Candace's Corner

Memory Walk 2009

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:57:00 +0000

For the past 4 years, I have gladly participated in the annual Memory Walk. This is an effort to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer's Association. As most of you know, this horrible disease claimed my grandmother, and I want to do everything I can to help prevent it in the rest of my family. Please consider making a donation to this great cause. Your money will not be wasted. You can visit my Walker Website .

Thanks for your support!
Candace

Idol Disappointment

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:30:00 +0000

24 Million votes for the very first voting episode?? That is unreal. Ryan Seacrest, Simon Fuller, Simon Cowell and FOX are making an absolute killing with Idol!

That inconceivableness (not a word) aside, I was a little bummed about one of my favorites, Ricky Braddy. 1) He is cute as a button; 2) He appears to be precious; 3) He can flat sing! Yet, he did not get the popular vote. Can we set up some sort of electoral college voting system for AI? :) Here's hoping he will get a wildcard spot....because I just love him!

PS...I love how the only videos on YouTube about Idol that aren't banned are by people who can't spell "perform"!

American Idol - Week 1 Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:01:00 +0000

So, I was not that impressed by last night performances, save 2...

Ricky Braddy and Danny Gokey came to WIN! I have ALWAYS loved Danny from the very start. I must admit however, that I didn't even know who Ricky Braddy was until last night.

Predictions

Guy - Danny Gokey
Girl - Alexis Grace (I was not all that impressed, but it has to be someone)
3rd - Ricky Braddy
Other Possibilities: Anoop Desai or Ann Marie - although neither are worthy based on last night's performances.

Side notes:
- Tatiana Del Toro is a TOTAL whack-job!
- Paula has already started with the medication
- Casey Carlson's performance of Everything Little Thing [He] Does....made me want to literally vomit because I was so uncomfortable

Brent Keith, Stevie Wright, and Stephen Fowler....what were you thinking??

Results tonight!

Commercials Everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Confession - I am a DVR TV watcher. I cannot remember the last time I watched "live TV." I despise commercials (except during the Super Bowl). It's not so much that they are repetitive (even though they are), or asinine (which many are), or irrelevant (K-Mart...in DFW? I think not). What really gets me about commercials is that I feel I must get up and do something productive while they are on (wash dishes, do a load of laundry, etc). They are guilt inducing, so I choose to record the shows I want to watch, so that I can sit down and enjoy them from beginning to end without interruption.

The same theory applies when I sit down to read a book or an article. I want to read what I have chosen to read, without a commercial popping up on the page. Well, that is exactly what happened to me this morning while reading an article on Yahoo! Finance. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/15-Companies-That-Might-Not-usnews-14279875.html

There are 4 completely irrelevant commercials shoved in throughout this article. Given - they are about financial/business -esq things. But seriously! Is there so much information floating around in the world and in cyberspace that we must be constantly inundated with link after link after link, creating a cycle of clicks that leads us from 2009 Bankruptcy forecasts to reducing cellulite?

Be glad that you were able to read this blog post without a commercial interruption...it may not always be that way! :)

How many were there?

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:42:00 +0000

There seems to be some disagreement over how many people actually showed up in Washington DC on the National Mall for this historic inauguration. Was it hundreds of thousands, one million, 1.2 million, 1.8 million, 2 million? I have watched the coverage and seen the pictures, and one thing is clear. The entire nation seemed to be involved in this moment in history. I couldn't even watch it live online because every major news station was overrun with viewers. I was told on CNN's website that I would be placed in line to wait for space to open up.

Crazy!

But, at the same time, exciting. Exciting that so many Americans would be involved in the political process; that so many people would be clinging on every word looking for hope, looking for commitment, looking toward the future.

May God's blessings be upon our Nation, and may we never lose sight that we are His and He is ours. Amen and Hallelujah!

Riley's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:08:00 +0000

So, my stepson Riley turned three years old on Dec. 29th. We had a great time celebrating this past weekend at Jump Extreme, the ultimate bounce house. Usually I am anti-bounce house. It's always very hot and sweaty, and there's lots of yelling. You know how much I enjoy my peace and quiet. :) However, I must say that NiNi (that's what Riley calls me), had a great time! This place was incredible. There were like 8 different jumping things, all spread out in these huge arenas (which cuts down the noise considerably). There were bouncers for toddlers all the way to grown ups. Here are some pics:

The Spiderman Cupcake Extravaganza

Daddy getting stuck down the slide

Hannah taking a break from jumping to pose for a photo op

Devyn flinging himself down the slide

Riley and cousin Callie taking their turn

DO I have to take a break already?

Our guests

More guests

We ALL got stuck in this spot. But I'll not show any of the really incriminating photos!

A Blog About Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:19:00 +0000

So, I am still having fun with the whole blogosphere thing. The only trouble I have is finding the time to write up something. I use Twitter (follow me using the link on the right hand column of this blog), and so am used to the 140 character limitation. However, I OFTEN have more information that I want to share. I just can't seem to find the time!

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to update blogs on the go? Can I do this with my cell phone? It's pretty fancy...I have NO idea what all it is capable of. But I believe that there MUST be a way for me to type up 500 or so characters so that my blog can be more fresh and up-to-date...following my stream of consciousness throughout the day.

Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:03:00 +0000

It's right around the corner. I just want to take this opportunity to say what I am thankful for:

~My salvation, courtesy of Jesus Christ. The fact that He would die, so that I might live with Him for all eternity is staggering. Thank the Lord that He chooses to take the least and use our meager talents for His glory. Thank you!

~My family (my rocks of strength and compassion)

~My friends (in good times and bad, thank you for choosing me)

~My job. I know...I'd rather not have to work at all. But I sure am glad to be somewhere that allows me to spend more time at home, and be creative!

I hope you all find at least one extraordinary miracle to be thankful for....because my life is full of miracles!

Proud Auntie Candace

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:48:00 +0000

There was a day when my nephew Devyn called me "Tauntie" (pronounced tan-tea). Those days are gone and my little boy is growing up. He has turned into a great little football player. Please enjoy the highlights below.

Auntie Candace loves you Devyn!

Let this not be the end of a Nation

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:11:00 +0000

My good friend Mindy Dixon just sent some great words regarding the upcoming election. I would like to share some exerpts:

"We stand on the eve of a defining moment in our country’s existence. This election season offers 2 candidates bearing fundamental differences. We are choosing between excellence and mediocrity. Excellence is defined as the state of excelling or possessing good qualities in high degree. Mediocrity is the ordinariness of something as a consequence of being average and not outstanding. Which do you prefer? I am not insinuating that either candidate’s character is defined either way. I do mean that the policies and philosophies subscribed by each are defined as such. The governing compass of these candidates promotes differing ideologies. Our nation was founded on paramount principles and over time we have lead the world towards freedom and democracy. We should not be working towards blending in with the world, but leading it. Leadership is not always popular or embraced. But men and women of real leadership stand out and up for their convictions and commitments.

Personal Responsibility. The policies of the left offer crutches and band-aids for mistakes and bad judgement. Their desire is to inject government regulation and involvement in every area because their confidence in the American citizen is low and degrading.

Strength. Our military’s purpose is freedom: from England, from slave owners, from Nazis, and now from radical terrorists. We are living in times that require experience and wisdom to command our military. Our situation is too delicate and our position too important to elect someone that has neither experience at boot camp or full support of those that do.

Every one of us has a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I do not want it to be taken away under the guise of political correctness, socialization, and redistribution of wealth.

We have about 2 weeks left before this decision is final. Our conversations and convictions can open opportunities to help others understand this is more than a popularity contest. Our future is at risk."

Thanks Mindy. Remember, leadership doesn't mold, it SETS the mold. We must be in the world, but not of it!

The Lost Pencil

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Let me start by saying that I am a real fan of the mechanical pencil. But recently others have gone so far as to mock the traditional pencil. Sure...it may not sharpen itself, and the eraser may wear down before the "lead" runs out...but it is still a useful tool. There is certainly no reason for cruelty toward the pencil.

Let's trace back the root of the pencil, shall we?? Sometime before 1565 a large deposit of graphite was discovered in England. The locals found that it was great for marking sheep. It could also be sawed into sticks. The value of graphite was soon realized to be enormous, and graphite had to be smuggled out for use in pencils. Graphite sticks were at first wrapped in string or in sheepskin for stability. The news of the usefulness of these early pencils spread far and wide, attracting the attentions of artists all over the "known world."

Pencil "lead" is graphite (carbon) and not the chemical element lead. Residual graphite from a pencil stick is not poisonous, and graphite is harmless if consumed.

So, while that information provides some fun facts, it is true that there are some problems with standard graphite and wood pencils. You have to sharpen them. No body likes to twist forever attempting to achieve the perfect point. But that's why we made a game of it. Remember...who can get the longest unbroken pencil shaving?!?! That is just good, clean fun.

Instead of mocking low-tech, let's remember how simple life used to be in the day of the #2 pencil. Sub-prime mortgages barely existed, the stock market was as confusing as it is today, but it certainly didn't make headline news. Life was pure. SO, maybe that's a stretch, but you see my point. Enjoy the gains of technological advancement, but honor the past!

The Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:17:00 +0000

Just from the title, you're probably thinking...isn't it a little early for a blog of this type?? My point, exactly! Why is it that Halloween somehow ushers in the entire "Holiday Season?"

Halloween is all about dressing up in completely inappropriate clothing and eating candy. From there...we go to Thanksgiving. Traditionally a time of Turkey and Football, where we aren't so concerned about the roots of the holiday, but the modern excuse for stuffing your face and falling asleep in a recliner. Then, there is Christmas...the ultimate holiday meant to honor the birth of our Lord, Savior, and Soon Coming King. However, now it's more about a giant meal and materialism.

It's interesting that ghosts and goblins flow right into snowflakes and age-old jingles. The only thing these three individual holidays have in common is FOOD! Yet, we have found a way to make an entire season out of three unique holidays!

I just hope I can stomach 3 months of Seasonal music, seasonal decorations, and heaven forbid...Seasonal Clothing!

Dream Analysis

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:12:00 +0000

So, it has been a very strange week in the dream world. And apparently it isn't just me! My friends have been telling me about their weird dreams as well. Is it the food we eat before we go to bed? Is it the stuff we have on our mind come bedtime? Let's explore:

Recently a friend of mind had a whopper of a dream. Let's call her Susie. Susie was on a ship with another friend (let's call her Sassy). Sassy had a newborn baby with her. Sassy and the baby jumped into the water outside the ship. Suddenly a whale (which turned out to be a killer whale) started coming toward Sassy and the baby. Susie meanwhile was screaming to Sassy to throw her the baby. Instead of throwing the baby toward the ship, she threw it on the other side of the ship in the water. Susie jumps out of the ship and starts swimming toward the baby. Meanwhile the whale proceeds to eat Sassy. Before Susie can reach the baby, the whale swims over and eats the baby too.

Now water generally symbolizes the spirit. Since so much drama is going on in the water, we can only assume that their spirits are troubled. It's also interesting that a whale ate Sassy and the baby. A whale generally represents an enormous project at work that is overwhelming. Note that Susie (who had the dream) isn't the one to get eaten by the whale, but rather the people she cares about (Sassy) and the innocent (the baby). Perhaps her current project load is tearing her away from the those she needs to devote her time to. Of course, on the other hand...it could all just be the Mexican food and Tequila she consumed that weekend. :)

Now mine...once again I dreamed that a tooth or teeth is/are falling out of my head. This one happens a lot, always with some twists. In the past, I have had a whole mouthful of teeth fall out while I'm speaking to someone. Gross! Last night was a smidge different. It was only one tooth...and there was a visitor in my dream who I haven't spoken to since I was a sophomore in college. Now of course, dreams about losing teeth generally signify a secret you are holding onto, or bad words spoken against someone (and it's coming back to haunt you). In my case, I have no real secrets, so I can only guess, that I need to start choosing my words and expressing my opinions more discretely and carefully. Given that the visitor in my dream was someone I cared for in the past, but wasn't a friend to when needed most, is most likely meant to remind me that all our actions make a difference. Our words and our actions are our testimony. No matter the circumstance, we must always be mindful of the consequences of this testimony.

Will it never end?

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:33:00 +0000

If you've flown for business lately, you have probably been stressed over several different factors that are unfortunately out of your control.
--Flight Delays
--"Mechanical" difficulties
--Crew absences
--Lost baggage (for those of you who opted to pay the $15 fee to check a
bag..congrats on getting your money's worth)
--Despicable customer service

None of these things seem to be getting better as airlines thrash around like fish out of water attempting to salvage their business. Now given, I do feel bad about the state of the industry. The success or failure of airline travel directly effects our nation's economy. What is so disturbing is that once again the airlines try to put a band-aid on something instead of focusing on their core values to lead them through difficult times.

Airline travel is not a retail store...it is a SERVICE. So what happened to the service? The agents and crew who were excited to be a part of the airline, who cared about their passengers, and who felt empowered to go the extra mile have been furloughed, and we are left with the most senior employees who have "seen better days" and "knew what it was like when legacy carriers were king".

In tight times like these, airlines should be spending ALL additional resources to please their customer, because without them, there is no reason to provide any service (good or otherwise).

Ironic

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:48:00 +0000

So, as most of you know, I have worked for the American Airlines AAdvantage department for 8 years. I recently left American in search of less stress and more input. You can imagine in a company that employees over 10,000 people, your voice is not often heard. This used to not be the case in the AAdvantage department. We were different. We were sought after. Everyone wanted to join AAdvantage Marketing. Those days are sadly over. No longer did we collaborate with other teams, or come up with innovative promotions. No longer did we set the standard for loyatly programs. We simply went along with flow, responded to other bonus offers, and moved all resources to the airline's bottom line. Expenses...no more! Fees...MORE, MORE, MORE!

Now, I am employeed by AccuConference (a tele/web/video conferencing company). This is the irony:

Where once the message was Fly, Fly, Fly. Now the message is save your money and call into your meetings instead.

Where once the message is "We Know Why You Fly(R)". Now the message is "We know why you don't".

Where once the message was "The fees aren't that bad, it's the wave of the future." Now the message is "We have no fees. This is the wave of the future."

It's quite a different world, for sure. We actually took a vote on something yesterday. The entire office got to have a say. What is THAT about?? That is the future.

Social Media

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:28:00 +0000

So, this is the day and age of social media in marketing. Social media is deemed as a user friendly, not threatening marketing tool to reach "the everyday person". I would agree with this statement. However, I think most companies misuse this marketing vehicle. People playing or chatting via Facebook or MySpace don't want to be inundated with ads or marketing ploys. They want real life applications, not a sales pitch. Trying to find the balance between marketing and relationship is a tricky one. Spending money on an ad in one of these social media vehicles is a waste of time. Instead, develop a widget or an application that engages the user and makes them want to find more information about your company.

Let's see...for AA, I should be able to play a trivia game that allows me to earn fake "miles" to plan my dream vacation. I could invite my friends to come along. We could do environmentally friendly challenges to earn money, which we would inturn spend at the AAdvantage eShopping mall and earn miles. How much fun (an non-threatening) would that be?? It would encourage a relationship atmosphere, and also educate the user about ways to earn and redeem miles.

Just a thought....

Texas Our Texas

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:17:00 +0000

I am 'awful' proud to call myself a Texan (even though I wasn't born here). I figure that since I can sing the state song, protect the state flower like it were my own child, and relate to all of the following...that makes me true blue! Who out there can understand?? :)

Things I learned living in Texas.

1. A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road.

2. There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 of them live in Texas.

3. There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 of them live in Texas, plus a couple no one's seen before.

4. If it grows, it'll stick ya. If it crawls, it'll bite cha.

5. 'Onced' and 'Twiced' are words.

6. 'Jaw-P?' means 'Did y'all go to the bathroom?'

7. 'Fixinto' is one word.

8. There is no such thing as 'lunch'. There is only dinner and then there is supper.

9. Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're two. We do like a little tea with our sugar.

10. Backwards and forwards means 'I know everything about you.'

11. The word 'jeet' is actually a phrase meaning 'Did you eat?'

12. You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH EM.

13. 'No. Jew?' is a common response to the question 'Did you bring any beer?'

14. You measure distance in minutes.

15. You switch from heat to A/C in the same day.

16. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.

17. You carry jumper cables in your car --- for your OWN car.

18. You only own five spices: salt, pepper, TexJoy, Tabasco and Ketchup.

19. The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local high school sports and motor sports, and gossip.

20. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.

21. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit 'a bit warm'.

22. You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.

23. Going to Wal-Mart is a favorite past time know as 'goin' Wal-Martin' or 'off to Wally World'.

24. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good chili weather.

25. Fried catfish is the other white meat.

Consistent Stranger

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:39:00 +0000

For those of you who may or may not know, I ride the train into work each day. I live 50 miles away from work, so this is clearly the cheapest alternative for me. Everyday, I generally see the same people with a few new ones thrown in the mix. I figure there are about 10 new faces for every cent that gas prices increase!

Today, I was sitting with a group of folks who have been riding for quite some time. We were commenting on how you have the "regulars" and the "tourists". Occasionally, there will be some kind of function that facilitates these "tourists" on the train. The trains are absolutely packed these days. This morning, it was standing room only. Our group was discussing how we're going to have to start implementing preferred seating for the regulars...because these "tourists" are strangers. We've never seen them before. We've been riding the train forever and always sit in the same place. :) Then, the guy seated with our little group, said...I guess we are all really strangers, but at least we are consistent strangers! I thought that was a great description for us. We see the same people everyday, but we are still strangers. I don't know the names of the people I sat with this morning, even though we chatted practically the whole ride. We may be strangers, but at least we are consistent. How many consistent strangers do you have in your life?

Summertime

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:05:00 +0000

Summer is here! Of course, for someone in the corporate world, this doesn't mean a whole lot. It certainly doesn't mean vacation. Quite the opposite...in my world it means peak travel season, more people on less flights. This of course equates to fewer standby opportunities, thus probably no vacation for my family. My niece and nephew though are off with Grammy and Poppy to enjoy a summer of road trips and fun. My brother and I used to travel with our grandparents every summer. Those are some of my most wonderful memories. I have to admit that I am just a tad jealous that the mantle has now been passed to the next generation. I certainly enjoy having responsibility and seeing the fruits of my labor...but oh to be 8 years old again. That just might be just what the doctor ordered. I propose we have an 8 year old day once a year. Work could be cancelled for the day and we could instead go swimming, eat hot dogs, set things on fire....oh wait, I think they call that the Fourth of July. Thank goodness...that is right around the corner!

Allergies

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 21:17:00 +0000

What are these strange things that doctors refer to as allergies? I think they develop whenever something you come in contact with doesn't agree with your body. Then I resolve that I am the most disagreeable person in the world. I am "allergic" to everything. Mind you, this has not always been the way. When I was a child I never had ANY allergies. So I guess, the older I get, the surlier I get. And the surlier I become, the more allergies I develop. Please, someone...anyone explain this phenomenon to me!

Christmas Time is Here Again

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:01:00 +0000

Every year around this time, I am reminded of the true meaning of the season. Love, sacrifice, God's grace, giving. I know you must be impressed that I even remember the truth about Christmas. After all the commercialism that the holiday now evokes, how is it possible for anyone to even have the first clue about Christ's love and birth?? I am as guilty as everyone else...I develop and implement plenty of "holiday" messaging focused on retail extravaganzas. It's sad when Christmas is reduced to snowflakes and clearance sales. Isn't there someway to incorporate the ultimate gift of love into our marketing messages? Are we so concerned that our companies will be labeled as religious, non-PC, right wing, or God forbid...compassionate?!?! Why can't we take one month out of the year to give back, instead of throwing useless merchandise down people's throats...or worse yet, using emotionalism to convince the general public to buy something that don't need, or take a flight they can't afford.

Christmas is a time to reflect on all that we have been blessed with through the year, show those we love how much we truly care, and reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves...the way Christ reached out to our sinful world 2000 years ago.

Merry Christmas

Travels

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

I thought I would take some time to share some of my Honeymoon trip with all of you. It was a great trip. We cruised for 7 days with stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Dominica, Antigua, Barbados, and St. Lucia. It was an incredible trip. This is a shot of St. John (off St. Thomas). This was Russell's first snorkeling experience.

This is a photo of the beautiful waterfalls that we saw during our tour of Dominica. I thought I might pass out and die hiking there (remember the Bachelorette foot incident - see archives if need be). But the reward was worth it...just gorgeous!

This next picure was taken in St. Lucia. This stop was astounding to me. I was ablsolutely horrified and humbles by the juxtaposition of the poor parts of this island against the beauty of its natural state. How amazing that such a beautiful place can also be so ugly. Full of kind people who live in poverty...sell anything and everything they can to the tourists, wash their clothes in the same river that they bathe in. It's all so surreal.

Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:43:00 +0000

Well, it's official...I'm Mrs. Carter. I have to admit that I never thought it would happen, but alas, I'm sunk. I have taken the plunge, and couldn't be happier. I certainly agree that some are meant to always be single. Look at the Apostle Paul. He was single his whole life...and not because he wasn't a catch. What a wonderful impact he had during his time, and continues to have today. But then there are others of us with a different calling. One to be half of a whole. I pray that this day's happiness is just a taste of the joy to come in spending my life with another.

God bless.

Bachelorette Party - Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:36:00 +0000

What happens in Vegas...can't always stay in Vegas! :)

So my girls, whom I love, decided to take me to Las Vegas to celebrate my last days of singledom. We had a wonderful time! It's amazing how people treat you when you are with a bunch of girls, in matching shirts and boas, skipping down the strip having fun! Well after a great time at the Tangerine (a club that smells like oranges), we headed toward our next stop (which shall remain nameless). We were skipping across the street, and the next thing I know I go flying toward the pavement. Dear Lord in heaven...talk about some pain. My girls hailed a cab that we all squeezed into and rode half a block to the entrance of our hotel. Then my wonderful friend Lauren had to practically promise her first born to get them to give us a wheelchair to carry my sorry self up to the room...crying and covered in dirt all the way! :) According to the doc I will still be in a boot on the wedding day and through the honeymoon. Why must I be so clumsy!!!!

What happens in Vegas IS staying in Vegas, 'cause that is my last trip! :)

How do you know God is real?

noreply@blogger.com (CRCTexas) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:42:00 +0000

The Atheist Alliance Convention was held this weekend in Washington D.C. with a sell-out crowd (and over 600 on the wait-list). This kind of response poses the question...when did it become trendy to deny the existence of God? People used to be classified by the type of church they attended. You have your "once saved, always saved" Baptists, your "Holy Rolling" Pentecostals, your "Moderate" Methodists, and your "Legalistic" Catholics. Now, it seems there is no longer the automatic assumption that you attend church or believe in God, but rather Do you believe in Him?

Describing the existence of God to friends or co-workers used to be easy. It simply involved telling them that it was easier and safer to believe than not to. See, if you're right about there being no God, and I'm wrong...then at least I have lived a good life, been kind and loved others. If I'm right and your wrong...then you go to Hell, while I live an eternity in Heaven. Things are no longer that simple. People are much more scientific in their logic, and they need irrefutable evidence and proof of His existence. Why is that? What happened to our child-like faith and innocence. What is it that makes a child rush off to try anything, no matter the consequences? It's their faith that someone will be there to catch them if they fall. They don't know that's how it will be, but they believe.

I see people who don't believe in the existence of God and I feel sorry for them. Without my faith, I would have no calling or purpose. And without that, why get up in the morning? Why go to a job that is unrewarding, and lacking true passion? Why would I go out of my way to help my brother if there wasn't a still small voice inside guiding me towards good and purity. I know God is real because of my want to do good things. I know God is real because I feel His comfort when I am sad. I know God is real because He has healed my illnesses time and time again. I see His power in the wind, the rain, all of creation. I know He is real because I am created in His likeness, full of His grace and love. I know He is real because if He were not, I would be insignificant. And frankly, we are all far from insignificant.