Who I Am

THE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )

I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)

I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)

I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)

I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)

I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)

I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)

I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)

I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)

I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16).

I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3)

I have been justified (Romans 5:1)

I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1).

I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)

I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14).

I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)

I belong to God

Do you know who you are?

Opening old wounds...

Technology is amazing! People from the past just suddenly reappear thanks to the invention of cyberspace! Recently, I just reconnected with a childhood friend on Facebook. Although it was so awesome to reminisce, it was also painful. This friend's mother was one of my mother's dearest friends and so we grew up together. Being three years older and a dorky kid, I always felt like an ugly duckling besides this beautiful, blue-eyed blond. Years later, two more sisters arrived and mimicked the older one's good looks. My mother and I always thought the blond-haired mom and her three mini-me's reminded us of a mama duck with her three ucklings...each one cuter than the next...following their mama home. Then tragedy struck...the mama duck was murdered and the three ducklings went to live with other relatives. To this day, that funeral was the most horrific and devastating one I'd ever been to...and my own father is deceased. I will never forget it.

As the story goes, my mother lost touch and we always wondered about the beautiful ducklings. Thanks to Facebook, I found the oldest duckling and made a connection. We have since spoken to each other 3 times! I am so happy to hear how the beautiful girls have found their way, their passion and their lives in California. Opening up old wounds this week has also led to some profound discoveries. Closure was needed to end this tragedy, but it desperately needed a happy one. I so despise sad endings! Thankfully, this story has both, and my old wounds are healing. The mama duckling is smiling from heaven, beckoning me with her spirit..."Love my girls", she whispers. "I will. I will." I answer. The End.

I Still Believe

Today is November 5, 2008, and Obama will be America's new president in the coming year. I'm not necessarily shocked but deeply sad; America has clearly lost her way. Some friends and relatives I know cried; some were angry; some feel numb. I feel oddly at peace; perhaps the Holy Spirit's supernatural presence is preparing me for our next challenge. However, I am glad it's over. As I watched McCain's concession speech last night, I was so proud of the man he has proven himself to be. Initially, I wasn't a McCain fan, but in these last few months, I've grown to love the patriot and the leader that has served our country so unselfishly. His passion for the United States is genuine, and I think America missed a great opportunity to have a leader who would not only protect us but govern with integrity. And Sarah...wow; she gave me real hope. She took such a beating, and yet, never allowed the media hype to change who she was. I know the Lord's blessings and grace are covering her. I'm positive we haven't seen the last of "Esther for this time". All that being said, the Christians have a lot of work ahead of them, and I think our spiritual warfare has just begun.

Forgetting the spiritual ramifications for a minute...America has voted for a man who won't put his hand over his heart to salute the flag or sing the "Star Spangled Banner" because it denotes violence and the American Flag means oppression to some people. Huh? This is our new Commander in Chief? Wow, how sad for all the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Thankfully, Michelle Obama can now be proud of her country twice in her lifetime. Perhaps some can be happy that America chose "real change" over an American Hero, but I just can't. Is it just me or do you feel the media and Hollywood are subtly brainwashing the citizens of America? When the leftest media propaganda called Obama their "Messiah", God granted their wish....I keep hearing this phrase in my mind..."You asked for a Messiah...here he is. Good luck." Oh, have mercy, dear Lord. My boys will grow to be men someday. However, when my 8 year-old son kept asking me who would win, I always responded, "Whomever America deserves, honey." Since Obama won by a landslide, I think America got exactly what she deserved. Good luck, America; you are going to need it.

Fortunately, my world won't change much...not yet anyway. God's promises assures me that those who love Him will indeed be covered with his mercy, grace and strength. However, I am fully prepared to fight for and stand on the Truth that gives me hope.

I still believe in the perfect will of God. I still believe in the Lord's Sovereignty. I still believe that Jesus in the ONLY Messiah. I still believe in the Constitution of the United States. I still believe that only God can truly examine the motives of men's hearts and eventually, justice will prevail...in His time.

On a side note: My flesh wants to say that we should give Obama as much respect as the democrats gave George W. Bush, but my spirit says to pray for him. I suspect he will need it.

The Big One

Something very strange has happened to me....I just turned 40. Gulp. I've moved into a new "age bracket" and have officially become an adult. Soon mammograms and colonoscopies will be on my "to do" list. How did this happen? Just yesterday I was a young woman in her 20's with plenty of time to worry about growing up. Even though I knew the inevitable milestone was just around the corner, I somehow managed to delude myself into believing that it couldn't happen to me. Two weeks later, as I ponder over 4 decades of living, I realize I'm still a girl on the inside. I keep trying to convince my metabolism and the wrinkles under my eyes of this, but so far they are acting like a 40-year-old.

Fortunately, I have grown wiser, stronger in spirit, more passionate and definitely more confident in who I am. This, I'm convinced, is the only good thing about aging...but like good cheese and wine, somethings only get better with age...or so I'm told.

Here are some things I've learned along my journey:

1. Living for today, while forgetting yesterday and worrying about tomorrow. God is the God of this moment and His plans for me are for now.
2. Be grateful for EVERYTHING.
3. Stay humble.
4. Love never fails. True love is loving someone more than yourself.
5. Accept people for who they are while realizing that we all struggle with some inner challenges.
6. Contentment and happiness are a choice because, after all, perception is reality.
7. Children are such a miracle and should be treated as such.
8. Guard and protect your heart, eyes and ears. Be careful that what is being fed to you will produce good fruit.
9. A good marriage is a blessing and should be handled with loving care.
10. Prayer works! God always answers: yes, no or wait. Be content with His decision.

So...I have grown up after all! I am blessed; I am grateful; I am loved...what more could I ask for?

I'm In Love With Fall

My favorite season has blessed us with her presence....Fall! After many long hot days of sweltering heat, the cool, brisk air has finally settled on our land. I love being outdoors this time of year where I can actually fill my lungs with crisp, cool, fresh air. The month of October, to me, symbolizes the beginning of subtle changes: Change in the weather/climate, change in the wardrobe, change in my age (it's my birthday month) and change of my frame of mind. I feel more upbeat; more energized; more content.

The Northerners living here complain of lack of seasons, but I like the subtle differences Fall gives Texas. One morning I wake up with the covers under my chin and a couple of little boys snuggled against me because they woke up cold. "Oh," I think to myself, "It's time to pull out the jackets." The sun is still brilliantly shining but the crispness in the air is subtle...I can still wear my Capri pants and sandals but perhaps tug on a long sleeved shirt and carry a light jacket, just in case. This is the perfect weather for me.

So here's a toast to Texas Fall! I love you...I'm grateful for your presence and a little sad when you leave...but I will enjoy you immensely while you are here!

Andrew - My Funny Guy!

This blog has become a diary of sorts of my thoughts; my days; my life; my story. I want to remember my boys' precious childhood even though I sometimes find myself wishing they would grow up! As I reminisce through their baby photos, I find myself wanting to squeeze and kiss those fat little cheeks and thighs...and I know that someday, I'll remember these days fondly too.

Andrew has always been our comedian. Since elementary school has officially started for him, he is always doing things to give us a laugh. For instance, trying to buy his lunch in the school cafeteria when I already packed him one. The problem was, he didn't have any money nor did he have any in his account. When I picked him up from school he very adamantly said, "Mom, why do I not have any money in my account? The cafeteria lady let me buy my lunch on a loan!" My response was to roll my eyes and try to jog his memory on the mornings' Q & A session of items he would take in his lunchbox. "Oh, I forgot." his added nonchalantly. The problem is, he has since done this twice! The cafeteria ladies probably think his poor parents can't afford to buy his lunch.

Another recent incident happened on the playground during recess. Apparently he and three other boys got into a confrontation. When I questioned him about what happened he said, "I tried to do all the right things, Mommy. I told them to stop. I tried to walk away, but then one of them hit my back and my temper lost." Needless-to-say, I don't think we will have to worry about Andrew being bullied. Hmmm....I wonder where he gets that from?

As a volunteer in his classroom on Tuesdays, during reading and tub time, I get a glimpse of what his day is like. His teacher announced one morning that since everyone has been in school for 5 weeks, she is expecting them to remember to turn in their red folder and blue book bag daily in the appropriate bins. She then proceeded to announce which children were not doing this. Andrew was one of them. They all had to turn in a "snap cube" as their punishment. The other children took this news well; Andrew did not. He immediately started crying, and while he pointed at me from across the room, he yelled, "It's all your fault!" Everyone looked at me while Andrew continued to carry on like a victim of the most heinous crime. I quietly knelt down in front of him and began to whisper how I'm not responsible for his duties at school. His punishment for me was the silent treatment, for which I was secretly thankful. At least he was being quiet.

Even though at times my little guy can sometimes be clueless and immature, he has a way of doing things that just make us laugh. Alex says he just knows Andrew will have his own comedy show someday...I mean, after all, how many boys on career day decide to dress up as Peter Pan? Only one...and that's my Andrew! I love you silly goose; you are one of a kind!

A Bitter Taste

This election year has had me up in arms. With the arrival of Sarah Palin, as well as her unfair and hateful treatment by the media, I feel I'm on a battle field. Not to mention the fact that I'm having construction done in my house, and with all the dust and debris, I'm physically getting ill. I have had a headache everyday for a week, I'm coughing, and I have no bed to sleep in. The combination has left me feeling very drained and tired.

Tonight is another presidential debate, and although I will watch it, there are some things I won't be doing. I've decided certain blogs, websites and television viewing are over for me. I just can't take the vileness in which they express their opinions. It leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth and a hatred in my heart. This is certainly not what a servant of Jesus is supposed to feel or even think. There is a reason why the bible tells us over and over again to guard our hearts. It's not because we are supposed to keep ourselves uninformed, but to keep ourselves from developing a sense of cynicism that only comes from being too worldly. Jesus says you can't love the world and love me too. I choose Him.

Goodbye and good riddance. Prayers and blessings. Have a wonderful life.

If You Call My Name

The Lord is good! Sarah did great in the debates and held her own. She's got on her spiritual armor, and even though the liberal media and dysfunctional Hollywood elite keep trying to attack her, those arrows are bouncing right off. So bring it on world...the battle has just begun.

Today was such an awesome day! Worship at church today was so filled with the Holy Spirit that I left there with such gladness and peace; with such a humble spirit before the Lord. Even at a child's birthday party today, I had a conversation with a father so passionate for the Lord and our country. Lately, I am meeting more and more people with such a passion to speak out for Christ and to save our country. We talked about how we need more Christians to boldly and earnestly stand on the Word Of God. Here stood a very successful business man, an educated man, a wealthy man, and yet his first love isn't what the world has to offer but only God's truth. This is a man to whom heads would turn and ears would listen. We need more like him, I decided, and will pray for his calling.

Another encounter recently confirmed what I've been feeling...like we need a rival of sorts...not just a "Come to Jesus" meeting but a "Put on your spiritual armour because it's about to get ugly" meeting. I recently met a new lady in my bible study that literally packed up her family, quit her job, sold all she had because the Lord told her to move to Texas. I listened intently to her testimony of growing up in California (a Godless place, she claims) and feeling a sense of despair and longing so strong that she could only obey God's voice. As she spoke of how different her life has been living in Texas, what she called God's country, I felt so blessed to live and raise my children in a State that still holds so strongly to it's roots. Even though I look around me and see destruction, I am finding that there are more lovers of the truth than there are haters. For that I am so thankful; it gives my soul rest knowing God's people are my neighbors. That they are on their knees praying for the very things I am; that my passion is not in vain.

Take my tile guy. This is a guy I got out of the phone book to rebuild our master shower and Rod and I have had the most amazing conversations with him about the Lord. He has become an instant friend, something that can only happen when there is a spiritual connection, and I am so proud that God brought him into our lives!

I am so thankful; my joy is overflowing; my heart is full. God is Good!

You Are Called For Such a Time As This...

I've been so burdened for Sarah Palin lately. The media and Hollywood have been attacking her with such a ferocious vileness that literally, my stomach has churned. Planned Parenthood's spokesperson recently said she wants to thank Sarah Palin because their donations have doubled since she has been the v.p. nominee and donors are actually giving money "in name the name of Sarah Palin". They are playing countless videos of Sarah in a beauty contest that took place over 20 years ago where she is playing a flute and wearing a one-piece bathing suit...insinuating that she has nothing more to offer than a pretty face. Hollywood stars are using their media influence to bash and demean her credibility, her intelligence, her experience, her faith, her values and her integrity.

I have never felt more ashamed of our media and entertainment industry than I do right now...but then, I realized, the world is just acting like the world...why should I expect it to act any differently? The "feminist movement" has become more about the liberal cause than about women's rights. Somehow a woman's rights become nonexistent if the woman doesn't follow a certain liberal doctrine...which is exactly the type of bias that I thought feminism was supposed to be against. Turns out, I'm wrong.

Thankfully, I have some sister's in Christ to whom I can voice my frustration. My mom reminded me that God told Esther "I have called you for such a time as this." As I was telling my ladies about this, someone shares this amazing story about a small town pastor whom God uses to speak those exact words to Sarah. Below is Pastor Mark Arnold's story of how amazing God is:


From~ Pastor Mark Arnold (Ohio)

"This past Tuesday, the McCain/Palin Bus came through a little town called, Lebanon, Ohio. The LORD allowed me to go to the Rally giving them a message that He wanted me to personally deliver. Sunday Night - a burden hit me that would only shake me to my knees - I prayed and wept for our Nation. Never has my heart been so broken before God. I literally interceded for these wonderful people who do not deserve all the hate against them. . . . Monday and into Monday Night - the burden of prayer was so heavy that I was literally shaking and could not stop weeping. ( I didn't know that they were coming to Ohio.) I prayed and walked and wept and walked. . . . on and on.Tuesday at 2:00 A.M. - God spoke these words to me - "Go turn the Radio on!" Immediately the Reporter's Words were - "McCain & Palin Bus to be in Lebanon later this morning for a 10:00 A.M. Rally!"Immediately on hearing that news, I heard God again...God said, "You are to go. You will meet them and give them a message for Me!". . . . .I didn't stop praying until I drove over to the town and parked the car. The News would later report they were expecting 5,000 people and the actual head-count of those who had been scanned was more than 10,000 people. I simply obeyed...and God actually told me where to stand, who to talk to...and when to be on the move. . . and even those standing beside you may just be an Angel. I struck up a conversation with an agent on the ground - he simply said, "I can't allow you to stand here!" Here is where the bus was going to actual pull up. They had to make a much larger perimeter so the entire area was now being moved back several blocks. . . He told me to go through the metal detector zone and just watch from the back. So, that's what I did. Looking over the shoulders and backs and heads of all those people...I knew it would take a miracle for what GOD told me to do. As I was standing there, two Boy Scouts came running up my back...literally, they almost knocked me to the ground because they were running so fast behind me. Their Scout Leader and several smaller boys were behind them...but as the first two were trying to push through the crowd, saying they were late...the smaller scouts were left in their dust. The Scout Leader who was with a McCain Rep from the State grabbed me and told me to bring the other Scouts up front as they continued to push through. As the Rep was shouting back at me...the people parted just like God parted the Red Sea! When I got there I was fifteen feet from the podium. GOD said, "Stand here, and don't move from this spot." Within five minutes...the bus pulled up and around the other side McCain, Sarah Palin and her husband Todd stepped up and the speeches took off. I was where God placed me...and even Sarah Palin and Todd were standing on my side of the stage. I made eye contact, I gave them thumbs up gestures...and I knew they were just happy to see me standing there. Ha Ha. A little lady who stood by me, reached up and told the Rep that they had promised a picture with her because she was the one who had lost a son in Iraq, recently. The Rep confirmed she would get a picture with them and they would talk to her. When McCain came to hug her... he immediately shook my hand following his moment with her. I shook his hand . . . . I said, "God wants you to know that I'm praying for you, Sir!" He thanked me and kept smiling. I repeated that phrase to him five times! He grabbed my hands and looked right into my eyes and said, "I won't make it without prayer. Sir, Thank You for praying for me, and don't let one day go by that you don't pray for me. I need all the prayers that I can get. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!" As he moved to my right, Sarah Palin, came over to my left side...standing over the crowd and then looking at the little lady who had lost the son. . . Sarah came and got on her hands and knees on that side of the stage and hugged that little Mom, telling her, "...it was not in vain.. . . . . . . It was at this moment Sarah Palin, reached out for me to help her up and as I was assisting her to stand I was now face to face with her and GOD said,"Open up your Mouth and I will fill it." Here is what came out... "God wants you to know that you are a present day Esther!" [She immediately began to cry]! "God wants to tell you that you are Chosen for such a time as this!" "You are called, and chosen to be a leader." "Don't lose heart and don't fear man." "The news and nay-sayers and criticizers are going to be very hateful toward you... and in the days ahead they are going to turn up the heat...but do not fear." "You are a present day Esther." You are an Esther. You are an Esther! "Keep your eyes on GOD and know that He has chosen you to Reign!" "Stay strong...be strong...don't tire. Don't be weary in well-doing. Be strong." Her husband Todd came over and I told him what I told her. He began to cry. I emphasized the fact that he was to guard her at this time...and know that "...she is GOD-CALLED and GOD-ANOINTED." ...this is a GOD-THING and your wife is a Present day Esther...she is for God to use at this time...She is an Esther...she is an Esther...she is an Esther." You will be hated...but stand strong...GOD has called both of you to stand!" "We are praying and I am praying for you...!" At this moment, McCain came right to where I was finishing talking to Todd and I told Mr. McCain exactly what I told to Sarah and Todd Palin. "Mr. McCain, ...they are called of God and she is an Esther." "Don't lose hope and don't lose heart." We are praying for all of you!" He shook my hand and with a deep look of understanding what I had just said, he said, "Thank you for your prayers and support...I really do mean that!" And he turned and shook more hands...and I watched them as they went through the crowd. When I got to my car I sat there for quite a long time...knowing the GOD of the Universe had just used me to deliver a message confirming to Sarah and Todd to realize they are truly chosen vessels of God. I wept. I have not stopped praying and crying. My heart is full knowing they had to have all the staging and all the hype and all the crowd...but the GOD of Heaven and Earth...wanted to give them a Divine-God-Appointment! To God be all the GLORY and HONOR. Do you want to know if I believe God can speak. Yes...Absolutely! Burdened for all of our Leaders!" Pastor Mark Arnold (Ohio)

Wow! I still get chill bumps reading it! My God is saying: "I've got her, keep praying, but don't be burdened; she is anointed; she is chosen for such a time as this." Tonight are the debates, and I can't wait to see what the Holy Spirit is going to do. No matter what happens, Sarah is not alone and the battle she is fighting cannot be seen with human eyes. Thankfully, she is wearing her spiritual armour that NO man can touch! God be with you, Sarah! Glory be to God!

What's in a Name?

I must confess, I don't like my name. I hate having to repeat it, spell it and slowly dissect it. I despise having to say..."You know, like Tyra Banks." She is not exactly the role model I aspire to be; although, she is quite the looker. Oddly, my name is very popular in the African-American Community and usually gets listed in the credits of any black film. My parents were Caucasian, yet decided on "Tyra" for a girl and "Tyrone" for a boy. Sorry, Mom, but...are you kidding me? Perhaps my mother's secret crush on Sidney Poitier inspired the soal-sister in her; or perhaps trying to match my father's T.N.T. initials left her searching. Actually, my mother's story is that when I was born, her sister reminded her of an acquaintance that she went to college with named Tyra (she was white), so I should blame my aunt Barbara. Did I forget to mention my middle name is Neill? I know what you're thinking...what kind of drugs were my parents on?

A name defines a person. It's such an important part of one's identity and I'm not sure if parents take this challenge seriously. Hollywood stars, for instance, are notorious for naming their children strange, exotic and bizarre names...remember "Apple"? I just want a normal one. I like Kasey or Kaitlyn. What do you think, am I too old to change it?

Fannie and Freddie...Who's Fault Is It?

I must admit, I'm not a financial genius, and trying to wrap my mind around the complicated intricacies of America's latest economic downfall has me spinning. I first went to my brilliant financial-CPA-husband, whom so graciously explained the fiasco. My first question was: "Whose brilliant idea was it to get the Government involved with a lending corporation?" Upon further investigation here is what I discovered:

Eamonn Butler at the Adam Smith Institute blog offers his answer:
It started with the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, which aimed to support community groups, but in 1995 the Act was extended and beefed up, giving regulators far more powers to punish banks who refused to lend to people in poor urban neighbourhoods – so-called ‘redlining’ – because they considered the risks too high in those particular areas.Congress's idea, obviously, was to extend to poorer people the same rights and enjoyment of home ownership that the middle-class majority possessed. But in fact it precipitated the banks into giving loans to some rather shaky people. Quite simply, they feared retribution by the regulators if they did not.As a result, sub-prime loans mushroomed in the late 1990s. Not too bad for as long as the US economy was booming. But booms inevitably burn out and then the banks started to realize the magnitude of their dodgy contracts. And now, the whole world is being sucked into this crisis, and ordinary, prudent bank customers find themselves and their money frighteningly exposed.

2003 NY Times article:
According to the NY Times article, the Bush administration proposed new regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which would have tightened up loose lending, but Democrats opposed it because it would make it harder for poor people (read NAMs if you prefer) to own homes:
Among the groups denouncing the proposal today were the National Association of Home Builders and Congressional Democrats who fear that tighter regulation of the companies could sharply reduce their commitment to financing low-income and affordable housing.
''These two entities -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- are not facing any kind of financial crisis,'' said Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. ''The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing.'' Representative Melvin L. Watt, Democrat of North Carolina, agreed. ''I don't see much other than a shell game going on here, moving something from one agency to another and in the process weakening the bargaining power of poorer families and their ability to get affordable housing,'' Mr. Watt said.

That's rich. Liberal Democrat Barney Frank said that Fannie and Freddie "are not facing any kind of financial crisis." Had Democrats voted for this legislation, a financial crisis and expensive government bailout might have been averted.

The New York Times also said there was a "lobbying battle" over Bush's proposal to reign in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac...so, lets follow the money! Over the last ten years, from 1989 to 2008, the top three recipients of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac campaign contributions are...drum roll please: (1) Democratic Senator Christopher Dodd and Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, (3) Democrat Senator John Kerry. What about number 2 you ask? I think someone stepped in number two because, in less than four years in office, a certain inexperienced, junior Senator from Illinois somehow managed to rise to the number (2) spot in most campaign contributions received from the, now under Federal conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Democratic Senator Barack Obama. Change!

So in essence, Jimmy Carter in 1977 started it, and Bill Clinton "revised" it, Bush tried to change it (but it didn't pass a Democratic Congress) and now Obama is benefiting from it. Great. Now the tax payers will have to pay for it.

So much for NOT living in a socialized society. Thanks, Democrats, once again!

Football...it's just a game!

I don't get America's obsession with Football. It's just a game to me. People get crazy over their team (my husband included) and lose their minds over a game. Maybe it's just me, but I find getting THAT worked up over ANY sport to be a little strange.

My oldest son decided he wanted to play football this year. I was against it; I got overruled. It's not that I mind him trying new things, it's just that I know my son. He wants to be big and strong and tough, but he's not; he's still a little boy. He gets obsessed with his socks not being on "just right" or his shirt being too long or his shoe strings not being tied a certain way. Let's just say that putting on ALL that gear has been a challenging experience for him. He isn't able to wrap his mind around "just grin a bear it" when his shoulder pads are too heavy or his knee pads don't fit "exactly" over his knees. Anyway, I hate to say "I told you so"...but I TOLD YOU SO!

Another thing that irritates me about Football is the time commitment and their attitude that football comes first. Huh? I'm secretly hoping that my boys decide baseball is the sport for them. I don't think I can take another season of football.

Don't Worry...Be Happy!

Life is weird. In my beautiful neighborhood I've got the liberal-loving Obamas across the street from me and the Baptist-conservatives to the right of me, and the moderate-Catholics to the left of me. I ran into my Baptist conservative neighbor this morning who was saying if Obama wins, she'll just give up hope. We talked awhile about politics, Palin, God, etc...we stand for basically the same things so it was a "rah-rah" session, but afterwards, I thought..."This isn't right. We are getting ourselves worked up when we aren't even in control!"

As I was on my knees today before the Lord I just proclaimed, "You are STILL on the throne. You are Sovereign. No matter what happens, You are my king. It doesn't matter who wins; what matters is that I am on Your side! I will follow You know matter what...so it just doesn't matter." It feels so free to let go of the world's problems and lay it at His feet. I am so thankful God passionately pursued me. I hope whomever reads this knows, He is passionately pursuing them too.

Sad...Disgusting...Pathetic...

From Jonathon Martin's Blog:

"South Carolina Democratic chairwoman Carol Fowler sharply attacked Sarah Palin today, saying John McCain had chosen a running mate "whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn’t had an abortion.” Palin is an opponent of abortion rights and gave birth to her fifth child, Trig, earlier this year after finding out during her pregnancy that the baby had Down syndrome.Fowler told my colleague Alex Burns in an interview that the selection of an opponent of abortion rights would not boost McCain among many women.“Among Democratic women and even among independent women, I don’t think it helped him,” she said. Told of McCain's boost in the new ABC/Washington Post among white women following the Palin pick, Fowler said: "Just anecdotally, I believe that those white women are Republican women anyway."

Inspirational Reads

I have been blessed lately to read so many inspirational biographies about peoples' lives and the path that God takes them on. At the present time, I am reading the most remarkable true story of a small town no-name pastor who feels a calling to reach out to the gangs in New York City. It takes place between 1957-60. A time in History in which most Americans would consider "the good ole days", and yet, evil, despair, destruction and lawlessness were at the core of these lost teenagers' lives. I'm so in awe of the Holy Spirit's power to transform a black and cold heart into one of repentance and shame, seeking the Lord's Holy love....all in a matter of seconds. What years and years of counselling and rehabilitation could accomplish, the Holy Spirit did instantaneously! Here is an excerpt from the "Cross and the Switchblade" by David Wilkerson:

Nicky Cruz, the toughest, meanest, life-taking gang-banger in New York testified: "Well, I went back to my seat and I was thinking harder than I ever thought before. He (the preacher) started talking and it was all about the Holy Spirit. The preacher said the Holy Spirit could get inside people and make them clean. He said it didn't matter what they'd done, the Holy Spirit could make them start new, like babies. Suddenly, I wanted that so bad I couldn't stand it. It was as if I was seeing myself for the first time. All the filth and the hate and the foulness like pictures in front of my eyes."
" 'You can be different!' he said. 'Your life can be changed!"
"I wanted that, I needed that, but I knew it couldn't happen to me. The preacher told us to come forward if we wanted to be changed but I knew it was no use for me."
"Then Israel told us all to get up. 'I'm President,' he said, 'and this whole gang is going up there!'
"I was the first one at the rail. I kneeled down and said the first prayer of my life and this was it: 'Dear God, I'm the dirtiest sinner in New York. I don't think You want me. If You do want me, You can have me. As bad as I was before, I want to be that good for Jesus.'
"Later the preacher gave me a Bible and then I went home wondering if the Holy Ghost was really inside me, and how I would know. The first thing that happened, when I went in my room and shut the door I didn't feel scared. I felt like I had company in the room-not God or anyone like that, but the way I'd feel if my mother came back. "
"The next day everyone was staring because word had gone around that Nicky had religion. But another thing happened that made me know it was real. Little kids would always run when they saw me, but on that day, two little boys stared at me a minute and then they came right up to me. They wanted me to measure and see which one of them was taller-nothing important. Only I put my arms around them because I knew then I was different, even if it didn't show except to kids."
"Then, a few weeks later, a Dragon came up to me and he said, 'Is it true you don't carry weapons any more?' I told him it was true, and he pulled a ten-inch knife and went for my chest. I threw my hand up and caught the knife there. I don't know why, but he ran, and I stood there, looking at the blood coming from my hand. I remembered how blood always made me go crazy, but that day it didn't. Words came into my mind that I had read in my Bible, 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin.' I ripped my shirt and tied up my hand and from that day blood never bothered me."

Amazingly, Nicky had a terrible speech impediment but as he spoke, the straining, painful, stammering voice in which he had begun his story, had altered. Gradually the words came more readily, the sounds clearer, until he was speaking as distinctly and effortlessly as anyone in the room. Only now had Nicky himself realized it. He stood on the platform trembling, unable to go on, tears streaming down his face. Nicky Cruz went on to become one of Jesus' most humble servants and has since evangelized all over the world.

Ironically, I bought the book for a loved one that was in jail at the time. One of the world's troubled teens desperately searching for life's true meaning down a dark and scary path. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to receive any outside literature, so I started reading it. I'm so inspired by the author's story and his servant's heart. I so desire the Lord to place me where I'm needed the most. I so much want EVERYONE to know how precious they are to Him; how much pain and suffering our Lord went through so we could experience His unconditional love. My prayer is that I will be worthy of God's calling and discerning enough to hear His voice.

The Socialist Barnyard

Once upon a time, on a farm in Virginia, there was a little red hen who scratched about the barnyard until she uncovered quite a few grains of wheat..

She called all of her Democrat neighbors together and said, 'If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?''
Not I,' said the cow.
'Not I,' said the duck.
'Not I,' said the pig.
'Not I,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did.

The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.'Who will help me reap my wheat?' asked the little red hen.
'Not I,' said the duck.'Out of my classification,' said the pig.
'I'd lose my seniority,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my unemployment compensation,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did.

At last it came time to bake the bread.'Who will help me bake the bread?' asked the little red hen.
'That would be overtime for me,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my welfare benefits,' said the duck.
'I'm a dropout and never learned how,' said the pig.
'If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen.

She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, 'No, I shall eat all five loaves.

''Excess profits!' cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi)
'Capitalist leech!' screamed the duck. (Barbara Boxer)
'I demand equal rights!' yelled the goose (Jesse Jackson)
The pig just grunted in disdain. (Ted Kennedy)

And they all painted 'Unfair!' picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.Then a government agent came. He said to the little red hen, 'You must not be so greedy.''
But I earned the bread,' said the little red hen.
'Exactly,' said the agent. 'That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle.'

And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, 'I am grateful, for now I truly understand.'

But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her.. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all the Democrats smiled. 'Fairness' had been established. Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared...so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for.

Bill Clinton is getting $12 million for his memoirs..Hillary got $8 million for hers. That's $20 million for the memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.

IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?

Bush...Africa's Hero

The Dems want the world to believe that Bush is an evil, war-mongering, unintelligent, oil-greedy president. I wonder if the liberal media has bothered to check out how the Africans feel about him. I found an amazing and insightful article in the Boston Globe.


Bush's enduring legacy in Africa
Boston Globe

With an 80 percent approval rating in many African countries, what is it that the Bush administration did differently in Africa than it did elsewhere?
Andrew Natsios
September 4, 2008
Andrew Natsios

"WHEN PRESIDENT BUSH traveled to sub-Sahara Africa in February he was greeted by large and tumultuous crowds of admirers - which mystified many of his critics, who believe that the animosity toward his administration abroad is universal. But polling data from the Pew Foundation shows something different: Approval ratings for the United States exceed 80 percent in many African countries, some with large Muslim populations. In Darfur, many families name their newborn sons George Bush.

What is it that the Bush administration did differently in Africa than it did elsewhere?
Certainly one factor is that Africa is not the Middle East or central Asia where America is fighting two unpopular wars and where polls show America at an all-time low in public esteem. In Sudan, the United States played a central role as peacemaker in ending a 20-year civil war between the Arab north and African south, which killed 2 million people.

It was the Bush administration that first raised the alarm about the atrocities in Darfur, organized a massive humanitarian relief effort to save people in the displaced camps, and rallied an international coalition to send peacekeeping troops to restore order through the United Nations and the African Union. While the civil war continues, casualties have declined and people are being fed by aid agencies, thanks to US government generosity, which may explain why Bush is so popular among the Africans in the camps. America has played an important role as mediator in Burundi, Liberia, Northern Uganda, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo after civil wars devastated all five countries. Administration policy in Africa has not been without its failures: its military campaign in Somalia has been an embarrassment, putting vulnerable people at risk.

However important these diplomatic efforts may be, Bush's enduring legacy in Africa rests on humanitarian and economic, not political, foundations. More than anything else it has been the revolution in the US government's development assistance that is responsible for Bush's popularity.

The Bush administration doubled foreign aid worldwide over the past eight years, the largest increase since the Truman administration, and used it to encourage poor countries to undertake political and economic reform. Total US government development aid to Africa alone has quadrupled from $1.3 billion in 2001 to more than $5 billion in 2008, and is scheduled to go to $8.7 billion in 2010, principally for education (primary school enrollment in Africa is up 36 percent since 1999), healthcare, building civil society, and protecting fragile environments.
Africa has received $3.5 billion in additional funds from Bush's Millennium Challenge Corporation initiative, which rewards poor countries that encourage economic growth, govern well, and provide social services for their people. The president's HIV/AIDS program, principally focused on providing Africans with anti-retroviral drugs to treat the disease (1.7 million people are on the therapy), has been such a success that the program has been extended to 2015 at $48 billion. His five-year, $1.2 billion effort to combat malaria has provided 4 million insecticide-treated bed nets and 7 million drug therapies to vulnerable people.

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, approved in 2000 and reauthorized in expanded form in 2004, provides trade benefits with the United States for 40 African countries that have implemented reforms to encourage economic growth. Since 2001, US exports to Africa have more than doubled to $14 billion a year, while African exports to the United States more than tripled to $67 billion, of which $3.4 billion has been in goods other than oil. USAID has provided more than $500 million in trade capacity building for poor countries to access international markets, which is the only way Africa will escape the poverty that has for too long oppressed the continent.

While Bush's critics have given him little credit for his African initiatives, they will be among his most enduring legacies in a region of the world neglected by policymakers from both parties for too long. Africans will long remember what Bush' critics have ignored."

Andrew Natsios is a professor in the practice of diplomacy at Georgetown University, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, and former administrator of the US Agency for International Development.

Watch out DEMS...We got PALIN!

Sarah Palin...WOW! As I watched Palin give her speech last night at the RNC, I felt so proud to be an American, a Republican, a Christian and a woman. I got tears in my eyes when the cameras focused on the veterans in the audience, and specifically, one of McCain's cell mates at the Hanoi Hilton. I loved her quick wit and biting humor (and secretly hoped Obama, Biden or Clinton(s) were watching and perhaps felt a sting or two). I loved her precious-looking family, and her darling little girl holding her tiny baby brother (did you see her lick her hand to lay down his hair?). I loved how poised, calm, self-assured and intelligent she was. In essence, I'm blown away by her and I have to come clean: I've got a MAJOR girl-crush on Sarah Palin.

After almost two years of the liberal-biased media singing Obama's praises, we finally have someone to whom even they seem baffled by. I am on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the debates. Hopefully, Biden will be packing some heat, because he's going to need it. Palin is no shrinking violet; although, she is quite the looker. This gives her an extreme advantage because it is exactly what men fear the most: a hottie with brains whose not afraid to use her "assets". You go, girl! You give them all you got...oh, and show a little cleavage while you're at it! :)

Baby On Board

I have to admit, I'm excited about McCain's presumptive Vice President, Sarah Palin. The more I research, listen and read about her, the more I'm impressed. McCain needed to throw a curve ball, and boy, did he ever! I am PUMPED for the first time about the McCain ticket! I can finally support a woman candidate to whom holds sacred the values that I cherish. Sarah Palin, you're my kind of woman!

Amazingly, the liberals (who claim to be so non-judgmental and open-minded) are focusing on Palin's 17 year-old pregnant daughter! Some liberals are saying, "If Palin can't run her family, how can she run the country." Others are saying, "If Palin were for sex education in schools, this wouldn't have happened." Are you FREAKIN kidding me??? Have these people just recently received an upper lobotomy? Did they go from diapers to adulthood and skip their teens? I was raised in a Christian home, went to church, knew that pre-marital sex was wrong and STILL did it! Guess what liberal anti-Christian America...Christians aren't perfect. We don't claim to be. In fact, that's the whole point of Christianity! We know we are sinners and need a savior! Hence the whole Jesus-dying-on-the-cross-for-our-sins idea. It's amazing to me that Clinton, a married adult and NOT a 17-year-old, whom was the President of the United States, could receive oral sex underneath the oval office desk by a 21 year-old intern, received sympathy and pathetic excuses from his leftest counterparts...but Palin...she's quite the monster. She has a teenager that is sexually active and now has to grow up extremely fast because she chose to participate in an adult activity. That's it. End of story. Perhaps if Palin's daughter would have aborted the baby and chained herself to a tree in order to save it, she could have become a heroin to these people. Amazing the hypocrisy.

The older I get, the more I realize that ONLY God's mercy and grace can save us. We are all sinners; we are all imperfect; we are all dysfunctional. Perhaps politics would be better served if we ALL remember that he without sin should cast the first stone.

As for Palin...well, God be with you...you are going to need him.

Happy Birthday, Rod

Rod's birthday is just days away, and after all these years together, I still don't know what to get him. You see, he's the worst person in the world to buy for because he's too practical. If he needs something, he buys it; if I get him something he doesn't need, he takes it back. Our taste in clothing is very different. I try to pick out a couple of shirts that I think he will like, but more times than not, he doesn't. If I ask him what he wants he usually says..."sleep". Perhaps I could sneak some sleeping pills in his glass of wine on Friday night and run out with the kids on Saturday morning for donuts...except...I kind of need him to finish the tile in the bathroom that he started last weekend...hmmm...such a dilemma. All I can say is: he better like those freakin shirts...

The REAL problem is that he's too handy, too hard-working and too much of a light sleeper. If he were just a lazy, good-for-nothing couch-potato of a husband then we wouldn't have this issue! Seriously, and I don't tell him this often enough (and he's probably not even reading my blog), but he's a really good guy. He works so hard for his family, would cut off his right arm for the boys' and he puts our wants, desires and needs way before his own. I love how he calms us (notice I'm saying "us" because I'm a little high-strung) all down...it's just his way. Even the kids know that Daddy can "fix" it and make it all better. Yep, he's got a big load on his shoulders and he carries it with ease...okay, sometimes, it gets a little heavy...but he does a MUCH better job than most people would. But the most amazing part is that after 12 1/2 years of marriage and 4 years of dating, he can still make me see stars! Oooweee!!!

So...it's his birthday, and although he'll probably take back the shirts I got him, I just wanted him to know...You're a good one and I plan on keeping you...oh, and I kind of love you too. :)

National Black Republican Association - DYK-Unveiled Democrats Racist Past

National Black Republican Association - DYK-Unveiled Democrats Racist Past

Aidan and Cute Sayings

Tonight, as I was making dinner, Aidan (3 1/2 year old) comes to me and says seriously, "Mommy, when I grow up, I want to be a Fire Hydrant." Okay...how cute is that?

Yesterday, since the older two boys are in drama camp this week (like we need more drama), Aidan and I are laying down for a nap. We are cuddled under the sheets, our noses touching like Eskimoes and giggling like school girls. He smiles at me and says, "Mommy, I like you." Did I mention he is cute?

Angels Among Us

I've never had trouble understanding the spirit world. Even as a young girl, I got it. Probably because I was exposed to it at such a young age. Thank you, Mom. Don't get me wrong, this statement is in no way boasting about my supernatural awareness, just my belief in the unseen realm, which to some seems foreign. Most of my adult life was spent trying to deny it's existence, but God, in His glorious patience, has a way of revealing the truth.

For instance, I love the fact that angels are among us. There is no doubt that good angels help protect (Daniel 6:20-23; 2 Kings 6:13-17), reveal information (Acts 7:52-53; Luke 1:11-20), guide (Matthew 1:20-21; Acts 8:26), provide for (Genesis 21:17-20; 1 Kings 19:5-7), and minister to believers in general (Hebrews 1:14). There are many more instances of these angelic activities in Scripture. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel had the archangel (Michael) assigned to it (Daniel 10:21; 12:1).

I fully believe that I have had encounters with angels in my lifetime, and not all of them were good ones. I have seen and witnessed evil, and at the same time, witnessed random acts of pure goodness and love. Take 1992, Houston, TX, for example. My father was in intensive care again and I was asked to come and help take care of his 2 year old son. Without going into tremendous detail, the week did not go well. After a huge fight with Stepmother #4, on the way to the airport, she left me abandoned at a gas station 30 miles from the airport. My flight home was scheduled to depart in an hour or so, and after the week I endured, I wanted nothing more than to go home. As I sat on my suitcase by a busy intersection, I realized I had no money in my wallet and knew no one in Houston to rescue me. I started crying. Not tears of sadness but of anger. At 22, I was barely 100 pounds and probably looked more like 16 than a young woman. I picked up my suitcase and walked towards the busy gas station, not really knowing what I was going to do, but having nowhere else to go. A nice-looking, well-dressed white man with beautiful thick white hair was pumping gas and I noticed he kept looking at me. He came up to me and smiled and asked if I was in trouble. I told him my dilemma and without batting an eye said he would take me to the airport. I cried most of the 30-45 minute drive (mostly just a release of emotion over my horrendous week) and he never asked me a thing. We just sat next to each other in silence, and even though we were strangers, I felt a peaceful presence was with us. When we arrived at the gate, I turned to him and said, "I don't have any money to give you." He smiled and sweetly said, "That's okay, honey. Just be sure to do something nice for somebody else." I asked his name and he said it was Jake. That was it. We hugged and he drove off.

A random stranger or an angel sent from God? All I know is this: God cares more than we realize about our pain. For believers, He promises He will never leave us. Sometimes He even sends His messengers.

Reflections of a Mad Housewife

I've got the summertime blues. The newness of sleeping in, swimming, water parks, camp and bbq's has worn off. I'm tired of the heat. The boys and I are soooo done with each other that even breathing the same air has become a chore! The word Mommy, especially screamed in high-pitched stereo, has began to give me a nervous twitch. I've become a sweaty, twitching, mad housewife...something I never aspired to be. It's left me feeling quite sorry for myself and terribly cranky. I'm not sure this is what I signed up for.

I know what you're thinking..."Count your blessings. It could be worse! Life is what you make of it! At least you have your health." Blah, blah, blah. Whomever thought up these sayings must not have stayed home with 3 boys in 106 degree weather for three months. I could come up with some new sayings, but I'm not sure that would be the Christian thing to do.

But, alas, hope is on the horizon...school starts in 2 weeks! It will all be perfect and peaceful and new...until it's not and reality sets in...but it's fun to dream! Happy freakin summer....

For a Loved-One

God hears your cries, beloved
Protection surrounds you now
Suffering is only for a season
God promises: pain can turn to good

Cling to God's Word, Dear One
For in it there is truth
Life's mysteries can be found
In the pages of that book

I can only offer you prayers
Even though you don't know it
I'm thanking God for your salvation
For your pain to be used for good

You are just a kid in a grown up world
Your childhood was not your fault
We live in a fallen world, you see
Even those we love can destroy us

Jesus was with you during those times
Close your eyes and search for Him
He's with you now in a crowded cell
Draw near to Him and bask in love

Lean not on your own understanding
Wisdom is yours for the asking
Guard yourself with the armour of righteousness
Draw your sword of salvation

God says: This is the way to be free...

For His Glory

Something has been eating at me for awhile. You see, giving your life to the Lord means dying of one's self; being in this world but not of this world. Everything that the world has taught me is the opposite of what God says...ex: To be strong, you must be weak. To receive, you must give. To win, you must lose. To be rich (in spirit), you must be poor (in spirit). To find joy, you must suffer/sacrifice. The world says: "It's all about ME." God says: "No, it's actually all about ME." When He said, "My ways are not your ways and My thoughts are not your thoughts." boy, did He really mean it!

I must admit, I have been feeling like an alien lately. After studying the book of Daniel I realized how poorly prepared I was to face all these contradictions. I read this scripture early this morning in 2 Cor. 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I find this to be so true because I desperately need His strength to persevere!

So what has been eating at me? Myself. I want it to be easy. I don't want to suffer/sacrifice. I don't want to be persecuted for His namesake. It's a misconception that being a Christian is easy, but then, nothing of worth ever is, right? Jesus didn't come to bring peace, but to bring a sword (of the spirit) so that believers can fight the enemy. It's a battle, and I feel like a lowly soldier. What's amazing is that's where I find Him the most: in my weakness.

I love that God is so deep! His Word is so powerful that one scripture, one single sentence, can give sustenance to a thirsty soul. Although I have nothing to offer, He wants me anyway. That makes me smile; it makes the battle worth fighting.

Reflection

Is blogging considered narcissism? I mean, it is ALL about ME and MY life and MY thoughts. I have stopped telling people that I have a blog... it sounds embarrassing to me like I'm trying to brag about my wonderful life and my wonderful kids and ME, ME, ME. It's like those annoying Christmas Letters that people send once a year to people they haven't seen in ages to brag about themselves. It would be refreshing to read about lives full of struggles, joy, sorrow, peace, anger, compassion, envy and triumph. A letter that tells people, "We aren't perfect, we mess up, sometimes big, we have hateful thoughts and we don't always eat healthy but sometimes we have amazing triumphs, unexplainable joy and times of pure bliss...but mostly, we are humble humans just trying to find our way." This is what I want my blog and my life story to be about.
Whether or not anyone is reading it (and it's okay if no one is), I want to look back on each entry and be reminded of my not so perfect life. Mostly, I just want to to be grateful for the little things. To not take life so seriously. To stop being so disappointed with myself when I mess up. To stop being so disappointed with others when they mess up! To just bask in His glory and remember that (quoting Beth Moore) I'm here for ten minutes...there's no time for stinkin thinkin!

Memory Lane

Having recently been back from our family's summer vacation had me traveling down memory lane, recalling my own childhood summers. Even though coming from a broken home and being raised primarily by a single mom, I loved being a kid. I never wanted to grow up. I still struggle with the Peter-Pan syndrome! From 6-12 years of age, my mom and I lived in a 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath studio apartment in Hurst, Texas. For an apartment it was really spacious and cute with harvest gold shag carpeting and appliances (gotta love the 70's). I still dream about this apartment sometimes; always feeling happy and secure there.

My summers growing up usually consisted of me visiting either my cousins in West Texas, my aunt and her family in Arlington, my grandparents in Cross Plains or my dad (wherever he was at the time). I remember when I was 9 my father lived in Miami, Fl and I went to see him. He was staying in a high-rise apartment/condo building that was owned by his wealthy El Salvadorian girlfriend (soon to be wife #2) whom was out of the country at that time. It was pretty close to the beach and the building had it's own pool and tennis courts. The apartment was on the 7th floor. I remember this because I spent most of my days, unless at the pool, in the elevator riding up and down the different floors. I guess my father went to work during the day and left me to my own devices??? I remember getting to know the staff in the lobby and the maids pretty well. Being in Miami, there were a lot of Spanish-speaking or elderly Jewish residents, but not very many kids. Perhaps my father asked the elderly Jewish lady next door to keep an eye out for me, or perhaps we ran into each other in the elevator, but I remember her inviting me over to have lunches and sometimes dinners with she and her husband. Their apartment was very clean but smelled stuffy and musty...like moth balls. Our meals mostly consisted of "pickled" something or an olive loaf or some other concoction that my Texas pallet wasn't accustomed to. I remember not liking the food, but the sweet woman would always give me a chocolate bar or other treat to take home. I remember talking with the Puerto Rican maintenance man who commented on how well I spoke English. I just thanked him and smiled, secretly glad that he assumed I was something other than what I was. I loved making up new identities for myself (different names and accents) when meeting strangers. I was always in my own little fantasy world.

Recalling this childhood memory, I should be appalled, but yet, I smile. I like the little independent girl I remember. I can't even imagine leaving my 9 year old alone all day to wonder around a huge apartment building, but yet, it was like an amazing adventure for me. I didn't feel lonely or sad, but grown up and worldly. I always felt God was watching out for me and boy, was I right!

Why is it that I could write a book (a rather comical one) of all my childhood memories but find it difficult to sometimes recall yesterday? Hmmm....perhaps the Peter Pan in me is still alive and well...

Viva Las Mexico

Spending a week in Nuevo Vallarta was amazing, fun and full of adventure. Boogie boarding, zip-lining through the mountains, swimming with the dolphins, kissing the sea lions, eating good food, snorkling, kayaching and jet skiing! No wonder we're so pooped! Can we take a vacation from our vacation?

The Battlefield Victory

Laughter and crying are almost synonymous in our household. You see, what is hysterical one minute suddenly becomes extremely offensive the next. It's a very thin line between love and hate with children giddy on emotion! The contagious sound of giggling boys floating through the air is so joyous, yet sadly, becomes a precursor of what is to follow...ear numbing screaming and crying so wrought with pain and strife that one would think limbs were actually being cut off! Upon further investigation, it becomes apparent that limbs are still intact and only feelings have been bruised. Our once happy household is now a battlefield and I become the referee.

This picture is a perfect example of our daily dilemma. Andrew being our clown, making his brother's laugh and then suddenly, as if on cue, it all turns terribly wrong! The soap bubbles on top of his head are hysterical until, of course, he puts them on someone else. This offense cannot go unnoticed! Screaming, name calling and pushing turns into a full blown war. My drill-Sergeant instincts kick in and I yield my invisible armour as I step into battle. I'm out-numbered and exhausted, but I see a tiny glimpse of hope on the horizon...bedtime is near! While barking orders, I rinse, dry, clothe, brush teeth and send them to their beds...silence falls upon our noisy dwelling. Peace at last! Today's battles are over...but then there is always tomorrow!

Happy Father's Day!

I have to admit, I've been thinking about my dad lately. Sadly, not the wonderful, cozy and feel-good memories, but the painful ones. I think having your own children does that to you: you either really appreciate and admire your parents, or you try your hardest not to become them. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad and so many things about him. He had a smile that was irresistible and a wonderfully contagious laugh. Not only was he handsome, but he had so much hidden talent that he never did tap into. So much wasted potential! He was always very gentle and patient with me as a young girl...just absent. Yes, God had such amazing plans for Thomas, but he chose his own destructive path. Haven't we all done this to a certain degree? I'm so thankful for the Lord's mercy and grace!

My biggest regret in life has been the things I would tell him now. Although I was fortunate to have made peace with him before he died, I'm not sure where he really stood in his relationship with the Lord. I wasn't as mature in my faith then, and I think I failed miserably at really explaining God to him. For that I am so ashamed and regretful. Of course, I talked to him about God, but there were so many things that I had yet to discover about our heavenly Father. So many things I would share with him now that I have learned to be true. My regret has to be laid at the feet of Jesus; my tears bottled up and wiped away by my Lord. "If onlies" are futile. Only God knows where my daddy's soul is spending eternity, and I can't and won't dwell on it. I can only share my love and knowledge of God with my three sons and hope that they stay on the course God has planned for them. So much potential that WILL NOT be wasted! Amen.

Happy Father's Day, Tom. I love you.

My Grandmother's Pearls

After a recent visit with my 86 year-old grandparents on their farm, it left me feeling nostalgic. Watching my children play, explore and discover the same things and places that I had once enjoyed as a girl brought back so many happy memories. It was surreal and wonderful; the circle of life unfolding before my eyes.

My grandmother, perhaps sensing that time was precious, gave me a wonderful gift: her pearl necklace, given to her by my father, as a birthday gift. She kept them in a red jewelry box and carefully placed the box in my hands. "I wanted to make sure you got these because your father gave them to me. I had them restrung; they are pretty, don't you think?" My eyes swelled with tears as I ran the tip of my finger over the lovely strand of pearls. "I love them. Thank you." I said and we hugged, noticing the fragility of her petite body. It was a perfect moment. A memory to be filed away and reflected upon years later. Perhaps someday I will sit with my granddaughter and give her this precious keepsake; completing the circle of life.

Although my life-style doesn't present itself with many opportunities to wear my cherished pearls, perhaps I can imitate June Cleaver and wear them while vacuuming or washing dishes. I could greet my husband with high-heels and pearls, my hair perfectly coiffed and a lightly starched apron tied around a sleeveless sundress...Rod might wonder if he's in the twilight zone or if I gulped down all the cooking sherry! In the meantime, my pearls will represent a cherished keepsake given by those we love.

Catching Up

Since my computer was down for 2 1/2 weeks, I feel like I'm playing catch up this week. It's amazing how once we were all perfectly content without the Internet, and now, we don't know what to do when we can't surf. After pilfering through my 250 emails, and catching up on my usual sites, I decided to sit down and write. The guys are out swimming at Mam-maw's and it's quiet. Just me and the animals doing laundry and picking up from a weeks' worth of overactive lives leaving their mark on our dwelling.

It's been quite busy in the Newcomer household...where does one start? The first catastrophic event was Alex accidentally whacking his younger brother, Andrew, in the head with a golf club. Of course, I was inside at the time, and Alex runs in crying and yelling babble about blood and an eye out. I follow him outside to discover my 5 year old screaming and holding a wound which is pouring blood onto the concrete driveway. Honestly, my first instinct was to pray, and loudly; secondly, to figure out where the blood is coming from...his eye, his head, his hand? I moved his blood-soaked hand and realized, thank God, that it was his temple, not his eye that was cut. I yelled to get my neighbor, Julie, who is an RN, and ran inside to get a rag to soak up some of the blood running out of his head like a garden hose. Like a pro, Julie runs over barefoot and dressed in her work clothes, scoops Andrew up and stops the bleeding. She was so awesome in calming us all down, especially Andrew, and took us to the emergency room. Andrew got the surgical-glue treatment, which is so much better than stitches, and was sent home like nothing had happened. It took me until the next afternoon to get over it....my insides were still shaking! I had Alex water-hose the driveway down...I just couldn't look at the blood. Of course, Andrew is fine, and at school, he proudly presented his battle wound to his classroom. Kids are so resilient!

Since this post is mostly about Andrew, I must mention that his 6th birthday was Saturday! We had family and neighbors over for a cookout. Happy Birthday, my big, tough guy! I love you!

Clean Hands!

Aidan, my 3- year old, is obsessed with washing his hands. I'm not sure if it's classified as OCD, but it has become a little obsession. He will spend several minutes lathering and lathering the soap into a bubble Mecca, and when I recommend rinsing, he freaks out like I've committed some carnal sin of hand washing. It's a little disconcerting. We were at my in-laws a couple of weeks ago, and I announced to my boys to go wash up before dinner. Of course, Aidan was still in there as we were all sitting down to eat since his hand washing episodes take several minutes longer than the average person. My mother-in-law, concerned with whether or not his food would get cold, asked if we should wait for him and I explained our daily dilemma of unusual hand washing behavior. I said, "He even sometimes washes his forearms." Andrew, my 5-year old declared, "He doesn't have 4 arms, only two, Mommy!" We all had a good laugh and Aidan finally joined us, germs fully killed by the Goddess of Soap and Lather! I blame his father.

A New Season

Last Fall I joined a women's bible study group through my church and, I must admit, at first I wasn't really "clicking" with most of the women. I felt too worldly, like perhaps I had too much baggage, and just wasn't on their level Spiritually. Due to my own insecurities, I felt somewhat judged. Since women can be such critical, petty and jealous beings, it takes me awhile to let my guard down. Then something amazing happened. Slowly, I began to allow these women into my heart. I began to realize how much their love for God and doing His will had nothing to do with me and everything to do with Him. I started to feel at home in their presence and welcomed in their hearts. The leader told me the other day how much she loved me and what a blessing I was to the group. Me? A person with too much baggage and not enough grace a blessing? No, it's not me, I realize now, it's Him.

Just like God changes the seasons on our planet, so does he change the seasons of our lives. Adding and taking away friendships, jobs, success and failures, peace and sorrow. It's all apart of His divine plan. To finally be able to lay it all at His feet and humbly admit that we are NOTHING without His mercy, grace and love. To be able to not only praise Him during the quiet and peaceful times, but praise Him through the storm. To stand still and bask in His Glory! To know that He alone is God.

Beth Moore says she can't wait to meet the ultimate Drama King, Our Lord...for He must really like a good drama...just look at the creatures He created. I'm so thankful God has His divine eye on me and praise Him during this peaceful and spiritually growing season. I'm on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the next season....get a bowl of popcorn and join me for the drama, won't you? It's going to be a wild ride.

Becoming a Man

Since I'm a woman, I have never really pondered the age-old question: "What makes a man a man?" However, my 7 year old was convinced that armpit hair would make him a man, until of course, my mother pointed out that she had armpit hair. He was devastated! What? How could a grandmother have armpit hair...that isn't MANLY! That's just gross!

Secretly, though, his heart's desire is to have just a few sprigs to jump-start his "manhood". While I was making his breakfast yesterday morning, he was complaining about his armpits. My first thought was towards something like lymph-nodes or swollen glands and asked him with concern what it felt like. He responded in his most serious and deepest sounding voice, "Yeah, I think I'm growing some hair there" as he sauntered off with his best John Wayne gape towards the kitchen table. Oh, dear, next month, he'll want to start shaving his beard!

Don't Drink the Koolaid!

Obama The Antichrist? Hmm....
Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

Are these the end times? Judeo-Christian Scripture tells us there will be signs and wonders at the end of the age, but I'm not sure the Bible had hard core politics in mind.

Some may be shocked at the title I have given this piece. To be honest, it took me about ten seconds to decide whether asking the ultimate question would violate some kind of Christian ethic. Let's just say I wrote this column with my tongue almost firmly planted in cheek.

The truth is, during the last six months, I have been searching for a rationale to describe the phenomenon concerning the meteoric political rise of Barack Hussein Obama. I have heard Republicans say they could vote for the junior Senator from Illinois in the November presidential election. I have witnessed the veritable dismantling of the Clinton political machine by a man who does not have the experience of most serving in the U.S. Congress. I have heard of women swooning just by being in Obama's presence and, quite frankly, I don't get it. I won't even admit Obama gives a good impression of the late Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., as some people swear he does.

It's as if a significant portion of the American public is under some sort of ungodly spell when it comes to Obama and someone needs to give me a good explanation for it. There is one thing I do know and that is Obama's popularity is similar to the cult of personality which surrounded a number of past leaders, many of whom were not exactly perfect citizens of the world. But I'm not going to go there. Let's stick with some striking comparisons given to us in Scripture.
The antichrist is mentioned in 1 John 2:18-19, 1 John 2:22-23, 1 John 4:2-3 and 2 John 1:7. Without going into the darker meaning of the antichrist's existence, for a moment let us talk about how he will come to power. Judeo-Christian teachings tell us the antichrist is a man who will have unbelievable charisma. This man of perdition will claim he is an emissary of peace and hope. The entire world will buy into his lies and deception. The antichrist will be given great spiritual powers by dark forces. However, he will also be given great political power by men who see him as a type of secular messiah. Eventually, the antichrist will reveal his true nature--after he has assumed authority over the entire world--and it will take God's intervention alone to defeat him.

Scripture goes one step further by saying, even those who know the truth will have the potential to be deceived by the antichrist--and some will. Now many will scoff at my commentary, saying I'm just another goofy Christian, playing out some sort of forecast of spiritual gloom and doom at the expense of a great man.

That's just it. Though a lot more would have to happen before I would truly believe Sen. Obama was a key player on the road to Armageddon, the nay-sayers would still have to "show me" even though I don't hail from Missouri.

Obama talks about bringing our nation together, but he doesn't explain how he would accomplish this lofty goal. For example, those who support abortion rights believe women should have access to this procedure upon demand. In contrast, people like myself actually believe the taking of an innocent unborn child's life is murder--or something very close to it. Indeed, Obama seems to be the person least qualified to bring unity over this subject because he and Hillary Rodham Clinton were arguing about which one of them would allow the killing of more unborn children.

Obama would grant "amnesty" or "a path to citizenship" to over 12 million who are in this nation illegally. Meanwhile, over 75% of Americans are against such a plan and want our nation's borders with Mexico secured. The Senator from Illinois has lofty aspirations regarding health care that would cost American taxpayers billions of dollars. Most Americans oppose any tax hike. Therefore, such a plan would be impossible to implement.

The litany goes on and on. Obama offers hope and change, change and hope, but, in reality, the political atmosphere in the United States says something completely different. There would be "hope" if only all Americans would agree with the practice of abortion. Will we finally experience change when a vast number of U.S. citizens say there should be no border with Mexico? Will we all come together, if we simply create dialogue with people who have sworn to kill us, like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as Obama suggests?

These are some of the reasons why I have made the Obama antichrist analogy. It would take some sort of mesmerism to get me to believe that killing babies in the womb is a Constitutional right. But I don't think that is the way the antichrist will operate. Those who fall under his spell won't think about such subjects; the world will simply look at an aura which exists around an individual, but the aura will have no substance. There will be light, but no heat. There will be mass, but no form. The message will have a spiritual resonance, but be lacking in spiritual quality.

Doesn't this describe Barack Hussein Obama to the nth degree? No, I don't really think Obama is Satan's main man on the planet Earth. But until someone gives me a reasonable explanation for his popularity, I'm going to leave the door to this thought open, just a crack. Even if I am wrong, at least this will let some light shine through.
Author's Note: For more on the subject, go to: http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/03/christians-need.html

Praises to My King

My eyes are on You...

God of my Days

King of my Nights

Lord of my laughter

Sovereign in Sorrow

The Prince of my praise

The love of my life

You never leave me

You are faithful!

God of my Days

My eyes are on You...

Thank you for keeping your eyes on me and never letting go

I have nothing of worth to give You but myself...

Like you spilled your blood; I spill my heart

As an offering to my King....

Here I am, take me, as an offering

Here I am, giving every heart beat for Your Glory

Take me...

I love you, Precious one!

Oprah...The Antichrist?

It's interesting how subtle and clever the deceiver is in counterfeiting Christ. Oprah Winfrey now has a new "church" called the New Earth. Apparently, it's supposed to bring the world closer by unifying us spiritually and calling God whatever one chooses. "All path's lead to God", "You are the light; therefore, God", "There is no sin", "Heaven isn't a place...don't concern yourself with it". Unfortunately, this doctrine is nothing new. In researching the New Age Movement, everything the New Earth stands for mimics this philosophy. It appeals to the egos of individuals leading them to think that that they are God and can enhance their lives through their own person. If this is thought through, it becomes quickly apparent that this is impossible. We are born, grow up, live awhile on planet earth and die. Humans are finite. We can never be God. Since I am an imperfect, fallible and a mortal human being (using only 8% of my brain capacity), thinking of myself as God is scary, ridiculous and foolishly narcissistic.

Through my spiritual journey, I have studied other religions and philosophies. I came to realize that the ONLY truth is the Holy Bible. No other "religion" has a savior who died for our sins, and through grace, not works, a person is saved. Romans 1:19-21 contains the biblical explanation for why there are so many religions: "...what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” The meaning of these Scriptures is clear. The truth of God is clearly seen and known by every human being because God has made it so. Instead of accepting the truth about God and submitting to it, most human beings reject it and seek their own way to understand God instead. But this leads not to enlightenment regarding God, but to futility of thinking. Here is where we find the basis of the “many religions.” Many people do not want to believe in a God that demands righteousness and morality, so they invent a God who makes no such requirements. Many people do not want to believe in a God that declares it impossible for a person to earn his/her own way to heaven by his/her own good deeds. So they invent a God who accepts people into heaven if they have completed certain steps, followed certain rules, and/or obeyed certain laws. Many people do not want a relationship with a God who is sovereign and omnipotent.

The decision to embrace the truth about God is an important one for a simple reason: eternity is an awfully long time to be wrong. This is why right thinking about God is so critical. My suggestion to Oprah's followers is to ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize a counterfeit philosophy. Jesus warned us that “false Christs and false prophets” will come and will attempt to deceive even God’s elect (Matthew 24:23-27; see also 2 Peter 3:3 and Jude 17-18). To best guard yourself against falsehood and false teachers - know the truth. To spot a counterfeit, study the real thing. Any believer who is, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), and who makes a careful study of the Bible, can identify false doctrine. For example, a believer who has read the activities of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Matthew 3:16-17 will immediately question any doctrine that denies the Trinity. Therefore, “step one” is to study the Bible and judge all teaching by what the scripture says. Jesus said “a tree is known by his fruit” (Matthew 12:33). When looking for “fruit,” here are three specific tests to apply to any teacher to determine the accuracy of his or her teaching: What does the teacher say about Jesus? Does this teacher preach the gospel? Does this teacher exhibit character qualities that glorify the Lord? For further study, review those books of the Bible that were written specifically to combat false teaching within the church: Galatians, 2 Peter, 2 John, and Jude. It is often difficult to spot a false teacher / false prophet. That is what a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” is all about. Satan and his demons masquerade as “angels of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14), and his ministers masquerade as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15). Only by being thoroughly familiar with the truth will we be able to recognize a counterfeit.

Click here to find out more about the counterfeit New Earth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA