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Too funny not to share - 5/2/2007 1:14:41 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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I received these from my aunt/uncle in Asheville, NC. Thought you all would enjoy them too!
My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God, and I didn't.
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I was in the express lane at the store quiety fuming. Completely ignoring the sign, the woman ahead of me has slipped into the check out line pushing a cart piled high with groceries. Imagine my delight when the cashier beckoned the woman to come forward, looked into her cart and asked sweetly, "So, which six items would you like to buy?" Wouldn't it be great if that happened more often?
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Because they had no reservations at a busy restaurant, my elderly neighbor and his wife were told there would be a 45-minute wait for a table. "Young man, we're both 90 years old, " the husband said. "We may not have 45 minutes." They were seated immediately.
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The reason congressmen try so hard to get re-elected is that they would hate to have to make a living under the laws they've passed.
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All eyes were on the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle. They reached the alter and the waiting groom; the bride kissed her father and placed something in his hand. The guests in the front pews responded with laughter, even the preacher smiled broadly. As her father gave her away in marriage, the bride gave him back his credit card.
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Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
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Three friends from the local congregation were asked, "When you're in your casket, and friends are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?" One replied, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader and a great family man." Another replied, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people's lives." The last man said, "I'd like them to say, "Hey, look he's moving!"
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Smith climbs to the top of a mountain to get close enough to talk to God. Looking up, he asks the Lord, "God, what does a million years mean to you?" God replies, "A minute." Smith asks, "what does a million dollars mean to you?" God replies, "A penny." Smith ask, "God, can I have a penny?"
God replied, "in a minute."
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Remaining positive depite the raging storm - 5/3/2007 9:52:05 AM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
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From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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I was chatting with a new friend just moments ago about the importance of speaking positive about things. Too many of us allow negative thoughts and feelings to ruin our lives. I can attest to that! As I mentioned in an earlier post, I consider myself a realist but I do understand the importance of positive speech, mental thought and action. There are for all of us, times when we are so overwhelmed with the storms of life. It may be the rising water, pounding waves, high winds of life that seem like you haven entered the perfect storm but we know that Jesus is in the business of calming the storms.
My husband and I are in the midst of a most powerful storm. We are being bombarded with pressures from so many sources that we fight each day, almost each moment to hang on to our faith in God. The enemy, Satan has pulled out all the stops this time. Our business is in serious financial jepordy. We are on the brink of losing everything. Our personal finances are non-existant and we are unable to get paid in order to meet our financial needs at home. Then this week, we discover our hopes of receiving our tax refunds were swept away. This money was to meet our living expenses for the next month since we are not able to get paid. And if that isn't enough, we are often verbally attacked and harrassed by an angry, bitter, vindictive ex-wife spewing threats of legal action and false accusations. We know better than as ask God "what else" as that usually brings another wave.
As dedicated Christians we pray non-stop for God to give us a forgiving spirit. This is a most difficult feat at times. We want to hold no bitterness, anger, resentment or unforgiveness in our hearts despite what this very unhappy woman has attempted to do to us. This, in itself is a major challenge! But both Tony and I believe that by striving to forgive, we are being obedient to the Lord and will be blessed. Now this doesn't mean we don't become so enraged that we want to lash out, because there are times we do. After all, we are human but we make a conscious effort to fight those thoughts. We just realize that all those negative emotions that she stirs up injures us, not her.
While we do tend to get discouraged from time to time, we are striving to trust in God to meet our needs. I've read worry described as a lack of faith and wrong thinking so I try to focus on being positive and living life in a manner that shows God that I do trust him regardless of what my realist mentality says. Both Tony and I try to start each day with our own pep rally. We pray each morning before opening our business and claim that day for the Lord. We pray that we can be a blessing to all who enter our doors. And despite the occasional doubt, we continue to trust in the Lord even when our bank account doesn't.
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How our business got started. - 5/3/2007 5:57:09 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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In some of my posts I've mentioned that my husband, Tony and I have our own business. We always hear how for many, it's the American dream. I can't say that it was ever my dream but it certainly was Tony's. While we were dating he shared with me his dream of starting this business. You see, he's a gifted mechanic with great problem solving skills. His passion is hot rods and muscle cars. He talked about always wanting his own shop. His ex-wife never would consider allowing him to start his own shop. It was a gamble that she wasn't about to take. She wasn't going to risk her current lifestyle on a dream she didn't believe in.
After we got married, we began talking about the idea. Once again, he began dreaming. He said that he always believed that someday he'd get his dream. He asked me what my dream was and I didn't have an answer. I don't know that I have a dream. For some reason that saddens me. Anyway, the following months went on and the discussion went from dream to what if. We started praying, and praying and asking God for his guidance and direction on whether to pursue this or not. We prayed that if it was not God's desire for us to take that desire away. The desire got stronger. While I knew that this was Tony's dream, I did want for us to find a way to make a living outside the box. I didn't like the idea of living within the confines of working for someone else and accepting whatever wages you could get. I also wanted to see him realize his lifelong dream.
During the next year we started seeing doors open up for us to move toward this new business. I started researching, reading and studying all I could about starting a small business. I was to run the business while he did the work. I knew nothing about the business world but i was learning. While I was trying to figure out what a business plan was, many people saved and unsaved asked us how we were going to get the money. I didn't know but felt like God knew. We had prayed about it and were leaving it in God's hands. We had several non-Christians watching and waiting so see what would happen. Once particular friend, an acclaimed atheist was watching closely. Tony told him that we were going to have the money by a certain date and that he would be quitting his job then. This was a few months before hand so this guy was really watching. We were stepping out on faith in a major way. Then an amazing door opened when we were able to get financed in a rather unusual way at just the time we told people that we would have the money and be able to get started. This was a feat as Tony has significant tax/credit issues with his ex that still haunts us today. God didn't worry about that. He got all the glory and honor as it was something beyond what we thought we could do. We were building a witness that others were watching. God got their attention.
During the next few months we secured a building that we felt so strongly that the Holy Spirit was sending us to. That decision was clearly a God thing as we were introduced to people that would be of great help. One was Frank. He owned a monument place (tombstones) and he told us his story of how he got started. This 60-something wise Christian man described how he was broke and destitute sitting on his front step of his office. He said he sat there crying, feeling like a failure. He was flat broke. He heard the voice of the Holy Spirit asking if he were going to trust Him (God) or the money in the bank. He decided he'd trust God. He got up and went back inside and started doing something. Before he knew it, business was booming. He trusted God in everything expecting God to provide. He has since used his blessings to sponsor missionaries and Christian radio along with his church. While Frank is still in the same small building, he has been blessed in such incredible ways! He shares his blessings with others and vowed to help other new business owners when he could. He has done that with us!
We opened in Feb/March 2006. The early months were big learning times. While Tony knew his job I didn't know mine. I was really struggling and learning the hard way. By September, we were busy and contemplating hiring another mechanic but we didn't. Two rather large projects done during September/October weren't getting paid. Other than these two large projects, we were pretty slow. We were anxious to get paid and move on. But payday didn't come. While one finally was paid off several months later the other is still unpaid 7 months later. This is when the bottom began to fall out. We weren't getting paid, bills, both personal and business were getting later and later. We were beginning to drown financially. In addition to the stresses of trying to maintain a roof over your head and keep a business going, we had Tony's ex-wife making our lives a living hades. As the months went on, so did her verbal attacks, tirades, threats and manipulations always over money. She never has enough. More about that later.
Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes a whole lot of sacrafices, hard work, compromises, prayer and hard work. I know, I said hard work twice. It was intentional. While we've had some good months, we've had some bad months. Right now we are really struggling. While we believe that God can't get the glory if we fail, we continue to trust Him to meet our needs. I have grown a bit discouraged in the past couple weeks but am maintaining my sanity. We continue to begin each day with prayer, tithe both business and personal, witness as God leads to all who enter and give Him all the praise, honor and glory that with each day, we are still open and ready for business.
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Paris Hilton in the News - 5/8/2007 12:51:53 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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I guess we've all heard of the latest troubles for the our own poor little rich girl, Paris. I must admit that I truly feel sorry and pity for this woman. She has, without a doubt defined the poor little rich girl. Her life seems so out of control on self-destruct mode and apparently no one is trying to stop it until now. I guess the legal system is attempting to reign in the out of control heiress by imposing a jail sentence for her various violations.
Unfortunately, Paris become some sort of icon for the rich and famous and overly indulged. But what is she famous for? She just happens to have been born into a family made wealthy by her grandfather and great-grandfather's hard work. She did nothing to earn her millions. Has all the wealth, advantages or privileges helped her or harmed her?
I heard that a group on myspace describes her as a role model for young people. Now, in attempting to get a mental picture of this whole role role model thing, what the heck is she modeling? I find myself nearly speechless on the thought that Paris Hilton is inspirational in any manner outside of over-indulged, over-exposed, and undisciplined behavior. Is she above the law as other celebritites and children of the rich and famous? This young heiress wouldn't have any claim to fame if she hadn't been born into a wealthy family. Her multi-million $$$$ trust fund (which she did nothing to earn) has put her and her antics into the celeb-envious world of those wanna-be's that dream of a life filled with excesses. Party, party, party though maybe a goal for some is a sad excuse for avoidance. We all heard of the sex tapes, drug fests and the such. Is this just a spoiled little rich kid reacting to her overly indulged world or is she trying to escape a empty, meaningless life? I believe that she is a very unhappy young woman living a life others expect her to live without any regard to the consequences. I wonder at so many of these truly rich kids that are surrounded by so-called friends that claim to care but only are concerned with what advantages they can get from their association. I wonder how many true friends Ms. Hilton really has. Is there one person that cares most for her and her best interests or are they just the "yes" types that will go along with whatever just to keep her happy? I assume that all these shallow friends and excessive funds feed into the lies as to her own self-importance and sense of self.
I do know those that have desires to be the center of attention and thus gain fame, I can honestly say that I have never wanted any kind of fame. I admit that I would enjoy living a life less financially stressed but even financial blessings have responsibilities. I enjoy my anonimity and ability to live my life without having the media with a microscope peering at all my mistakes and misjudgements. Thankfully, I am grounded by family, friends and a loving Savior. Because of my faith and salvation, I have so many more assurances that bring true wealth and happiness. If only Ms. Hilton were so weatlhy.
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Just another day: more stuff - 5/9/2007 4:00:51 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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I imagine my blog is beginning to look like I am Bi-Polar. Swings from highs to lows and everywhere in between. I'm still swinging, it seems. It's not a mood swing as much as it is a swing in life. Sounds rather profound and very deep, don't you think? After all, I am a deep thinker. 
In these difficult times, I really try to hang on to my faith and trust in God. But I admit that lately, it's becoming more and more difficult with each passing day. Paul talks about being thankful and rejoicing even during trials. I bet he's never had to deal with the IRS before.  While I do understand the principal of rejoicing during trials, it's just disheartening to continue to face them for such long periods of time. I know that we are molded and shaped during difficult times as God is the potter and we are the clay. Being made into a beautiful vase takes pressure, cutting, endless shaping and a good bit of heat and glaze. Do we ever get to that final glaze? Sit back and admire the outcome?
I try to begin every day being thankful, praising God for all He has done and all He's going to do. It's like focusing on the hope and trust aspect, trying not to focus on the what-ifs that can come along. Maybe more focus on grace and mercy. I could really use both right now. I guess we all could.
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<----- My Blog: A Day in the Life
You know you're wealthy when you have enough money to do something other than breathe.
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Mother's Day and other stuff - 5/14/2007 3:54:28 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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It seems as though weekends or whatever day you are off tend to fly by with barely a moment for rest. It's those days that seem to be full of the tasks that all of us responsible adults take on. It doesn't matter which chore that looms before you, there never seems to be enough time to accomplish all that needs to be done. I'm still looking at grocery shopping this evening as time ran out over this Mother's Day weekend.
This past weekend my husband and I were constructing another pond for our koi and goldfish. Our current pond (approx. 600 gallons) was located with little shade and therefore grew algae like there's no tomorrow. We love our 15+ fish and have even watched them procreate into more fish. Fighting the ever present algae was a bit too much. So, we decided to move the pond to a more shady locale. Now it still gets morning sun, just not as hot and by mid-day is well shaded by a large maple. It's in a far better scenic locale so it was the matter of digging a new pond. Thankfully, we were blessed with a good friend that allowed us to use his backhoe. IT's so much easier to dig a large whole with heavy equipment instead of by hand. The new pond is approx. 1500 gallons although we haven't measured. It's more than twice as big and a bit deeper. We had gotten the new liner and filled it up a week or so ago letting everything settle. Saturday we moved filters, pumps, fish and plants. We've still a ton of rocks to move to set up the waterfall and perimeter. We even moved the frogs that had taken up residence in our own little private ecosystem. With the waterfall pumps working as well as the turtle that also spits water, all is going well. We've still got a lot to do to finish building the waterfall. The base is done so all we've got to do is cement our rocks and finish the wiring so extension cords won't be needed. We also have to move all the dirt that we moved to build the new pond to the old pond to fill in. We no longer have the back hoe, but I hope it won't be as tiresome as it was to dig the original pond by hand. It's a beautiful pond, with blooming irises and bright colored fish. So peaceful and soothing to the soul.
Mother's Day was a bit hectic as we were juggling seeing my mom and my mother -in - law. We drove the 1 1/2 hour to my mother-in-laws for a visit. My husband's brother and his sister and her family all live on the same property so they are always there too. My mother-in-law is a dear, sweet lady that has been walked all over by her other grown children. She's always been the caretaker it seems. We enjoyed our time there but headed home mid-afternoon to prepard dinner for my mom. My mom has recently moved from her home in Florida to be near me and my family. This is so weird, still after 8 months that she's just a few miles away in her new home. Before it was 6 hours, this 10 minutes is so nice. I was blessed with a gody mother, one that sets an example of a true Proverbs 31 woman. She has her blonde moments at time and doesn't get sarcasm yet but she is learning. She has always been a active sort and jumped into church, activities and missions so quickly. She knows more people than we do. That's ok, I'm thrilled that she is making so many new friends in a new town. She's been widowed since 1993 and has struggled to go on without her prince. But, life goes on.
I'm glad that our society takes a special notice of mothers. It's often a thankless job, one that stays with you forever and is something you never quite figure out. So to all the mothers out there, may God so richly bless you all the days of your life and may you come to know Him with such an intimacy that when you someday meet face to face, you know you're home.
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In the pursuit of happiness.... - 5/16/2007 4:18:15 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
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From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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Happiness is like a cat. If you try to coax it or call it it will not come. It will avoid you. But if you pay no attention to it and go about your business, you'll find it rubbing up against your legs and jumping in your lap. William Bennett
I love this quote but I'm not sure I agree with it. Most of us have read in our preamble of the constitution (USA) . We the people.... about how we are entitled to the pursuit of happiness. This says "pursuit of" not guaranteed, happiness. How many of us sit around and wait for happiness to find us. Are we pursuing it with a passion or waiting for it to drop out of the sky. Do we think that when I accomplish this or that that happiness will find you?
I spent years at trying to discover the meaning of the word, happiness. I thought it was based upon emotions related closely to those important people in my life. What I found is that true happiness is based solely on a decision that I make. It's more an understanding of my own perception of who I am at this particular time in my life. Do I choose to be happy or do I choose to be miserable. This is more than the circumstances of life. This is about choosing, regardless of life's difficulties, to be happy. I finally realized that if I base my own happiness on a feeling that I will not be happy long. Feelings are too fleeting and not very predictable. Decisions are more concrete and a conscious act involved. I realize that I have to make that deliberate, conscious act to decide each and every day to be happy and content in my life. And even though difficult and often painful situations occur, I can still choose to be happy.
I'm not sure that our forefathers believed my own theory about the pursuit of happiness. While we each may have hopes and dreams to pursue, true happiness comes from within.
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Memorial Day - 5/29/2007 10:04:50 AM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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For many Americans Memorial Day is about having a long 3-day weekend for family get togethers, parties and celebrating graduations, and the kick off to summer. The weather is hot and sunny, the rivers, lakes and beaches are crowded with boats of every kind, sunbathers, and campers and school kids are relieved to have summer vacation underway. The smell of charcoal fills the air as burgers, hot dogs, ribs and chicken grill to perfection. The drinks are always cold as the sun heats up the days. You've got the day off work so life is good.
But isn't Memorial Day about remembering our fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen? Isn't this one day dedicated to the memory of those past and present who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives to protect our nation, our freedoms and our way of life? I think of the families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones who were killed in countries around the world, places that we knew little about 20 years ago. I can only assume that Memorial Day has a deeper, more personal meaning for them.
So in honor and in memory for all those American soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardsmen and all those in uniform, past, present and future, I salute you and thank you.
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Hearing God while facing uncertain times - 5/30/2007 3:07:18 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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I don't know about anyone else but lately I seem to have trouble hearing God. I don't know if its that I'm not listening, if I'm doing all the talking and running my mouth therefore not giving him a chance or maybe that God is merely quiet. I'm really fighting right now with hanging on to my trust in God despite having some real trials that seem to be following me. Without coming across with a persecution complex, I'm beginning to feel a little like Job. Why is it that when life throws some major curves that everything and everyone else seem to jump on the bandwagon. It's like the saying "when it rains, it pours." That is certainly true in my experience. Then I think of Job....
Job. There are those that suggest that he was a real person while others believe he was nothing more than a parable. In reality, I guess it really doesn't matter as long as we learn something about God through the story. Imagine Job. Living large, has it all: family, friends, wealth, health, the world by the tail. Then, without any warning (that we know of) he loses it all. His children are all killed in a freak, tragic accident and to top it off his friends are saying that he must be to blame. He must have done something to bring on God's wrath to be so punished. He then loses his livestock and wealth and if that isn't enough, suffers from painful boils all over his body. Talk about wanting to stop the world and get off! He had it all and then lost it all so quickly. I wonder at the confusion he must have felt. Maybe he did think, "what did I do to deserve this?" Maybe he questioned God, why. Maybe he spent more time in just the utter shock of the reality of his circumstances. I often wonder how he managed to keep his sanity while maintaining his faith in God. He, not only had friends tell him that he was responsible for everything, his own wife, who should have been his biggest support was telling him to curse God and die.
But also in this story, I wonder at the conversation between God and satan. (notice that I give the enemy little importance?) It was almost as if they were playing a game with Job's life, a very cruel game. We all know the story, Job was faithful. In the end God rewarded Job's faithfulness with double all he had lost. His health was restored as was his wealth. He even had more children. But the heart of a parent tells me that you can never truly replace a child once he or she is lost. I can only imagine that Job mourned the lost of his children until the day he died. How could he not?
I wonder if Job truly heard God tell him not to worry. I must admit that I don't remember the story as well as I should. I also wonder if during some of the most trying time if God was quiet. Did Job hear that still quiet voice or was there that dreaded silence? Did Job wonder why God was allowing him to suffer as he did?
While Job suffered more than many of us could imagine, sometimes our struggles seem so overhwhelming. Could this be a weakness on our part or merely us caught up in our own struggles to see that others are struggling more. I'll be the first to admit that I don't have the patience or faith that Job must have had. I've always heard that God will not give up more than we can bear. But then I wonder why God assumes that I am so strong! While I cannot possibly imagine the incredible losses Job suffered, I do feel overwhelmed with my own trials and tribulations. If it's not trying to negoiate a settlement with the IRS (evil disguised as a government agency) , a very slow business that is struggling to make it and several personal financial crisises are more than enough. I am trying with all my might to hold on to my trust and faith in God. I am trying to focus on God's blessings instead of the trials, tests, and difficulties. I am thankful that I am maintaining my health which is such a blessing considering that my family and I are without health or medical insurance. I am thankful for a loving, supportive husband which is such a blessing as many marriages are failing. I'm really trying not to blame anyone for so many of our financial difficulties but so much of what we are dealing with are issues that my husband brought into the marriage with his ex-wife. I am thankful that our business is still open and that despite a mountain of rising debt, we are managing to survive. In the midst of these and more struggles, I am truly thankful for all that God has blessed me with. I hope that my complete trust in His faithfulness to His children will bring a quick end to the rising complications that currently exist. I spend countless hours in a prayerful mode, pleading with God to show me what to do or which way to turn. I so desperately need His guidance in so many matters. I pray for dissernment to know God's will for each step of the way. While I do trust that God will answer me, I still struggle with hearing what He says. I surmise at time when I hear an emptyness is that God's silence or my lack of hearing. I used to wish God could put all his directions on video for us to check with to make sure we didn't stray too far but then I guess we wouldn't spend enough time getting to know Him better.
Either way, I'm learning to focus more on hearing God's voice especially during tough times. I don't imagine that it would be appropriate to ask God to speak up. I'm afraid if I ask God to turn up the volume, he will turn it up in a way that will not only get my attention but may be painful as well. I learned a long time ago to ask that all opened doors that are Not his will be closed gently, as I've had too many slammed in my face. Very painful. I guess instead I will learn to listen more intently for My master's voice. I pray that I will hear more clearly that still quiet voice.
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Thankful! - 6/12/2007 12:15:39 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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This past week has been mentally and emotionally trying as we've struggled with a very sick child over this past week. It has been heartbreaking to see my little girl fighting off fever up to 105.0 degrees and then spend the weekend vomiting up nearly everything that gets near her. The doctor told us on Friday that it was a virus and just to treat the symptoms assuming that viruses have to run their course. With each passing day, she grew worse. Viruses don't last that long, do they? She was entering day 6. We had prayed with her, for her and over her in an effort to heal her. Thankfully, a call came early Monday morning that she indeed had strep despite no sore throat. Finally, something we could actually treat other than symptoms. While today, she is still not completely well, she is recovering nicely. Praise the Lord!
I am so thankful that we live in a time of medical advances where a simple antibiotic can mean the difference in some instances of life and death. I imagine living in a world 100 years ago without that simple medicine where I might be watching my beautiful daughter slip further and further away. How many times do we take for granted the important discoveries of our generation that make life so much more helpful. I can't imagine having gone through this week without ibuprofen, tylenol or gatorade. Despite that she has missed the first 2 days of Vacation Bible school at our church, we are thankful that she will (should be) able to attend for the last 3.
I am thankful that I have a job that allows me the freedom to take her with me when I need to. I guess there are some advantages of being the boss and owning a business. 
_____________________________
<----- My Blog: A Day in the Life
You know you're wealthy when you have enough money to do something other than breathe.
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Simplicity of Life - 6/14/2007 11:42:38 AM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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Why does it seem that our lives in the 21st century are so much more complicated, stressful and intense compared to the lives of long ago? Is it that we, in an effort to make life easier, complicate it more so with modern conveniences? Years ago I read a small book about simplifying your life. It had numerous suggestions on things to eliminate to simplify life. I can't remember anything other than getting rid of those things that we often think we can't life without only to lessen the demands on our checkbooks, time and energy. I wish I could remember some of the suggestions or find this missing book as my life could use some simplifying.
Why the comparison? Well, this past weekend I was taking care of my very sick little girl. Between the high fevers and vomiting spells, we had a lot of time to rest and watch tv. On our local PBS station the entire "Anne of Green Gables" mini-series played. It began at the turn of the 20th century and continued through WWI. As we watched the story unfold of Anne, a little girl orphaned and adopted by a a spinster sister and her brother in Prince Edward Island, Canada life appeared so much more simple and less complicated. While the struggles of growing up are similar, they are less filled with the troubles of today. Christian morals and values permeated socieity regardless of your faith. Teen pregnancy, divorce, and other such common social ills of today were almost unheard of. This was a time when children respected their elders, people expected to work hard for a living, no one expected handouts. Young boys learned early on that hard work produced more than just wages, it produced men. People seemed to have more interest in others rather than the "it's all about me" mentality that is so prevelant today. Now, those days weren't perfect by any means. They had their share of judgemental busy-bodies and gossps, liars and cheats too but just on a smaller scale than today. Or at least it seemed so.
It's a shame that generation is gone. I believe there is so much we could have learned from them. They were the generation of those that served in WWI, their children served in WWII. I've heard that those generations were considered the greatest Americans because they were hardworking and patriotic. I wonder what future generations will say of us? For those baby-boomers, Gen X and those that follow, what will be said of us? Will our children, grandchildren and their children look to us with the same wonderment of the simplicity of life that we reflect on to those that lived a century ago? Or will they take a stand and say "no more!" returning to the morals and values of a time that seem so lost today?
We can all admit that life was not easy a century ago nor will it be in a century from now. We seem to exchange one problem for another and upgrade out technology to match. If we think we have stresses now imagine what our grandchildren's grandchildren will live with? We used to think that at the turn of the 21st century that we'd be flying our cars to work and having mechanic robot maids fix gourmet meals in seconds. At least thats the impression of the Jetsens. If that does become our future will ours lives become even more complicated than today? I guess just that much more to break down and need a service tech for. I think I prefer to imagine life back in the early 20th century. If they ever create a way to travel through time, I think I'll start there.
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Christian Values? - 6/25/2007 3:27:18 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
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Ok, here's the deal.
I heard recently about a preacher/minister that did not want anyone to refer to him as having Christian values. He wanted to be described as being Christ-like. I can understand wanting to be described as Christ-like afterall, isn't that what we should strive to be? But then I wondered what is the difference between christian values and being Christ-like or is there a difference? We hear the term "christian values"often but in reality, what does it really mean? I guess it could mean something different to each of us. My thought is that having Christian values means to have the morals, characteristics and values of Christ: to be imitators with the same compassion, love and attitude like our Lord. I wonder if the confusion is based on society's viewpoint becoming more and more liberal and hedonistic . Our world have become very self-absorbed and pleasure focused. We live in the "It's all about me!" world. The sad thing is this world view is common among believers as well as non-believers. It's like there is an entire generation of those who think that many of today's social issues (abortion, premarital sex, homosexuality/gay marriage, evolution vs. creationism, etc.) are fine. It's like all those traditional values that our grandparents and great-grandparents grew up with are too outdated, old fashioned and so Victorian Era. We've allowed our political correctness to corrupt our thoughts, actions and attitudes. We've compromised God's commands on how we should conduct ourselves. It's like we've rationalized God's commands and decided that they are just too strict and so shouldn't apply to today's men and women. We've all heard the excuses:
"You can't expect me to wait for marriage!", "How will I know if we're good together?" , "It's just not the right time to have a baby", "I couldn't give up MY baby", "They're born that way, it's ok who you love", "homosexuality occurs in the animal world so it's ok", "evolution offers proof, look at the dinosaurs", etc.
The excuses go on and on and on. Too many people not grounded in faith and scripture listen to the world's views on life, love and happiness. I hear more "believers" claim that they believe this or that aspect of the Bible but don't buy into this or that. They use biased theories to back up their personal viewpoints only to confuse those unsuspecting innocents with their skewed prespective with its hidden deceit. It's like Tom Cruise and his scientology. He actually bought into the lies of a science fiction writer who wanted only to make a name for himself and lots of money. Now, I've heard that Tom Cruise is a really nice guy. Very family oriented, honest, generous, successful, etc. Granted, all good qualities so could he have christian values? You might be able to describe him somewhat but could you describe him as being Christ-like? A definite NO!
Christian values vs. Christ-like. Maybe there is a difference after all. I think I agree with that minister, I'd like to be likened to Christ instead of merely having Christian values.
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Frank's Story: Trust in God Completely - 7/3/2007 11:40:56 AM
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NoDumbBlonde
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This story was brought to mind during a conversation in a recent thread regarding financial struggles. It has been such an inspiration to Tony and me during our financial struggles. The story isn't ours..... yet but one that shows God's faithfulness to his people.
Some time ago, Tony and I met an older gentleman who owned a small monument business across the street from our business. Frank, a devout Christian and faithful follower shared his beginnings in the business world. He found Christ at a young age and set out to be the man God called him to be. When he started his monument business (gravestones, etc.) he had a small building/office. As in many small businesses, he struggled financially in the early days. Business was NOT good. One day he was sitting on the front step of his office crying, destitute as he was about to lose everything. His bank account was empty and he had nothing to pay his bills with or support his family. He felt like a failure. He had spent considerable time praying and felt like it was over. He said he heard a voice (that small quiet voice, I assume) "are you going to trust me or what's in the bank?" Frank said that voice got his attention. He sat there for a minute and pondered those very words. Where was his faith? Was it found in his bank balance or was it truly in God? He said he was determined to put his faith in God so he got up, dried his eyes and went inside to work. Even though he didn't have any work to do, he was trusting God. He was going to find work to do. Very shortly, the work began to come. As long as he was trusting, God kept providing.
That was many years ago. Frank is still in that same small building but has been blessed beyond belief. He's worth a fortune now and you'd never know it to see him. He's still a humble, backwoods Georiga boy. He never forgets that God has provided through good times and bad. He is always obedient to tithing and supporting God's work. He finds such joy in giving, like none other I've seen. Last year, he said he was lead to support 2 more missionaries in Japan. He was so excited about their work and all they are doing to bring others to Christ.
This simple man of God has shown us what it truly means to love the Lord and truly trust him when all hope seems to be gone. He has and still is such an inspiration to us. We treasure his prayers and his friendship. We have been so blessed by knowing him. I pray that there are more Franks in this world and that each of us has the rare opportunity to know such a man.
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Jesus: Conservative or Liberal? Compromsing? - 7/5/2007 12:24:48 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
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I hear so many people today talk about their views and opinions on so many issues. We all hear the conservative, moderate or liberal slant on everything from immigration to abortion and nearly everything in between. From my perspective, the liberals want more freedoms while the conservatives realize we have too many for our own good. Since no one has figured out how to legislate morality, we can only hope that our citizens legislate themselves.
Then I thought about it, the Bible tells us Christians to be imitators of Christ. We are to have his heart and compassion as well as his obedience to God the Father and God's laws. I wonder what kind of opinion Jesus have on so many of the issues that seem to be at the heart of the presidental debates? Think about all the hot-topic issues. How would Jesus vote? What would he support or be against? Would he support the conservative perspective or the liberal one?
To truly know the character of Christ and what he would do is a primary issue with today's Christians. We cannot sit on a fence and support some agenda that is in direct conflict with Jesus' character or his message. If we are blending into the world, we are not living the life we have been called to live. It doesn't mean that we all have to give up everything and become a missionary in a foreign field but it does mean we have to give up our worldly desires and accept God's will for our lives. I found out years ago that by accepting God's will for my life that I would be exceptionally happier than if I charted the waters myself. I found that contentment that so few have. I'm not doing the kind of job that I went to school for but I'm right where He wants me to be. I don't have a lot of material things but I can see God's blessings all around me in ways that most would overlook.
I used to be a compromising Christian. I'd compromise God's will on any issue that was in direct conflict of what I wanted for ME. It was MY morals, values, ideas, hopes, dreams, etc. that were important, not God's. THEN I discovered that by doing my own navigating that my life was a mess!!! My choices were disasterous and caused myself and many other people a great deal of pain and heartache. When I finally surrendered to God's laws and commands on how to live I found such a peace and contentment. The desires that I used to have I no longer have. My opinions and viewpoints have changed dramatically. I no longer care to be modern and cool in my thinking. What I care most about is that my deepest desire is to bring joy to my Heavenly Father by my thoughts and actions. While I have a long way to go, I am moving in the right direction.
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Churches without Crosses? - 7/6/2007 3:01:23 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
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Is it me or is there a new trend that newer churches are not displaying the cross anymore. I attend a church that has been in a new building for the past few years. The building is very nice but there is one thing missing. No were in this building is a cross. Not on the outside or on the inside. Is this something new? I'm not talking about any kind of new age church but one belonging to the SBC. Yes, Baptist.
Someone surmised that the cross may be missing as not to offend visitors. Another person suggested it may be to eliminate some of the traditional images. I know the issues has surfaced at church and the deacon body has discussed it but still no definitive answer. We have a new pastor that has been here for just less than a month so I imagine that the subject will come up soon.
Also, does it seem a trend that churches are moving away from the traditional church services and more to home groups. I'm hearing more and more that their formally traditional church is having on one service on Sunday morning. No Sunday School or Bible study before or after. No evening service and even drops the Wednesday night activities/service during the summer.
I wonder.... is this a sign of the times, a more contemporary way of worship or are our church leaders getting lazy?
I will remain quiet and will avoid the soapbox today so I won't expound in a written diatribe but I will say that we should never be ashamed of the cross. Start looking around at churches. Do you see a cross? If not, ask why?
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<----- My Blog: A Day in the Life
You know you're wealthy when you have enough money to do something other than breathe.
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Summer Camp and Miracles - 7/9/2007 11:56:15 AM
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NoDumbBlonde
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Today, my baby girl went off to camp. This a first for us both. While I'm excited for her off on a new adventure I'm also a little sad. It's that realization that she's growing up. At nearly 11, many girls have been going away to summer camp for years but Katy, this is a first. She's always been the one who was more comfortable staying close to home. She was never one to strike out on her own. Yep, she's a mommy's girl and proud of it. She'll be heading to middle school in a month or so (which is even more scary) so I guess as all us moms know, we learn to let go. I wonder if it's not just a letting go as much as a trusting God to take care of her. You see, she's my miracle baby. She was born after her two older brothers were stillborn. She is my gift from God, one promised on the day her brother, John when to heaven.
You see, I was preganant in 1992. I, like every other expectant mother was excited about this new life coming to my family. My then husband was rather quiet but seemed excited as well. But things didn't turn out like we planned or hoped. Mid way or so through my 2nd trimester the doctors discovered something wrong with my baby. He had a hole in his spine (Spina Bifida) and there was not aminotic fluid. After numerous tests and expensive specialists, it was revealed that he was in real trouble. The animotic fluid levels were dangerously low and he was being crushed by my body. His world was caving in on him. In a last ditch effort, the doctors induced labor in order to try to save him. My prayers were at the time for God's will to be done. I wasn't sure what God had in mind but I wanted the grace to get through it all. My husband wasn't a Christian and wouldn't talk about it. The day John came into this world, my prayer was that if God were to take him home, please don't allow him to suffer. Please take him during labor and spare him from having to fight a losing battle. God was merciful. My precious little boy died just before delivery. His frail little body, very small for 7 1/2 months still seemed perfect through a mother's eyes. He had gone on to heaven where he waits for me.
It was a few hours after I had gotten to my room when my husband had gone to find something to eat. I was in my room alone, listening to all the new mothers on the floor with their new healthy babies crying and cooing. Outside my window stood a massive Australian Pine Tree. It towered well over the 4th floor where I was. Suddenly, on a branch sat a gray dove. Nothing special about this bird although it did apprear rather strange as I assumed that doves kept closer to the ground and he was very high up in this tree. This bird just sat there staring in my window. It was then that I heard a voice. Not an audible one but very clear. I heard a voice tell me that I would have the child I so wanted but I had to had faith. Of course, being somewhat arugumentative, I questioned that doves stood for peace. The voice quickly told me that he'd stand for whatever he wanted to. I shut up then. The dove remained on that branch what seemed to be 5 minutes. I had heard a promise that if I were faithful, I'd have the child I so wanted, a girl. I felt such a peace at that moment. Even after the death of my precious little boy that I had such hopes for, I still had peace. I named my son, John after the apostle. I knew he was closed to Jesus on earth and I wanted my little boy closest to Jesus in heaven.
The following year I suffered another 2nd trimester stillborn, also a boy. The doctors said the problems with both children were different but to wait a year or so and try again. I waited much longer. My marriage was rocky at best but I never forgot the promise of that little girl. Several years later, I became pregnant again. This I knew without a doubt was the child promised to me 4 years earlier. On July 23, 1996, my beautiful blonde, blue-eyed angel was born. She was perfectly healthy and looked just like her mommy. She's been my miracle ever since. She's had some difficult times especially when her father abandoned us both but she always knew she could count on me. We've always been very close and I pray that will not change as she enters adolescence. Those teen years are ahead of us but we'll make it through. I'll miss her this week as I'm sure she'll miss me. I look forward to hearing of all her tales when she returns and the memories she's creating. God has blessed us both and I'm anxious to see what plans He has for my miracle baby's life.
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<----- My Blog: A Day in the Life
You know you're wealthy when you have enough money to do something other than breathe.
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Just a little blah and then reflection - 7/12/2007 3:16:13 PM
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NoDumbBlonde
Posts: 788
Joined: 1/31/2007
From: Upper West Side, Planet Earth
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Do you ever have those days that are just rather blah for no reason. That's my day. It's not that I'm angry, sad, upset or otherwise down, it's just a blah kind of day. I'm not sure how to describe the feeling other than "blah". Then, as my mind works I began wondering where in the world did this word "blah" come from. No doubt a slang term for something but it almost sounds like what the word means. BLAH>>>>> yep, | | |
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