Answers to prayer

Do you want to see prayer in action? Look at the picture of Timmy on his hands and knees! Didn't get there by himself, but he's practicing with physical therapy, and God is so good to strengthen his little body. I imagine that after a session, he's about worn out, but it sure is good to see him up and about.

Feed a cold?

The cold that is making its rounds at our office and family knocked me down starting Friday. It takes its own sweet time going through its cycle - sore throat, runny nose, headache, dry cough, croupy cough. I'm in the cough stage, with a bit of the nose and headache hanging on.

If you talk to a type 1 diabetic, they'll tell you that a high blood sugar can signify an infection. And of course, when a person's blood sugar is up, they don't need to eat. I know that a cold is a virus, but viruses will also elevate the blood sugar. So that tells me that, no, you don't feed a cold or a fever - just wait until the stomach growls. That will give you a clear indication of when to eat.

And there is the simplified medical training for the day. Without a license, and no charge.

I think I feel a headache coming on. Time for a nap.

Where is Waldo (President Waldo, that is)?

After hearing much of the debate last night, I can understand why McCain didn't want to participate. But lest you think I'm an Obama fan, I can't for the life of me figure out why he wanted to show up.

I am very sad for this country. I didn't see or hear a presidential leader last night. For some people, the economy is the biggest issue. If you have a job and money in the bank, you should be grateful. I am grateful. But there is an undercurrent going on that is so much bigger than just the economic symptom.

If last night's debate swayed a voter one way or the other, shame on them! That means they really haven't taken the time to know what they themselves believe, and what the parties stand for.

In a nutshell: Republicans hold to less government intervention in an individual's life - that the federal government should be in charge of interstate commerce, national defense, and that government should be BY the people as locally as possible. In essence, your city and state are your primary governing entities, not the federal government. By contrast, Democrats believe that the government is the solution for an individual's ills - higher taxes, higher involvement in the daily lives of a citizen. The irony is that the only "choice" in the Democrat's platform is whether or not to kill a baby. Otherwise, they will manage your life from the cradle to the grave.

Sarah Palin is the closest we have to an energized presidential candidate, and she is only on the ticket for veep. The irony, of course, of my endorsement of Palin is that, although she stands for much of what I believe, her very immersion in public life demands that she spend less time with the family she is raising. As the old commercial used to say, "What's a mother to do?"

So, let the voter beware. Know what your party stands for and where it is ultimately leading... to personal responsibility or to socialism. Then read a real history book and see where that leads you.

Sarcastic Scripture

Have you ever wondered if there is sarcasm in Scripture? Wonder no more... this was my morning reading and I think that Amos (speaking God's words) had just about had enough of the women in his area!

AMOS 4:1-13 (NIV)

Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, "Bring us some drinks!"

The Sovereign LORD has sworn by his holiness: "The time will surely come when you will be taken away with hooks, the last of you with fishhooks.

You will each go straight out through breaks in the wall, and you will be cast out toward Harmon," declares the LORD.

"Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years.

Burn leavened bread as a thank offering and brag about your freewill offerings--boast about them, you Israelites, for this is what you love to do," declares the Sovereign LORD.

***********************
I think I got it.

split personality!

See that picture of me on the sidebar? That's me having more than one role. At least that's how I see it. But what happens when we really have the wrong idea of who we are and where we are headed? Check out this statistic!

~ Paradox A new Harris Poll finds that 18% of Americans believe things in the U.S. are going in the right direction, while 76% think things are pretty seriously off-track. Yet 76% say things in their personal lives are going in the right direction, while only 20% say their personal situation is seriously off-track. (Harris Poll Weekly 8/26/08)~

Somebody's got their head(s) on backwards!

Unproductive in the US

These are some very disturbing statistics for the family life of America. There are other more disturbing facts, such as the changing face of Christianity in the US, but for now, munch on these:

Childless The percentage of childless women in the U.S. who have reached the end of their child-bearing years has doubled from 10% to 20% in the last 30 years, reports the U.S. Census Bureau. The survey reports, “Women 40-44 will end their childbearing years with an average of 1.9 children each, a number below replacement-level fertility.” This compares to 3.1 in ’76. 36% of the women who gave birth in ’06 were separated, widowed, divorced or never married. 5% were living with a partner. Most women who go on to post-secondary education wait until age 30 to 34 to have children. 27% of women with undergraduate degrees and upwards are childless. Only the U.S. Hispanic and Black populations are replacing themselves with an average of 2.3 and 2.0 children born per woman, making them the only stabilizing force in the population. At this rate, experts say, whites will be the U.S. minority by 2042. (LifeSite News 8/19/08)

Sunday morning

Heading to church. Got the Bible. Going to see the grandchildren after church. Community Day following. Blue skies. Latte finished. Is there something else?

Perhaps I've neglected the Creator...Savior... no perhaps about it. Thank you, Lord, for a beautiful day full of treats from You.

In the Midst

A while back, Lara asked for songs that were particularly meaningful. This morning, as I was preparing for work, I heard the Casting Crowns song "Praise You in the Storm." This is for Marshall and Lara as they live each day loving each other, and loving and caring for Timmy. It is for Britany, as she lives with pain and the potential for surgery.

It's the old adage that God may not always calm the storm, but He will see you through it. Here are the lyrics...

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will life my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Lies I Believe

On Wednesday nights, our women's Bible study is reading and working through Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I am wondering just how deep the lies go in my life. Unfortunately, I'm aware of most of them, and choose to operate as if I weren't. Bad news.

Good news is I'm not alone, and I mean spiritually.

Crowded brain cells?

I think my brain needs to breathe a bit. Part of what causes "crowding of the brain" is the anxiety surrounding me. I can't stand ripping of relationship fabric. Even the potential makes my brain crawl. Threats. Perceived or real.

Breathe.

Here are the things that cover anxiety - humor, food, anger, withdrawal, more food...

Time for another course.

Antsy ... Angsty

Could be food
Could be mood
All I know
It isn't good

Far behind
Can't unwind
All I know
I'm in a bind

Sabbatical
Fanatical
Mechanical
Botanical

Take your pick

Thank you, Hallmark

Where would we be without the card industry? Would we have 50% of our calendar "holidays?" Take today, for example. Grandparents Day. When did that happen? Not being a grandparent, I mean the holiday. Another day to feel guilty that you didn't get a card or call or send a gift. Please, no more guilt!

I wish my grandma had a computer ...

Good Intentions

When are you helping the poor, and when are you actually hurting? Right now, on Moody Radio, Mark is talking about nine hot buttons of social issues. Is WalMart the bad guy? Is it the government's job to take care of people? Important questions, especially when determining what political party represents you (and a biblical worldview).

You heard it here, almost first

If Sarah Palin can run, why not I? Please vote for me in the November election. Click HERE for the news story.