Seeds of Kindness vs Seeds of Hatred

Pa, Ma, and Junior were sitting on the front porch after a hard day on the farm.  There were just relaxing when a car drove up and a man got out. He walked up to them and asked, “What kind of town is this? We’re moving because the town we left is full of hateful and spiteful people.” Pa looked at the man for a second and replied, “Well, I’m afraid you’ll find the same kind of people live here.” The man –muttered under his breath and stomped away.

Soon another car drove up and a man walked to the porch. “What kind of people live in this town? The town we just left has the most caring, kindest people we have ever known.” Pa looked at him for a second and smiled. “You will find the same kind of people live here.” The man smiled as he walked back his car and drove away.

“Pa, why did you tell the first man this town is full of hateful people, but you told the second man the town is full of kind people?” I don’t understand.”

Pa smiled and looked at Junior. “Well son, you see the first man has a heart full of hate and it is bubbling out of him and spilling over onto everyone around him.  The second man has a heart filled with love and it too is spilling over onto everyone around him.  You see, son, whatever is in your heart will show up on the outside.”

I read this story a few years ago and it has stayed with me.  I don’t know who wrote it and apologize to the writer if I have slaughtered it too badly. The point is we see this story being lived out every day in this country. There are so many hate-filled people. They are letting their hatred bubble over and are trying to stomp out and eliminate any goodness and kindness they see.

Radical groups like BLM, Antifa, White Supremacists and Neo Nazis are rioting and killing each other and innocent people. We saw this is Charlottesville, VA. If you don’t believe the same way or say what they want you to say—you have no right to live. Meanwhile the media is quick to jump on the bandwagon and tell us what they want us to know and how to think.  The heart of the media is so evil they cannot stand the thought of anyone that dares to call them out on it.  It has gotten so bad that media and celebrities are criticizing and berating an eleven year old boy just because of who his father is.

The average American cannot feel safe any longer. If we support our President, we are white supremacists and racists by default and have no right to live.  The hatred in this country is in epidemic proportions and must stop.  We are all Americans no matter the color of our skin. That is what makes this country so great. We should learn from each other’s views and not insist we all think alike.  

With the radical groups today, it is hard to find the kind compassionate people that are still here.  I know we still have them but the hatred spewed by the hate-mongers are drowning out the message we are trying to spread across the land.  As Martin Luther King Jr. said. “Hate cannot drive out hate only love can drive out hate.”

College kids are fighting and do not know why or what they are fighting against. They believe what their liberal professors tell them and do not know enough American history to show enough intelligence to decide for themselves what to think.  College is supposed to teach students how to make intelligent decisions and think for themselves and today colleges are failing our students in a big way.I do pity these kids when they graduate from college but do not know how to make a living or survive in the world.

I want to tell all the kindhearted compassionate people that are left in this great country—don’t give up the fight. Stay strong and endure until the end and we will prevail. By sowing our seeds of kindness, we can rest assured that we will have our rewards.  God is in control and no matter what the hate-mongers try to tell us He will never leave us.  Although the evil one is sowing seeds of hatred, our seeds of kindness will prevail and one day we will win the fight.

I love what St. Francis of Assisi said so long ago.

Lord,

Make me an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred…let me sow love

Where there is injury…pardon

Where there is doubt….faith

Where there is despair…hope

Where there is sadness…joy.

Father, we ask you with humble hearts to guide us and protect our leaders.  Give our President the wisdom and strength he needs to lead this great country back to you.  be with your people and continue to bless us.  You have shown great mercy to the United States and continue to be merciful to us.  The father of lies is deceiving so many people today and leading so many to rebel against what is good and right.  Your word tells us he is already defeated and the victory is already ours. Give us the strength to stand firm in our faith. Each day you show us in your wonderful creation how blessed we are to have you as our Father. 

Thank you Father for loving us so much.

Get Off the Pity Pot

Unless you have living under a rock you have seen the riots in our city streets over the recent elections.  I have heard many people say that protest is good and is guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States.  I agree.  However, instead of peacefully protesting, these people (thugs) are destroying property, endangering lives and over all making nuisances of themselves.  A washed up singer recently said that America is the laughingstock of the rest of the world.  I won’t mention any names if that’s alright with you, Madonna.  Well, honey, what do you think you were when you offered to perform sex for a vote for Hillary.  We have been the joke of the rest of the world for the past 8 years under Obama.

When I see the “Snowflakes” crying and wringing their hands because they are “offended” by people that do not agree with them, it really offends me.  Oh, excuse me, I can’t be offended because I am not a liberal.  Let me see if I have this straight—I do want to be politically correct. HA!   Conservatives offend but can’t be offended while Liberals can’t offend but are offended.  OK.  Gotcha!

I went to college in the 70’s.  It might surprise the “enlightened” kids (yeah kids they are not acting like grown-ups) of today’s college campuses but we actuall6y learned from listening to the differing views and opinions of our classmates.  This was during the Viet Nam war era and classes were filled with a wide diversity of students—from the fresh out of high school students, older more mature students and *gasp* even veterans.  We did not run out of the room crying if someone voiced an opinion that differed from ours.  We discussed the opinions and each student was able to take a little bit of knowledge out of that room.  We did not curse or brow beat each other.  The college did not offer safe spaces, play doh or cute little puppies to salve our wounded egos and hurt feelings.  The only safety pins we wore were to hold a hem up or mend out clothes until there was time to mend the clothes the way they should be mended.

If you plan to prosper and flourish in this world, you need to realize LIFE IS NOT FAIR and the world does not revolve around you and your feelings.  You might be offended when the bank tells you to make your house payment or you will lose the house.  Your feeling might be hurt when your boss tells you to do something you do not want to do.  You will find that no one will provide a safe space for you when the real world hits you in the face and you have kids to feed and clothe and bills to pay and you can’t stretch that paycheck far enough.

So SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP, face life and GET OFF THE PITY POT.

I know this is a post from a few months ago but it appears to be getting more relevant as each day goes by.  I read an article that the University of Missouri is paying the price of catering to the millenial snowflakes.  Enrollment is down, dorms are empty and jobs have been lost.  So I must say again—GET OFF THE PITY POT!!!

Eclipse

As everyone knows God gave us all a view of His wonder in the sky on Monday.  Parts of the U.S were treated tp a partial solar eclipse while other parts were treated to a total solar eclipse.  This morning while taking my kids to school, we were talking about how we felt when we witnessed this wonderful event.  The kids said it was “awesome” and “beautiful”.  Suddenly, I found myself telling them that one good thing about it was “People were so busy looking up they didn’t have time to look down on anybody.”  Alyssa said, “I like that, Nanny.  Where did you hear that?”  All I could say was “just now.”  It came into my head and out of my mouth.  All I can say is God gave me those words to speak.  I have been often accused of speaking without thinking.  This was one of those times but I thank God that I spoke words He gave me to say.  My God does truly speak to us if we only listen.

My God is awesome.

Un-American

Our country was founded on principles that all men are created equal.  Our founding fathers were visionaries and sought to assure all citizens the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  However, today we have groups that will deny others the right to life, deny others their liberty, and only think they themselves should be able to pursue happiness.

Friends, so much of what I see in our country today crushes these values America was built upon.

When a senator can shed tears on the senate floor because there is a policy to vet refugees from terror sponsored countries but remains dry eyed when millions of innocent babies are murdered in the womb—that is In-American.

When our homeless go hungry while illegal aliens can come into this count5ry and receive food stamps, welfare and shelter—that is Un-American

When our elderly much choose between eating or buying their medications while abortions and transgender surgeries are paid for with tax payer money—that is Un-American.

When our troops go without proper equipment while celebrities and athletes protest our country and national anthem—that is un-American.

When our veterans go without benefits that were promised but billions of dollars are given to countries that hate us—that is Un-American.

When Christian companies are forced to compromise their faith and values by serving same sex weddings while other businesses can say, “if you support traditional marriage, don’t shop here.”—that is Un-American.

When radical groups like BLM and antifa can riot, burn cities and kill or injure people but citizens are prosecuted and persecuted for speaking out against them that is Un-American.

When a black criminal disobeys law enforcement and is shot by police and there is a public outcry while police officers are shot everyday for doing their jobs and media is silent—that is Un-American.

When the media takes it upon itself to slant the news and tell us what to think instead of reporting the news and trusting us to decide for ourselves what to think—that is Un-American.

Friends, I have been told that, as a Christian, I should not be political.  I am not a political person but what I see goes beyond politics.  It is now about our survival as a country and the fabric of our way of life.  I once read “All it takes for evil to spread is for good men to do nothing.”  I am only trying to do my small part to stop the spread of evil.  You can agree with me or not.  That is your right and I respect you for it but it is my right to say it and all I am asking is for your respect in my right.

Clearing the Clutter

We all make New Year’s Resolutions that are supposed to make us better people.  Recently I decided to clear the clutter from my life and tried every diet and self improvement program I could find.  Some of these programs kept my interest longer than others but none of them fulfilled me in the way I had hoped.  The weight did not come off as easily as it went on and my attitude did not see much improvement either.   In fact, my family told me that I really needed a total attitude adjustment.  Some days I did not seem to see any good in anybody or anything.  It was then that I discovered Donna Par tow's book, Becoming the Woman I Want to Be:  A 90 Day Journey to Renewing Spirit, Soul, and Body.

When I read the book I began to realize that our homes are not the only things that can become cluttered with unnecessary things.  Our lives can become so cluttered that we go through life with burdens that we are not meant to bear.  I then made a vow to rid my life of these burdens so that I could really enjoy life and family and friends to the fullest.

The first thing I decided to discard was an old cracked jar that was filled with stones of various shapes and sizes.  The was my jar of troubles that had really slowed my growth and enjoyment of life.  The stones were different sizes because my troubles were different sizes.  Some were so minor that the solutions came with no major work on my part.  Others were the size of boulders because I had been so overwhelmed by them that I was literally crippled by the weight.  Under these troubles I had been forced to my knees.  Although God had promised to bear these burdens for me I had not let Him.  Instead I had insisted on holding onto them and not given Him control of my life.

The next thing I threw in the discard pile was  a rusty old bucket.  This bucket held  tears that had fallen throughout my life.  This bucket is extremely heavy and its weight has made by back become stooped and bent.  Again at times few tears fell into the bucket and at other times I did not think the bucket would hold them  all.  Again I remembered God’s promise that He will wipe the tears from our eyes and bear all our troubles.  I had insisted on handling these situations myself instead of giving them to Him.

I then looked into a box that was falling apart at the seams.  In this box I found grudges that I had held against other people in my life.  Although I had professed to forgive these people I held onto the grudges.  I admit that these grudges were very difficult to let go and I knew that I must release them in order to clear out the clutter that was taking over my life.  I definitely needed to place this box in the discard pile.  I realized that when I failed to totally forgive others and carried these grudges with me I was only hurting myself.  The person that needed the forgiveness was not harmed by these grudges.  I was being harmed by packing this box with me wherever I went.  The box was so heavy that my legs and back were beginning to ache with the weight.  The people I failed to truly forgive did not have this weight to carry.  Again I heard God whisper, “I paid the penalty for your sins and have forgiven you.  Why do you think you are justified in not forgiving others?

I then looked into a ragged suitcase and found regrets stuffed in there.   Regrets for the things I did not say to others  who needed encouragement. Regrets for times I could've helped someone else but because of my selfishness and unconcern neglected to.   I found  regrets for the times I was  “too busy"  or "preoccupied"  to spend time with my kids because of my misplaced priorities.  I could not bear to look into the suitcase any longer  so I slammed the lid shut and locked  these regrets in  so I would not have to think about them any longer.  it was a tremendous relief to  put the suitcase into the discard pile.   God tells us not to live in the past but look to the future.   I knew that without these regrets my future looks brighter and my load was already lighter. 

I looked in the corner of the room  of my mind and saw an old cracked mirror  that made my features  distorted and ugly.   I did not look like that did I?    I did not like this reflection of myself.   This image was the result of years of self-pity and self-doubt.  My  face was so ugly in this mirror  I could not stand to look into it  so I threw it on the discard pile and  watched it shatter.

I also saw a giant tapestry that displayed a spirit of pride. I have been able to accomplish goals  and felt that I had been able to do this on my own with no help from anyone.  I  sometimes looked down on someone not as educated or as capable as I thought myself to be.   I had put on an air of superiority  when I had accomplished something that I felt was important to the world.  My spirit of self-importance  had  hindered my testimony  and witness for my Savior and had caused some people to fall by the wayside.   Suddenly,  a feeling of shame came over me.  I began to see that without the help of my family and friends  I could not have accomplished anything at all.  this was the moment that God had whispered in my ear," Remember your favorite verse in Philippians  –  I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength ."  without me you can not do anything .  I threw the tapestry in the discard pile with a silent prayer of thanks to God .  " Thank you God for giving me the strength and knowledge  to accomplish what you have set before me to do.”

After I had thrown all the mental and spiritual clutter that had accumulated in my life throughout the years, I feel down on my knees to thank God and ask him to help me keep control of the thoughts  that I let in my mind and the feelings that lived in my heart .   He lovingly said to me , " I have waited for you to ask. You have attempted  to live life on your own terms. I have been waiting here for you to surrender all the clutter so that I can  fill your heart and soul with good things.  I want you to experience life to the fullest.  I will now fill you with joy,  love, compassion,  and encouragement .   I have a purpose in mind for your life  and those plans are to bring you happiness and prosperity .  They are not plans to harm or cause hurt to you." 

After clearing the clutter, I found I had room in my mind and life for the good things that God had for me. I do realize that this clearing was not a one-time only job but is a job that must be done regularly to ensure that I will have room for God's blessing

Stop the Bullying

Bullying is painful and can be fatal. I had a personal experience with a child I know and love being bullied last school year and it hurt more people than the bullied child. Sometimes bullies think they need to bully to feel better themselves or to impress someone. But friends, bullying is never OK. Stop for a minute and think how you would feel if you were the one bullied. If more people followed the Golden Rule how much better this world would be. THINK ABOUT IT.

Special request to all you kids returning to school in August : If you see someone who is struggling to make friends or being bullied because he/she doesn't have many friends or because they are shy or not as pretty or not dressed in the most "in" clothes -- PLEASE step up. Say hi or at least smile at them in the hallway. You never know what that person might be facing outside of school. Your kindness might just make a BIG difference in someone's life! PARENTS and GRANDPARENT'S SHOULD RE-POST THIS

My Lord and I

One day I felt overwhelmed with work and worry.  I could not quiet my mind and relax.  I began to call out to God for help.  This is the prayer I prayed.

Lord, when my life seems to be spinning out of control, help me to stop and smell the roses.  Help me to savor each moment and not rush through the moments on my way to some other time or place.  Help me to take the time to see—really see—all your blessings and to truly feel your love in my heart.  Help me to be still and hear your small still voice.

When I paused and asked Him for help, here is what He said to me:

“My child, I love you and want to enjoy your company.  Just come and sit with me and tell me about your day.  I am here for you.  All you need to do is to slow down and enjoy being with me.  There is nothing you do that does not interest me.  Remember you are my child and I am your father.  I love you.  Come to me and rest.”

I then turned off my computer, went into the living room and just sat there.  I felt the peace of His love as He encircled me in His loving arms.  My worries left and we just sat there with our arms around each other—my Lord and I.

School Shopping Blues

This time of year is bittersweet for me.  Watching frazzled mothers taking their children school shopping brings back memories of shopping for my own children.

The excitement of buying new clothes and attempting to negotiate with the children to get items that are within budget but still pass the peer inspection can cause major meltdowns for parents and children alike.

I remember the scenes with my two children—especially my daughter.  When she reached her teen years, shopping became a nightmare for both of us.  “But Mom, you just don’t understand.  Nobody wears this style or brand anymore!”  These words echo through my mind when I see moms and kids going through what must be the universal conflict parents and children everywhere have this time of year.

The other day at a local department store I observed a very interesting exchange between a pre-teen girl and her mother.  The girl was trying to convince her mother to buy a very expensive pair of shoes.  The mother was clearly torn between staying within the budget and pleasing her daughter.  Just when I thought she was about to cave in to her daughter’s pleadings, the daughter’s attention was diverted to a more sensible and less expensive pair.  A smile crossed both their faces and peace was restored again.  As they paid for their purchase and walked out of the store arm in arm, I smiled and thought of the many times I had gone through the same situation with my own daughter. 

My mind was suddenly jolted back to the present when I heard a familiar voice, “Nanny, why can’t I have these shoes?”  I turned my attention back to my own 12 year old granddaughter and the only shoes in the entire store that would make her totally happy with life and me.

You see, although my own children are now grown, I have 4 grandchildren to take care of and 3 are at the pre-teen and teen years.  Although years have passed since my children were in school, school shopping is still a yearly ritual for me.  This ritual has changed very little over the years.

No matter how many tempers flare and disagreements arise, all is forgiven on that all important first day of school when the the most beautiful and intelligent children in the world step on the bus to embark on a fresh new adventure.

The Beginning of Hope

When he came to his senses he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death?” So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:17,20(a)

We all have problems and circumstances that may or may not be beyond our control. Yes, I admit when troubles come my way, I do not always focus on my Heavenly Father but try to work through the situation in my own strength. Like the son we read about in this parable I have been guilty of wasting my time and money and then feeling sorry for myself.. That is when I feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit, “I am here. Just trust me.”

I once read “the end of yourself is the beginning of hope.” The reason we so often keep hanging on to our hurts, still looking for the solution in our own strength and making little progress is because we haven't yet come to the end our ourselves. We are still trying to control the situation instead of getting out of God's way and letting Him work in us. If we find ourselves at the end of our rope, we should just tie a knot and hang on because that may be the place God wants us so He can strip our pride and accomplish what He wants to do in us and through us.

The prodigal son came to the end of himself when he realized the pigs he was caring for had more to eat than he did. It was then that he decided to go home to his father. Did his father turn him away?: No! He welcomed him back with open arms..That is what our Heavenly Father will do when we come to the ends of ourselves. He will run to meet us with outstretched arms. What a beautiful picture that is. I can just see it in my mind's eye. Can't you? What an awesome God we serve!

`

Bloom Where You Are Planted

For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

The other day I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I had recently lost my job. We should have been able to make it and able to live comfortably on one income. However, we had recently been granted custody of three grandchildren, in addition to, one we have had for most of her life. I do love these children and will do anything to make sure they receive the love and care they need. I must admit that these extra mouths to feed and clothe did create some stress. To add to this stress, our “grown children” are always asking for financial assistance. I lost my job when I received custody of these children. Please don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets about this switching of roles in my life but I did feel upset because of the shortage of money to provide the little extras every child wants.

Now my cupboard is bare. I have a mountain of laundry and the sink is full of dirty dishes. I admit I started feeling sorry for myself and started complaining about my life situation. “Lord, show me what I can do to provide what these children need. I love them and want only the best for them. But am I what they need?”

Suddenly a peace came over me and I heard a whisper in my heart. “Go for a walk.” I did not think I had heard right but I heard the voice again. “Go for a walk.” “But God, I have too much to do: I have dishes to wash, floors to sweep and mop and laundry to do. Besides, the kids will be home in a few hours tired and hungry.” “Go for a walk.” “Ok, Lord,” I said as I began putting on my walking shoes.

Wondering what I was supposed to learn, I started walking along a route I had taken before. Suddenly about halfway through my walk, I saw it. It was a beautiful flower growing through a crack in the sidewalk. It was the most beautiful flower I had ever seen. The petals were a beautiful yellow color and reminded me of a ray of sunshine. I looked around but did not see another flower like this anywhere. It was then that God began to teach me the lesson He wanted me to learn. “This is what I wanted you to see. That flower is growing in a hard place but it is growing where the seed fell. It has overcome obstacles like the hot sun beating down on it and people stepping on it. Yet it is still here because I have taken care of it. If I can take care of this flower, don’t you know that I will take care of you? I know you feel overwhelmed at tines and feel as though you are all alone. You are where I want you be at this point in your life. Those kids need you. You are the person I picked that will teach them about me. You are to be an example of my love and let them see me through your life. Don’t worry. Just put your trust in me. Whatever I ask of you, I will equip you. Remember, I do not call the qualified. I qualify the called.” Suddenly, a peace came over me and I knew I was fulfilling His plan for my life. I know that He will be with me and give me the wisdom and strength to accomplish what He wants me to do.

I went back home with reassurance that the dishes, the laundry, the cooking and the cleaning are important because I am doing God’s will by bringing up these children to know God and His love. Just like that flower in the sidewalk, God will watch over me and give me the strength to make it through each day. I know I am important in the lives of these children and they are learning about God through my love and care for them. I still get overwhelmed at times with everything that must be done but I know the work I am doing is the most important work that I can do. I can rest assured that what I am doing today will be passed on through these children and they will know God as their Father.

Today’s Whisper:

Do you get discouraged with your life’s work. Do you ever wonder why you are doing what you are doing? Write about how your life seems to be getting out of control and how a visit with God can set your life on the right track. Just like the flower, we must bloom where we are planted—whether it is as a stay at home mom or out in the work world.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to remember that you are in control of my life and have placed me in the special life you want me to have. Don’t let me forget that you can take care of that flower growing in that hard place and you will always be there to take care of me. I love you and trust you with my life and know that you will bless me while I am doing your work. I know you have plans for my peace and happiness and I claim that promise.

Amen

Touched By the Master’s Hand

The poor beggar sat by the rich man’s gate

Begging for crumbs that he might eat,

But the rich man showed no mercy

And had him thrown out into the street.

The blind man stared with unseeing eyes

As the people passed him by.

He knew that God had a purpose for him

So he did not question why.

But now the beggar can sit down to feast

And the blind man-- he can see.

For they have been touched by the master’s hand

And from pain they have been set free.

Once I, like the beggar hungered

And like the blind man, I could not see.

But the master reached down His loving hand

And saved a poor sinner like me

Truth or Consequences

The lip of truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.  Proverbs 12:19

We all fall for lies sometimes.  Let’s face it—truth is often boring; it’s much more exciting to think our neighbor is a “wanted fugitive” rather than to know the truth that he is just a hard-working father and coach for his kids’ little league team.

Lies can be more believable than the truth.  We can believe lies the politicians tell us or the smooth talking salesman that hooks us in their deception.  Too often we discover  the truth when it is too late.The politician is elected and his true agenda is then made known.  The wonderful car we bought from the salesman breaks down after we finalize the deal.  The man who promised a good job leaves and does not return to finish the job after the money changes hands.  We all learn the truth the hard way and chalk these deceptions up to experience.

I have come to the end of a long and painful battle trying to dispel lies told about me.  Although the lies were exposed and truth was finally reve4aled, more people chose to believe the lies and I am left to deal with the aftermath.  What hurts even more is the fact that two of my family members started these untruths.  I know God is holding me up and has promised He will never leave me to suffer alone.  I can rest assured that although these people continue to prosper and live their lives without obvious consequences, the consequences will eventually come.  It is up to God to deal with them.  I am so glad He is in control.

I Peter 5:8,9 tells us the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith.  We are not alone alone in our struggles.  God is there with us and He will make us strong.

Don’t let satan work his web of of deceit.  If we focus on God’s love and presence, He will give us peace that the “father of lies” cannot take away.

A lie travels around the world while truth is putting her boots on.  Jewish Proverb

Never Give Up the Fight

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Galatians 6:9

"I give up! I can't do this! It's too hard!" Nick slammed his math book shut. I stopped washing dishes and sat down beside him. After helping him for about 20 minutes he hugged me. "Now I understand and it is not as hard as I thought." He gathered up his books and prepared for school the next morning. I sent him to the shower before he went to bed.

After his shower and he had gone to bed, I sat down to relax a bit before I finished my nightly routine. I began to think about Nick and his homework. I realized that I too, want to give up and quit when success seems out of reach. Sometimes when I work on a goal and run into a brick wall I want to throw up my hands in despair. That is when I cry out to God, "Lord, this is too hard! I can't do it. You are asking too much from me." I often feel defeated before I start because I try to work in my own strength. Just when I feel overwhelmed with my endeavors, God speaks to my heart, "Child, I am here for you-- don't forget that you do not have to go alone in your own strength. I called you for a special purpose and I will go before you and equip you with all you need. Don't give up. You helped Nick with his homework and he knew you were there for him. I want you to know that I am here for you."

I would like to say that all my doubts were wiped away but I can't. Doubts still come and I still get overwhelmed at times. I would like to say that I never want to give up and reach every goal I attempt without fear. Again I can't say that. I still have doubts about my ability but when these doubts do rear their ugly heads, I remember I don't have to face them alone. I have a loving and caring Father who will always be with me to help me keep on keeping on.

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on one minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tides will change, Harriet Beecher Stowe

Don't Quit

Don't Quit no matter what!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won if he'd stuck it out.

Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late,

when the night slipped down

, How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are -

It may be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit. -

by Author Unknown

Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Snowflakes

 

Mammas don’t let your babies grow up

to be Snowflakes.

They’ll never leave home

but they’ll always be alone

in their Safe Place.

They’ll moan and they’ll cry

and always wonder why

she didn’t win the race.

So Mammas don’t let your babies grow up

to be Snowflakes.

They’ll riot in the streets

and watch flags and cars burning.

they’ll bitch and moan

and act like the world quit turning.

They’ll riot all night until the morning

and they’re always on the lookout for

a trigger warning.

Their profs gave them hot cocoas and

soft cuddly puppies to hold.

l just  hope their acts come together

before they get old.

So Mammas don’t let your babies grow up

to be Snowflakes.

They’ll never leave home

but they’ll always be alone in their safe place.

They’ll moan and they’ll cry

and always wonder why

she didn’t win the race.

So Mammas don’t let your babies grow up

to be Snowflakes.

Do Not Grow Weary

Friends, in Revelation we read about the last days.  Satan will be unleased upon the Earth to wreak havoc and is desperately trying to destroy souls for he knows his days are numbered.  If we look at the shape of the world today,,could this be what is going on?  People rioting in the streets, killing others because their views are different, countries waging war on other countries, people living only for themselves.  What was once thought to be good and right is now evil and hated and what was once called evil is now looked upon as right.  Terrorists and thugs are raping, beheading, shooting and torturing people.  My fellow Christians, we must persevere and keep on fighting the good fight.  God is on the throne and will send His Son for His children soon.  Do not grow weary in fighting the good fight or as Paul said “run  the race that is set before us”.  We mist daily pray for our country and its leaders.  We must also pray for each other.

Get Off the Pity Pot

Unless you have living under a rock you have seen the riots in our city streets over the recent elections.  I have heard many people say that protest is good and is guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States.  I agree.  However, instead of peacefully protesting, these people (thugs) are destroying property, endangering lives and over all making nuisances of themselves.  A washed up singer recently said that America is the laughingstock of the rest of the world.  I won’t mention any names if that’s alright with you, Madonna.  Well, honey, what do you think you were when you offered to perform sex for a vote for Hillary.  We have been the joke of the rest of the world for the past 8 years under Obama.

When I see the “Snowflakes” crying and wringing their hands because they are “offended” by people that do not agree with them, it really offends me.  Oh, excuse me, I can’t be offended because I am not a liberal.  Let me see if I have this straight—I do want to be politically correct. HA!   Conservatives offend but can’t be offended while Liberals can’t offend but are offended.  OK.  Gotcha!

I went to college in the 70’s.  It might surprise the “enlightened” kids (yeah kids they are not acting like grown-ups) of today’s college campuses but we actuall6y learned from listening to the differing views and opinions of our classmates.  This was during the Viet Nam war era and classes were filled with a wide diversity of students—from the fresh out of high school students, older more mature students and *gasp* even veterans.  We did not run out of the room crying if someone voiced an opinion that differed from ours.  We discussed the opinions and each student was able to take a little bit of knowledge out of that room.  We did not curse or brow beat each other.  The college did not offer safe spaces, play doh or cute little puppies to salve our wounded egos and hurt feelings.  The only safety pins we wore were to hold a hem up or mend out clothes until there was time to mend the clothes the way they should be mended.

If you plan to prosper and flourish in this world, you need to realize LIFE IS NOT FAIR and the world does not revolve around you and your feelings.  You might be offended when the bank tells you to make your house payment or you will lose the house.  Your feeling might be hurt when your boss tells you to do something you do not want to do.  You will find that no one will provide a safe space for you when the real world hits you in the face and you have kids to feed and clothe and bills to pay and you can’t stretch that paycheck far enough.

So SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP, face life and GET OFF THE PITY POT.

My Run In With Farm Equipment

Had a little run in with farm equipment on the road yesterday. A blade from a huge disc hit my driver's side mirror and knocked it out.

No further damage and no injuries. A few more inches though and it would have taken me and my car out. Ain't God good?

The Church Of The Here And Now

Friends, this is fiction.  But it is something that could possibly happen in the near future.  We Christians need to wake up and stand up for God before it is too late.  I hope this piece will give you something to think about.

If my people who are  called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14.

I saw the building in the distance and decided to get a closer look.  The sign in the front yard had these words: Welcome to the Church of the Here and Now.

As I walked up the door, a man greeted me.   “I see you are interested in our church.  Let me give you a tour.”

Just inside the door was a table holding two large binders.  I did not see a Bible anywhere.  “These binders have taken the place of the Bible.  In the Church of the Here and Now we have found the Bible is Politically Incorrect.  The binders contain our lists of PC terms.  You see instead of sin we use the term mistake.  Instead of God we say Higher Power.  By doing this we do not offend anyone with differing beliefs.”

He then led me into the sanctuary.  “Here you see all the sections we have,” He proudly waved his arm around the room.  we walled up to a section.  “Here is where most of our white people sit  However, you will see a smaller section.  That is where white people who do not understand or believe in white privilege sit.  Next, we have a section reserved for our African-American members.  We find our friends of African descent very comfortable here.  We do not use words like slavery, shackles or anything like that for fear of offending them.  Our next section is for our neighbors who have crossed the border.  We do not call them illegal aliens—that is very offensive.  We called them our undocumented friends.”

The next section he led me to hard plastic bubbles built around the seats.  “I see you are wondering who sits here.” He said with a grin.  This is where our future leaders sit—our college students.  Here they are protected by the bubbles so nothing can hurt their feelings.  They each have their own ‘safe places’.  The last section was lit with rainbow lights.  When I asked about this section, he proudly replied, “This is for our LGBT members sit.  They requested their lights be in rainbow colors to show solidarity.”

“You will see each seat has special earbuds.  These filter out any offensive words that might slip in.  It also lets our members hear what will make them feel good.  Our pastor’s sermons are reviewed before Church by a special agency but sometimes words do slip in or fall through the cracks.”

By this time, I just needed to be alone and process all I had heard. “Uh-where are the bathrooms?” I asked.  “Oh,” he said with a broad smile. “right this way.”  He led me down a short hall and pointed to the bathrooms. “Naturally, they are all gender neutral.  After all we want to befriend not offend.”

When I awoke sweat was running down my face and tears were stinging my eyes.  I jumped from bed and knelt to pray.

“Father, this world has taken you out of our schools and out of the military.  Now you have been kicked out of church.  I pray that people's  eyes will be open before it too late.  You blessed great nation and now this country has rejected you.  God bless this country again.  but more importantly let your people wake up and stand for you like you stood for us at the cross.”  Amen

Proud To Be A Deplorable Redneck

With the election only a month away, I have studied the issues and prayed about my vote.  I then realized there is only one way that is right for me and my family.  As a Christian, I feel I have a responsibility to vote and let my voice be heard.

First, I would like to address the words Trump said on the leaked tape.  I do not condone his words about women nor think they are acceptable in any way.  As a mother and grandmother of girls, his words disgust me.  However, I cannot condone Bill Clinton’s actions against women or Hillary’s attempts to ruin these women’s lives.  She states she is an advocate for women and children but her actions decimate her words.  When she laughed about getting the child rapist out of jail, I could not imagine the horror the 12 year old girl and her family felt.

I admit I do not find the characters of our choices admirable.  Both candidates have said and done disgusting and appalling things in the course of their campaigns.  This election is not about characters but so much more—our way of life.  Sexism and racism are running rampant in our country today and the government is fueling the fire with groups like Black Lives Matter creating havoc around the country. Police have been ostracized and treated like the enemy from our president on down through the ranks of elected officials across the country.  I agree Black Lives do matter but so do Blue Lives and everyone’s lives.

Our media is not reporting the new.  It has taken it upon itself to monitor what we see and hear.  There is no such thing as true objective reporting anymore.  Our media lies to us, our president lies to us, and Hillary lies to us and then lies about her lies to cover them up.  Who can we trust for the news anymore?

Now I want to tell you why I am voting for Trump based on the issues we are facing today.

First, our Economic Stability is at risk.  Hillary has promised so many things that sound good-too good.  I have always heard that is something sounds too good to be true it usually is.  Sure Trump did not pay taxes but he used a legal loophole—the same loophole Hillary Clinton did.  Trump is a business man that knows how to run a business.  If a worker did not do a satisfactory job, he wasn’t paid.  Trump did not accumulate his wealth by selling favors to rich influential friends.  He worked and built real estate.

The second issue I would like to address is our National Security.  I, for one, do not want open borders.  That is not to say I do not want immigrants coming to my country.  Many have come here to make a better life for their families and have followed legal channels to become citizens.  They were able to assimilate into our culture and have managed to make a good life here.  I am talking about the illegals who have come here and committed crimes against our citizens.  Many have been deported once and sometimes more than once.  I am talking about Muslims that come over here and refuse to assimilate into our culture insisting America cater to their culture.  Our Constitution is our law of the land—not Sharia law.  I find it very offensive that schools have kicked God out but are teaching Islam.  Our country was founded and established on Judeo-Christian values and should remain Judeo-Christian.  Our Constitution affords citizens with the second amendment—the right to carry guns.  Hillary wants to take guns from citizens.  She says that will make us safer.  Friends, if we give up our guns do you think criminals will give up theirs?  No, they will always find ways to get them.  The only objective this will accomplish will be to leave us defenseless.  Criminals do not care about laws.  Simply put, that is why they are called CRIMINALS.  Trump wants to protect Americans.  He wants to do what is right for this country.

Third, I would like to talk about Pro-Life.  I believe that God is the creator of life and no one has the right to play God and decide that a child’s life is not important.  Murder is murder whether it is in the womb or not.  Hillary believes that a child does not have constitutional rights even minutes before it is born.  If she believes that, what is stopping her from declaring that senior citizens don’t have constitutional rights either.

Finally, I would like to discuss the Supreme Court.  Whoever is elected will appoint 5 justices.  These people will have influence ever after the president leaves office.  Hillary did not say she wanted a supreme court that would uphold the constitution. Rather, she said she wanted a supreme court that would further the liberal agenda on same sex marriage and abortion.  She has already said that “Christians will have to change their beliefs on these issues in order to follow the laws and policies.”  Is that who we want in the White House?  Not me.  I will not abandon my faith because the government tries to tell me that it interferes with the law.  My God is the ruler of my life and He will always be the ruler of my life.

Friends, I urge you to do your own research and vote your conscience.  I am not telling you who to vote for.  But do not let the liberal media influence your vote. Remember, all it takes for evil to spread is for good men to do nothing.  I urge you to do your part to stop this spread of evil.  As a Christian, don’t stay home on election.  We have a duty and must not neglect it.

All Lives Matter in the Eyes of God

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)

If you listen to the news or spend any time at all on social media you know about the riots and demonstrations that have happened in this country. The theme these riots center around is the mantra “Black Lives Matter.” I know I am taking an unpopular stand on this issue but the Bible clearly teaches us that All Lives Matter to Him. In Psalm 139 He tells us He knew us before we were born. He knows us this intimately because He made us. He did not say He made only one color, or gender and rest came along because of a major boom in the universe. No He said He created each every one of us in His image and He loves all of us.

Society tries to pit us against each other by telling us that all whites have something called “White Privilege.” What is this anyway? My God says we all have privilege to be alive and the privilege and opportunity to strive for a better life. I can hear some of you saying, “I don't have the opportunities to make a better life for myself. I was born into poverty and can't get out.” I say, “yes you do.” I was born into poverty and worked my way out of it. I did not say it would be easy. I said you can make your own opportunity. I have learned in my lifetime that anything worth having or doing requires hard work and sacrifice. If you have to work for something it becomes more valuable than something that was just handed to you.

When society shuns people because of skin color, gender, or sexual orientation the message is sent that “you are not as valuable or important as I am.” It is not our job to judge other people. That is God's job. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a God that loves us. He thinks we are all special. We are all unique but we do have one thing in common. God loves us all, and to Him all lives matter. He loves us before were were born and His love continues today. In Matthew 5:44 we are instructed to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He did not say this would be easy but it is necessary if we are His children to do if He lives in us. I remember a song I learned as a child, I dot know who wrote it but its message is relevant to us today: Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red and yellow; black and white,They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the children of the world. Who are the children? We are and to Him all lives matter because He loves us all.

Jesus died on the cross thousands of years ago for each and every one of our sins—not just for my sins or your sins but all.  When we place one group of people above another, we are saying His sacrifice meant nothing.  Friends that is wrong.  I will say it again and again as long as there is breath in this old body.  ALL LIVES MATTER IN THE EYES OF GOD