Please help me to understand." And most of the time, they would try.
I see communication as the answer to helping us parents understand our children and I don't think you can have too much of it. It needs to be a constant in the life of a family. It needs to be something that is practiced all the time. It needs to work both ways. Each party (parent and child) needs to both listen and be given the opportunity to speak, knowing they are being listened to and treated with respect.
It needs to be used in the everyday so when something more critical comes along, there will already be a precedent. You can't expect to be able to discuss subject "A" if you have no history of talking things out. The more a family communicates, the more each person knows about the others and how they feel about certain subjects. And when something totally out of the blue is dropped in your lap, it can be discussed openly and freely because this format has already been established.
You may be thinking, "Well of course I'm planning to communicate with my teenager." I don't doubt that is the plan for most parents. But something happens when a kids starts to feel their way into [pre]adolescence. They're trying to figure out who they are and their "voice" becomes scary to parents and adults. Parents aren't sure what's going on. They feel like they're losing control. They don't like what they hear and see. Many will try to make sure their child acts "appropriately," according to their own views and agenda. Some will simply find it easier to just tell the child, "Do this" and "Don't do that," without giving the child a voice in the matter. And others will simply withdraw completely as the task is too difficult. They simply give up.
Here's where it gets tricky. I whole-heartily believe that parents should be parents and impart values and discipline. Kids actually want this. But I think parents also need to loosen the reigns enough for the child to grow and learn for themselves who they are and how to make it in this world. And this is where communication makes it all work.
The child learns from his/her parents because the parents are constantly communicating their values, respect, love, and support. When the child sees this and hears this on a regular basis, they will know it in their heart that their parents care about them and wants what is best for them. They then will feel safe to communicate their fears, needs, and desires and will actually appreciate their parent's input and guidance.
This doesn't work perfectly all the time. I am not a perfect parent. You can ask my children - they didn't always feel safe to express their feelings and and often times, didn't. That's part of being a teenager; keeping things to themselves and sharing only with their peers. But if a parent sets out to understand their teenager, it can only help that relationship and ultimately, the transformation of the teenager as they emerge as the person they were meant to be.
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