I would love to go to a Southern black Baptist church... JUST for the music!!!!
There is nothing like the heart and soul of a black Baptist singer coming out in their music! I just love it! Nothing gets the waterworks going, my heart beating, and my Holy Spirit moving like listening to it! And it's more black females than black males that I really love to listen to. Something about the soul that comes out in a black woman singing praises to God.... as Tommy would say "MMM, MM, MMM" - I gotta get that on video to share! LOL
So here are two songs that bring me to those same feelings. You can just really FEEL her spirit in her song... it is SO moving. I love it. Praise God!
My Redeemer Lives and When I Call on Jesus, both sung by Nicole C Mullen
Lyrics to My Redeemer Lives
Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning? and Who told the ocean you can only come this far? and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening? Whosse words alone can catch a falling star?
Well I know my Redeemer lives I know my Redeemer lives: Let all creations testify Let this, life within me cry I know my Redeemer lives, yeah.
The very same God that spins things in orbit runs to the weary, the worn and the weak And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken They conquered death to bring me victory
Now I know my Redeemer lives I know my Redeemer lives Let all creations testify Let this life within we cry I know my Redeemer, He lives To take away my shame And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin Was the precious life He gave But now He's alive and There's an empty grave.
And I know my Redeemer lives I know my Redeemer lives Let all creations testify Let this life within me cry I know my Redeemer,
I know my Redeemer I know my Redeemer lives I know my Redeemer lives I know that I know that I know that I know that I know my redeemer lives Because He lives I can face tomorrow I Know I know He lives He lives yeah, yeah I spoke with him this morning He lives He lives, the tomb is empty
Lyrics to When I Call on Jesus
I'm so very ordinary, nothing special on my own.
Oh, I have never walked on water,
And I have never calmed a storm.
Sometimes I'm hiding away from the madness around me
Like a child who's afraid of the dark
Chorus:
But when I call on Jesus,
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles' and soar
When I call on Jesus,
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call
La la la la la, la la la la la
Verse 2:
Weary brother, broken daughter,
Widowed, Widowed lover you're not alone
If you're tired and scared of the madness around you
If you can't find the strength to carry on
Chorus:
When you call on Jesus,
All things are possible
You can mount on wings like eagles' and soar
When you call on Jesus,
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue you when you--
Bridge:
Call Him in the morning', in the afternoon time
Late in the evening' He'll be there
When your heart is broken,
And you feel discouraged,
You can just remember that He said
He'll be there
Chorus (2x):
When I call on Jesus,
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles' and soar
When I call on Jesus,
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me (back to top first time, 2nd time finish with "when I call")
La la la la la, la la la la la, la la la la la-a-a
Any day can be a good day if it has babies, baking, or Adam Sandler!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
How can I sleep?
I just got home from church.
I have to admit, I have always loved going to church. I really can not remember there being a time that I fought going to church. I'm sure my mother could think of a few episodes when I was a child where a temper tantrum may have caused me to reject the thought of going. But I doubt it was actually because I didn't want to go.
I grew up in a Pentecostal church, and from what I remember we went near every Sunday morning, and many Sunday nights, the occasional Saturday night, and even a random Wednesday night here or there. I remember leaving church Sunday afternoon and driving over the Ohio River to my grandmother's house for dinner. For the last, oh, 10ish years of her life she was unable to attend church because of her back problems, for she was unable to sit for more than a few minutes at a time. Then afterward sometimes we would go back to church, and sometimes we would go on home.
Even after we stopped going to church- I do not remember why or when- I lived life for several years, then started going back to church once I settled down. And I loved it. I love feeling moved. I love praising God and learning about His word.
I struggled for a long time when we moved out here. I visited several churches, even had regular attendance at a couple for many months. But I never felt fulfilled. You see, I get excited about God. So excited that I want to talk about Him all the time. That I want to be with Godly people all the time! That I want to sing about Him and His LOVE to everyone! I want to profess my love to Him to everyone I know. I want to testify about the miracles He has made happen in my life. And share my story of how He rescued me!
But too many times I feel... alone in my excitement.
Too many times I feel held back by other people.... I can't BE excited because other people in the church don't agree. I can't spread my message because other people don't want to hear.
I wish I could figure out some way to express my feelings about God without being shunned- but rather, to have others rejoicing along side me!!!
I tell ya, I'd go to church every night if they'd let me!! And not just because I'd stay out of trouble that way ;) hehe
Luckily, Pastor Ralph just started this every other Saturday night service... hopefully if more people start coming, maybe he'll make it every Saturday night!
And I really have felt so good about this church I'm now going to. That really was a huge hole in my life for many years. It's almost nothing like the churches I went to in Kentucky, but I've learned to be OK with that and appreciate the differences.
It's kind of funny too, this church is pretty similar to a couple of the other churches here in town that I attended for a little while, only I never felt the connection with God, the Pastor, or the congregation in those other churches like I do here. Which is why I never stayed at the other ones.
So, after attending service tonight, then having a potluck dinner with a small group of the congregation with some great fellowship.... I just can't sleep!!! I'm so full of joy and love and excitement, that I'm amped up and ready for more!!
And just think.. I get to get up and go back in the morning!!!!! HALLELUJAH!! I can't wait!
Here's an old song from one of my old churches in Kentucky that I wanted to share. As much as I enjoy the new contemporary tunes, I will always love the old hymns from there.
He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
When He says, 'Peace, be still!'
all the winds and the sea obey.
If there are storms in your soul
Jesus is in control
He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
to your soul.
I have to admit, I have always loved going to church. I really can not remember there being a time that I fought going to church. I'm sure my mother could think of a few episodes when I was a child where a temper tantrum may have caused me to reject the thought of going. But I doubt it was actually because I didn't want to go.
I grew up in a Pentecostal church, and from what I remember we went near every Sunday morning, and many Sunday nights, the occasional Saturday night, and even a random Wednesday night here or there. I remember leaving church Sunday afternoon and driving over the Ohio River to my grandmother's house for dinner. For the last, oh, 10ish years of her life she was unable to attend church because of her back problems, for she was unable to sit for more than a few minutes at a time. Then afterward sometimes we would go back to church, and sometimes we would go on home.
Even after we stopped going to church- I do not remember why or when- I lived life for several years, then started going back to church once I settled down. And I loved it. I love feeling moved. I love praising God and learning about His word.
I struggled for a long time when we moved out here. I visited several churches, even had regular attendance at a couple for many months. But I never felt fulfilled. You see, I get excited about God. So excited that I want to talk about Him all the time. That I want to be with Godly people all the time! That I want to sing about Him and His LOVE to everyone! I want to profess my love to Him to everyone I know. I want to testify about the miracles He has made happen in my life. And share my story of how He rescued me!
But too many times I feel... alone in my excitement.
Too many times I feel held back by other people.... I can't BE excited because other people in the church don't agree. I can't spread my message because other people don't want to hear.
I wish I could figure out some way to express my feelings about God without being shunned- but rather, to have others rejoicing along side me!!!
I tell ya, I'd go to church every night if they'd let me!! And not just because I'd stay out of trouble that way ;) hehe
Luckily, Pastor Ralph just started this every other Saturday night service... hopefully if more people start coming, maybe he'll make it every Saturday night!
And I really have felt so good about this church I'm now going to. That really was a huge hole in my life for many years. It's almost nothing like the churches I went to in Kentucky, but I've learned to be OK with that and appreciate the differences.
It's kind of funny too, this church is pretty similar to a couple of the other churches here in town that I attended for a little while, only I never felt the connection with God, the Pastor, or the congregation in those other churches like I do here. Which is why I never stayed at the other ones.
So, after attending service tonight, then having a potluck dinner with a small group of the congregation with some great fellowship.... I just can't sleep!!! I'm so full of joy and love and excitement, that I'm amped up and ready for more!!
And just think.. I get to get up and go back in the morning!!!!! HALLELUJAH!! I can't wait!
Here's an old song from one of my old churches in Kentucky that I wanted to share. As much as I enjoy the new contemporary tunes, I will always love the old hymns from there.
He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
When He says, 'Peace, be still!'
all the winds and the sea obey.
If there are storms in your soul
Jesus is in control
He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
to your soul.
Friday, January 27, 2012
JUST GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really don't like whining about my husband, because 99% of the time he is awesome, and we are awesome, and he rocks my socks.
HOWEVER
If there was ONE thing that I do wish I could change about him, it would be that he can NOT give me a straight answer.
Example:
We were driving home the other night and out of the blue I asked him, "is this vow renewal ceremony something that you want to do?"
To me, this is a question requiring only a "yes" or "no" answer. And in fact, maybe I was searching for some support and encouragement... maybe something like "Yes, honey, I really want to do this too!" Because thus far I've not felt a ton of either from him.
We've talked about doing this since we actually got married, since we couldn't afford our wedding and had to get a courthouse hitch. "One day we'll have our ceremony".
This April is our 5th anniversary, and our good friend who will be performing the ceremony is deploying to Afghanistan later in April, and from what we understand it's supposed to be a pretty dangerous mission. I mean, what missions aren't dangerous, really, but on a scale of 1 to 10 this is supposed to be a 10.
So a couple of weeks ago I just decided we should just do it. Stop procrastinating, stop making excuses and just do something for ourselves that we've wanted to do for years.
I told him that, and he just said "OK".
So I asked him the other day if it really was what he wanted, and instead of "yes" or "no" what does he say?
"Isn't it a little late to be asking me this?"
To which I replied, "It's never too late. I haven't even got the invitations out yet."
You'd think he'd take that answer and then go back to the initial question and answer it, right?
NO.
He didn't.
Why would he do something like that?
No, instead he says, "Well you're doing it aren't you? And don't you think that if I didn't you wouldn't be doing it?"
OK, so yeah, that's KIND OF saying yes, but I seriously just wanted a straight answer. And I really want to know what I asked him next-
"I just want to know if you're going along with me becuase you really want to, or just because you want to make me happy."
His response?
"Of course I want to make you happy."
Soooo.. does that mean you're only going along with me because you want to make me happy and you don't really want to do this? So I ask,
"So you're only doing this with me to make me happy?"
Now he starts getting grumpy at my questions. And he comes off with something like "I just don't understand all these questions."
So I changed the subject. And I'm left feeling really frustrated and heartbroken because not only did I not get the support I was kind of looking for, I also didn't get any real answer at all.
HOWEVER
If there was ONE thing that I do wish I could change about him, it would be that he can NOT give me a straight answer.
Example:
We were driving home the other night and out of the blue I asked him, "is this vow renewal ceremony something that you want to do?"
To me, this is a question requiring only a "yes" or "no" answer. And in fact, maybe I was searching for some support and encouragement... maybe something like "Yes, honey, I really want to do this too!" Because thus far I've not felt a ton of either from him.
We've talked about doing this since we actually got married, since we couldn't afford our wedding and had to get a courthouse hitch. "One day we'll have our ceremony".
This April is our 5th anniversary, and our good friend who will be performing the ceremony is deploying to Afghanistan later in April, and from what we understand it's supposed to be a pretty dangerous mission. I mean, what missions aren't dangerous, really, but on a scale of 1 to 10 this is supposed to be a 10.
So a couple of weeks ago I just decided we should just do it. Stop procrastinating, stop making excuses and just do something for ourselves that we've wanted to do for years.
I told him that, and he just said "OK".
So I asked him the other day if it really was what he wanted, and instead of "yes" or "no" what does he say?
"Isn't it a little late to be asking me this?"
To which I replied, "It's never too late. I haven't even got the invitations out yet."
You'd think he'd take that answer and then go back to the initial question and answer it, right?
NO.
He didn't.
Why would he do something like that?
No, instead he says, "Well you're doing it aren't you? And don't you think that if I didn't you wouldn't be doing it?"
OK, so yeah, that's KIND OF saying yes, but I seriously just wanted a straight answer. And I really want to know what I asked him next-
"I just want to know if you're going along with me becuase you really want to, or just because you want to make me happy."
His response?
"Of course I want to make you happy."
Soooo.. does that mean you're only going along with me because you want to make me happy and you don't really want to do this? So I ask,
"So you're only doing this with me to make me happy?"
Now he starts getting grumpy at my questions. And he comes off with something like "I just don't understand all these questions."
So I changed the subject. And I'm left feeling really frustrated and heartbroken because not only did I not get the support I was kind of looking for, I also didn't get any real answer at all.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Boy, you've got your hands full!
And other witty comments....
It never fails. We go grocery shopping, out to eat, out to play, and I hear the inevitable, "Boy, you've got your hands full!" line at least 5 times. Or other well-meaning comments, including "Are they all yours?" and "Bet you're always busy!"
But the 'hands full' comment seems to be the most common.
And I understand that they are, in fact, not ill-willed comments. They're not bashing me for having so many children. (I have 5) But rather, they're just not sure how to comment on their bewilderment of so many younguns in one family. Especially considering mine are all 2 years apart from the next one.
And every time someone makes this particular comment, it doesn't escape their mouth as a statement- rather a question! As in, "Boy, you've got your hands full........ (right)?" The "right" is always implied, never said. Like they're wanting me to agree with them. Like they're waiting to see if I'm going to break down right there and cry exclaiming my failure and incapability as a mother, and beg them to just take one or two off my hands.
Or maybe they want to hear my "day in the life of me" story about how crazy and strenuous it was just to get these children out of bed, into the vehicle, out of the vehicle, and into the store.
Maybe they think I'm one of these awesomely sarcastic moms who will tell them a witty joke about the hilarity of motherhood. Dude, I WISH!
As silly as that sounds, it's even sillier to ME to hear that comment/question. What exactly are you expecting as a response? I have no idea. I never really know what to say. Sometimes I smile and just say "yes" just to make them feel like they're right, they know how I feel and what my day must be like dealing with ALLLL of these children.
Other times I say something like "God gave me big hands" or "My heart is even fuller" so I can leave them with that June Cleaver mushy feeling in their heart, and a tear in their eye.
Sometimes I WANT to say "I am so tired of hearing that exact same sentiment multiple times, every time I bring my children into public. SHUT UP!"
But I don't.
I don't want my kids to see me bite some stranger's head off, when said stranger has given the impression that they are being nice...
Maybe I should just wear a shirt that says "Why yes, I DO have my hands full!"
No, that wouldn't work... the Ergo or Moby would cover it up....
A sign maybe?
No, that wouldn't work either.... unless I got one of the older ones to carry it. Cause I sure couldn't juggle a sign along with the diaper bag, purse, cart, and list.
Ah, well. One day I'll figure out either how these people want me to answer them, or I'll figure out how to fend off the question before it escapes their lips. Course the latter would probably be after they've all grown up and I finally... FINALLY get to go to the store ALONE. What a glorious and sad day that will be indeed.
It never fails. We go grocery shopping, out to eat, out to play, and I hear the inevitable, "Boy, you've got your hands full!" line at least 5 times. Or other well-meaning comments, including "Are they all yours?" and "Bet you're always busy!"
But the 'hands full' comment seems to be the most common.
And I understand that they are, in fact, not ill-willed comments. They're not bashing me for having so many children. (I have 5) But rather, they're just not sure how to comment on their bewilderment of so many younguns in one family. Especially considering mine are all 2 years apart from the next one.
And every time someone makes this particular comment, it doesn't escape their mouth as a statement- rather a question! As in, "Boy, you've got your hands full........ (right)?" The "right" is always implied, never said. Like they're wanting me to agree with them. Like they're waiting to see if I'm going to break down right there and cry exclaiming my failure and incapability as a mother, and beg them to just take one or two off my hands.
Or maybe they want to hear my "day in the life of me" story about how crazy and strenuous it was just to get these children out of bed, into the vehicle, out of the vehicle, and into the store.
Maybe they think I'm one of these awesomely sarcastic moms who will tell them a witty joke about the hilarity of motherhood. Dude, I WISH!
As silly as that sounds, it's even sillier to ME to hear that comment/question. What exactly are you expecting as a response? I have no idea. I never really know what to say. Sometimes I smile and just say "yes" just to make them feel like they're right, they know how I feel and what my day must be like dealing with ALLLL of these children.
Other times I say something like "God gave me big hands" or "My heart is even fuller" so I can leave them with that June Cleaver mushy feeling in their heart, and a tear in their eye.
Sometimes I WANT to say "I am so tired of hearing that exact same sentiment multiple times, every time I bring my children into public. SHUT UP!"
But I don't.
I don't want my kids to see me bite some stranger's head off, when said stranger has given the impression that they are being nice...
Maybe I should just wear a shirt that says "Why yes, I DO have my hands full!"
No, that wouldn't work... the Ergo or Moby would cover it up....
A sign maybe?
No, that wouldn't work either.... unless I got one of the older ones to carry it. Cause I sure couldn't juggle a sign along with the diaper bag, purse, cart, and list.
Ah, well. One day I'll figure out either how these people want me to answer them, or I'll figure out how to fend off the question before it escapes their lips. Course the latter would probably be after they've all grown up and I finally... FINALLY get to go to the store ALONE. What a glorious and sad day that will be indeed.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
To have a gift is a wonderful thing, your spirit will lift and your heart will sing
I just want to know what it's for.
That's part of a song from a Veggie Tale's movie- "Lord of the Beans", a play off "Lord of the Rings".
I love the LTR trilogy, but this little spoof is wonderful as well! Who am I kidding? I love all things Veggie Tales!
Anyway, the point of the movie is Toto Baggypants is given a gift of a magical bean that can grant any wish. And throughout the movie he is trying to find out what his gift is for, so he can use it wisely. All the while the Dark Lord Scaryman is trying to steal it from him, with his evil minions- the Sporks!
The movie is adorable, hilarious, and thought provoking.
Pair it with my Pastor's message about using our gifts the way God wants us to, and you come to this post...
Something I've been thinking about for a very long time.
I know I have a few talents. A few skills. A few hobbies.
But how could any of those be used to glorify God?
I just don't know.
I don't feel like I'm the kind of person that will be sending dresses to Africa. I'm more of a community helper than a missionary. I suppose if God REALLY wants me to do this, then I would, but it's just not my style.
I can't see how sewing something for a family in need is going to be helpful. I can't afford to build a cloth diaper stash for a needy family, especially when there's no guarantee they'll even use them.
I don't want to better my crocheting skills to make hats for infants- not because I have anything against it, I just don't really enjoy crocheting... or knitting for that matter.
I have other skills besides crafting, but again, I'm just not sure how I'm supposed to use them FOR God.
Kinda makes me feel lost.
That's part of a song from a Veggie Tale's movie- "Lord of the Beans", a play off "Lord of the Rings".
I love the LTR trilogy, but this little spoof is wonderful as well! Who am I kidding? I love all things Veggie Tales!
Anyway, the point of the movie is Toto Baggypants is given a gift of a magical bean that can grant any wish. And throughout the movie he is trying to find out what his gift is for, so he can use it wisely. All the while the Dark Lord Scaryman is trying to steal it from him, with his evil minions- the Sporks!
The movie is adorable, hilarious, and thought provoking.
Pair it with my Pastor's message about using our gifts the way God wants us to, and you come to this post...
Something I've been thinking about for a very long time.
What is my gift that God wants me to use for others?
I know I have a few talents. A few skills. A few hobbies.
But how could any of those be used to glorify God?
I just don't know.
I don't feel like I'm the kind of person that will be sending dresses to Africa. I'm more of a community helper than a missionary. I suppose if God REALLY wants me to do this, then I would, but it's just not my style.
I can't see how sewing something for a family in need is going to be helpful. I can't afford to build a cloth diaper stash for a needy family, especially when there's no guarantee they'll even use them.
I don't want to better my crocheting skills to make hats for infants- not because I have anything against it, I just don't really enjoy crocheting... or knitting for that matter.
I have other skills besides crafting, but again, I'm just not sure how I'm supposed to use them FOR God.
Kinda makes me feel lost.
Monday, January 23, 2012
I hate my vacuum
We have 2 dogs. 2 Saint Bernards.
Apollo, who you know:
and Lucy, our new addition:
I was vacuuming about once a day with just Apollo, sometimes I could get away with 2, but you definitely noticed it! And since we've adopted Lucy, once, sometimes twice a day, I am vacuuming.
Which I really don't mind! 7 loves the vacuum! I mean, I was vacuuming almost daily while she was in utero, and even 20 minutes before she was born, during contractions, I was vacuuming. So it's a noise she is used to, and actually will fall asleep to. And it's not a chore I mind at all. I actually enjoy it to be honest. Compared to all the rest of my chores, vacuuming is definitely the main one I'll do without a grimace.
But I hate my vacuum.
It's not even 2 years old and I hate it. Its job performance is mediocre at best. If I didn't have a dog, it might work great. But I do. And it doesn't.
It's pretty bad when I run my carpet cleaner and it pulls up as much dog hair as the vacuum does.... and leaves it in nice little clumps all over the place, that I have to go back over with the vacuum, or pick up by hand.
Sometimes I fantasize about ripping it all up and going down to wood... but I've had wood floors before, and in Montana, it just doesn't work for ME. I can't handle the ice cold floors. No matter how pretty they are. And I can't handle my toddling crawlers, learning how to move around and pulling themselves up, falling over and clunking their heads on solid wood. No matter how allergen free they are.
So, I guess until I either get a much better vacuum, or a hardwood floor heater, I'm just going to have to hate the yellow beast.
Apollo, who you know:
and Lucy, our new addition:
I was vacuuming about once a day with just Apollo, sometimes I could get away with 2, but you definitely noticed it! And since we've adopted Lucy, once, sometimes twice a day, I am vacuuming.
Which I really don't mind! 7 loves the vacuum! I mean, I was vacuuming almost daily while she was in utero, and even 20 minutes before she was born, during contractions, I was vacuuming. So it's a noise she is used to, and actually will fall asleep to. And it's not a chore I mind at all. I actually enjoy it to be honest. Compared to all the rest of my chores, vacuuming is definitely the main one I'll do without a grimace.
But I hate my vacuum.
It's not even 2 years old and I hate it. Its job performance is mediocre at best. If I didn't have a dog, it might work great. But I do. And it doesn't.
It's pretty bad when I run my carpet cleaner and it pulls up as much dog hair as the vacuum does.... and leaves it in nice little clumps all over the place, that I have to go back over with the vacuum, or pick up by hand.
Sometimes I fantasize about ripping it all up and going down to wood... but I've had wood floors before, and in Montana, it just doesn't work for ME. I can't handle the ice cold floors. No matter how pretty they are. And I can't handle my toddling crawlers, learning how to move around and pulling themselves up, falling over and clunking their heads on solid wood. No matter how allergen free they are.
So, I guess until I either get a much better vacuum, or a hardwood floor heater, I'm just going to have to hate the yellow beast.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Why do I care?
I remember being told not long ago, "I'm trying to figure out why you care."
The comment came at me based on a discussion about my feelings on formula being made 'by prescription only'. Now- this post isn't about that specific subject, so don't fret. I'm not going to talk about that really at all. But rather, the 'why' I care.
And I answer that now with a return question-
Why does anyone care about anything not directly affecting or concerning them?
Why should American's care about disasters in other countries? It doesn't affect us.
Why should breastfeeding mothers nationwide care about the one woman at Target who was asked to leave because she was nursing in public? It didn't affect them!
Why should inactivists care who chooses to circumcise their son? It's not their child, it's not their penis.
Why should pro-lifers care about the baby that is aborted? It's not their baby, it's not their body.
Why do Christians care whether or not other people are saved? They're going to heaven, so who cares if anyone else does?
Why should I care what another mother feeds her baby? It's not my baby.
And what steps are we taking to make things we care about go 'our way'?
Sending people to other countries to help them rebuild, and asking congress to send money to aid as well.
Having nurse-ins at Targets nationwide to raise awareness that nursing in public is OK, and asking lawmakers to pass laws protecting breastfeeding mothers.
Spreading information about the dangers of circumcision, and asking insurance companies to stop covering the procedure.
Protesting abortion clinics, and asking lawmakers to make it an illegal procedure as well as congress to no longer provide funding to the clinics.
Sharing the word, testifying about the miracles we've seen or had happen in our lives, and asking God to save their souls.
Petitioning lawmakers to make formula 'by prescription only', and forcing doctors to inform parents about the dangers of their choice.
So why is my thing I care about any less important than these other things other people care about?
Surely there is something that YOU care about, even if it doesn't directly affect you, that makes you stand against the wind and protest!
But why?
Why do YOU care? Why do I care?
It's because we see an injustice being done. We see uneducated choices being made. We see something that feels or looks wrong to us, and we want to help make it right.
So to answer the above questions more specifically-
Why should American's care about disasters in other countries? It doesn't affect us.
-Because we see the pain and horror of the destruction and death and we feel sympathy.
Why should breastfeeding mothers nationwide care about the one woman at Target who was asked to leave because she was nursing in public? It didn't affect them!
-Because it is an injustice that she was harassed, and Target needs to train their employees to keep their mouths shut.
Why should inactivists care who chooses to circumcise their son? It's not their child, it's not their penis.
-Because it is that baby's body, not yours, and HIS choice to decide whether or not to perform life altering, cosmetic surgery on him- NOT YOURS.
Why should pro-lifers care about the baby that is aborted? It's not their baby, it's not their body.
-Because it is that baby's life, not yours to choose whether it lives or dies. If you didn't want to get pregnant, you should not have had sex.
Why do Christians care whether or not other people are saved? They're going to heaven, so who cares if anyone else does?
-Because we care about all people, just as Jesus did. And we want all people to be saved and go to Heaven, and reap the benefits of life after death.
Why should I care what another mother feeds her baby? It's not my baby.
-Because formula companies are only in it for the money, not for the love of feeding a child. So they make mistakes. They put crap in their product that is unhealthy for babies- even dangerous. And so many moms simply have no idea. They don't realize what they are putting in their children, and, according to doctors it's perfectly safe- sometimes even better, because they can measure it.
No matter the topic, I think everyone should care about something enough to fight for it.
And NOT be told they are 'wasting their precious time'. If it's time spent doing something I feel is important, why is it a waste?
God fitted us with compassion and mercy. And I believe He wants us to use those tools to help others.
And I think I, for one, am going to continue attempting to educate people on these things. And I am going to continue petitioning our lawmakers to make changes.
And you should too.
The comment came at me based on a discussion about my feelings on formula being made 'by prescription only'. Now- this post isn't about that specific subject, so don't fret. I'm not going to talk about that really at all. But rather, the 'why' I care.
And I answer that now with a return question-
Why does anyone care about anything not directly affecting or concerning them?
Why should American's care about disasters in other countries? It doesn't affect us.
Why should breastfeeding mothers nationwide care about the one woman at Target who was asked to leave because she was nursing in public? It didn't affect them!
Why should inactivists care who chooses to circumcise their son? It's not their child, it's not their penis.
Why should pro-lifers care about the baby that is aborted? It's not their baby, it's not their body.
Why do Christians care whether or not other people are saved? They're going to heaven, so who cares if anyone else does?
Why should I care what another mother feeds her baby? It's not my baby.
And what steps are we taking to make things we care about go 'our way'?
Sending people to other countries to help them rebuild, and asking congress to send money to aid as well.
Having nurse-ins at Targets nationwide to raise awareness that nursing in public is OK, and asking lawmakers to pass laws protecting breastfeeding mothers.
Spreading information about the dangers of circumcision, and asking insurance companies to stop covering the procedure.
Protesting abortion clinics, and asking lawmakers to make it an illegal procedure as well as congress to no longer provide funding to the clinics.
Sharing the word, testifying about the miracles we've seen or had happen in our lives, and asking God to save their souls.
Petitioning lawmakers to make formula 'by prescription only', and forcing doctors to inform parents about the dangers of their choice.
So why is my thing I care about any less important than these other things other people care about?
Surely there is something that YOU care about, even if it doesn't directly affect you, that makes you stand against the wind and protest!
But why?
Why do YOU care? Why do I care?
It's because we see an injustice being done. We see uneducated choices being made. We see something that feels or looks wrong to us, and we want to help make it right.
So to answer the above questions more specifically-
Why should American's care about disasters in other countries? It doesn't affect us.
-Because we see the pain and horror of the destruction and death and we feel sympathy.
Why should breastfeeding mothers nationwide care about the one woman at Target who was asked to leave because she was nursing in public? It didn't affect them!
-Because it is an injustice that she was harassed, and Target needs to train their employees to keep their mouths shut.
Why should inactivists care who chooses to circumcise their son? It's not their child, it's not their penis.
-Because it is that baby's body, not yours, and HIS choice to decide whether or not to perform life altering, cosmetic surgery on him- NOT YOURS.
Why should pro-lifers care about the baby that is aborted? It's not their baby, it's not their body.
-Because it is that baby's life, not yours to choose whether it lives or dies. If you didn't want to get pregnant, you should not have had sex.
Why do Christians care whether or not other people are saved? They're going to heaven, so who cares if anyone else does?
-Because we care about all people, just as Jesus did. And we want all people to be saved and go to Heaven, and reap the benefits of life after death.
Why should I care what another mother feeds her baby? It's not my baby.
-Because formula companies are only in it for the money, not for the love of feeding a child. So they make mistakes. They put crap in their product that is unhealthy for babies- even dangerous. And so many moms simply have no idea. They don't realize what they are putting in their children, and, according to doctors it's perfectly safe- sometimes even better, because they can measure it.
No matter the topic, I think everyone should care about something enough to fight for it.
And NOT be told they are 'wasting their precious time'. If it's time spent doing something I feel is important, why is it a waste?
God fitted us with compassion and mercy. And I believe He wants us to use those tools to help others.
And I think I, for one, am going to continue attempting to educate people on these things. And I am going to continue petitioning our lawmakers to make changes.
And you should too.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Post 100!
And it's MLK Day!
I, for one, am very proud to be living in a free, unsegregated country.
There's a lot of things to complain about in this country. There's a lot of crap the government does that makes me mad.
But thanks to our forefathers, and our soldiers, I have the freedom to say so! I can say "Obamacare is bullcrap" and not fear going to prison or death- or even persecution from the government!
And because of this free land, Martin Luther King Jr. was also able to speak out and gain the freedom all AMERICANS deserve- whether they are black, brown, white, red, or yellow.
I thank him for not stopping his fight. I thank him for not backing down when ignorant people tried to stop him. I thank him that I can raise my children in a country that they know all people are created equal in the eyes of the Lord, and they can see that for themselves because they are unsegregated.
It actually makes me sad when I see African Americans segregating themselves. It used to happen a lot in school. I grew up in Kentucky, where there was a much larger percentage of black people than here in Montana. I would get on the bus, or go to the lunch room, and all of the black people were clustered together at the back of the bus, or in one corner of the lunch room. I have sometimes thought to myself- all of the hard work and struggle and torture people like Rosa Parks endured to NOT have to sit in the back of the bus... all for nothing.
I understand 'cliques' and wanting to be with people you have things in common with, but I guess it just made me sad that it felt like they didn't want to be blended with the white population.
Fortunately, at least we all share the same water fountains, bathrooms, schools, and parks. And my children don't have to worry about the problems they could face for having colored friends. They have the benefit of learning that people are just.... people.
And God loves all of us.
I, for one, am very proud to be living in a free, unsegregated country.
There's a lot of things to complain about in this country. There's a lot of crap the government does that makes me mad.
But thanks to our forefathers, and our soldiers, I have the freedom to say so! I can say "Obamacare is bullcrap" and not fear going to prison or death- or even persecution from the government!
And because of this free land, Martin Luther King Jr. was also able to speak out and gain the freedom all AMERICANS deserve- whether they are black, brown, white, red, or yellow.
I thank him for not stopping his fight. I thank him for not backing down when ignorant people tried to stop him. I thank him that I can raise my children in a country that they know all people are created equal in the eyes of the Lord, and they can see that for themselves because they are unsegregated.
It actually makes me sad when I see African Americans segregating themselves. It used to happen a lot in school. I grew up in Kentucky, where there was a much larger percentage of black people than here in Montana. I would get on the bus, or go to the lunch room, and all of the black people were clustered together at the back of the bus, or in one corner of the lunch room. I have sometimes thought to myself- all of the hard work and struggle and torture people like Rosa Parks endured to NOT have to sit in the back of the bus... all for nothing.
I understand 'cliques' and wanting to be with people you have things in common with, but I guess it just made me sad that it felt like they didn't want to be blended with the white population.
Fortunately, at least we all share the same water fountains, bathrooms, schools, and parks. And my children don't have to worry about the problems they could face for having colored friends. They have the benefit of learning that people are just.... people.
And God loves all of us.
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