Jo Jo's Thoughts

New year, new goals :)

2011-01-04T23:44:00.000-06:00

One of my goals for this year is to be a better blogger, so I'm going to start now. For the people that know me, I knit and crochet a lot. This year I am doing a few crochet-alongs on ravelry. Here are a few pics of what I have done:

The top pic is

Enough Love to Go Around by Penny Davidson

and the bottom pic is

Maggies Square by Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude

I'll have a few more in a few days and I plan to try and do some designing of my own this year, with patterns. I've done some, but I'm not good woth writing the patterns out.

They Were Single Too: A book review

2010-04-01T10:01:00.000-05:00

Being a single Christian adult I have been trying to find material that relates to me yet has a biblical foundation. I finally found one book (so far) that is what I need it. It's David M Hoffeditz book They Were Single Too: 8 Biblical Role Models. It's a book about single adults, for single adults, from a single adult and goes through the marital situations of Paul, Ruth, Anna, John the Baptist, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, Martha and Joseph. Though not all of these people were single for their whole entire adult life, the Bible tells us about some of the situations that they found themselves in as a single adult. For instance, Joseph fleeing Potipher's wife when she tried to seduce him and the challenges that ensued, the loneliness of Jeremiah and his calling as a prophet and how Ruth, being widowed after ten years of marriage, stayed with her bitter mother in law and returned to Israel. In the cases of all eight people, the author gives the challenges and warnings that we can see and overcome from knowing about them. Though I do not agree with all of what Mr Hoffeditz says about marriage (he does not give the most favorable view, in my opinion, in the first chapter) it is a good resource for the young single christian adult who is looking for his/her place in the ministry of the Church where married couples seem to rule. Definately a must read for us Singles.

My day in the country

2010-03-16T22:16:00.000-05:00

Today was an interesting day for me. My sister, her four kids, a friend of hers with eight of her thirteen children and I went to the Amish stores near where my BIL preaches. Believe it or not, we all fit into one vehicle. My sister's friend has a bus that they are in the process of converting to an RV style vehicle. The really neat thing about this vehicle is that there are seats in it that have the seat belts for the smaller children (including those who still use booster-we could get the boosters put in because of the seat belts). I love going to the Amish stores in the area. There is something homey and old fashioned about them. They fit me perfectly. I have often said that I was born in the wrong century and the pace of a "simple" life is more my style than the busy "everyone out for themselves" way of the city. The town that they Amish live near, Curryville, is a town that when you're driving through it, if you blink, it's gone. The "laid back, let's help out our neighbors" attitude that these people have is refreshing to me.
Anyway, back to what I was going to write, the family that we went with are a homeschooling family that lives in the same city as us and belongs to the same homeschooling group as my sister. They believe along the same path as we do and don't think that it's strange that not only does my sister and her girls wear only skirts and dresses (I do when I don't work, but where I work that's not the most modest selection of clothing). When the fifteen of us went into Walmart, we not only recieved many raised eyebrows, but believe it or not, people were more curtious to us that what they are when I'm shopping alone. I don't know if that has anything to do with the fact that there were twelve children and only three adults, the fact that we (the women and girls) were not dressed like modern women in fairly revealing clothes, or the fact that we were still in the country. Any way, it was nice to have men act like a gentleman instead of letting a women do everything for herself.
SIDE BAR: yes I can do for myself everything that I need, but it is nice to have someone be nice and pick up a jar of mayonaise that your niece dropped, or open a door for you. SIDE BAR OVER
It was a very refreshing day for me though we were out all day long. Just having some other people that we can talk to and not be labled as crazy is a good thing.

2010-03-15T03:47:00.000-05:00

I finally decided to branch out of my comfort zone with my crocheting. Even though I have crocheted for 15+ years, and knitting for only a year and a half, my knitting has been where I have been adventuresome. With knitting, I have already started to design a few patterns and quickly progressed from a beginner knowing nothing about knitting except what yarn and knitting needles were to working fair aisle knitting as well as fingerless mitts with a pattern that is at least an intermediate if not experienced level. I have not done much of that with my crocheting. When I'm looking at a pattern that calls for a hook instead of a set of needles on an intermediate level I can just feel the frustration starting, and I haven't even picked out the yarn yet. I have made up my mind that I'm no longer going to let that bother me. If I like the pattern and I think that I have a fair chance of doing it I'm going to try it. I have also decided that I'm going to start doing something that I have been wanting to do for a few years now. I'm going to start designing granny squares. Nothing fancy, at least not right not, just some simple patterns that look nice. Grannies are my "bread and butter" of crocheting so to speak. They are the fall back "I need a (something) and I need it by tomorrow" plan. I love them because the basic granny is simple and fast, yet when it is done right with the right type of edging, they look beautiful. Most all of my afghans have been made with basic grannies and I want to branch out from that and make my own types of squares. I have been inspired by the different patterns that I have been seeing on the internet and thought to myself "I think I could do this" and I have started it! I've come up with patterns for about four different squares, though I only have one of the patterns typed up. I plan on making step by step instructions with pictures for at least one of the squares in the near future, though I am posting a few pics here today. I'm just proud of myself for not letting my fear of my lack of artistic ability stop me from making something that I know I can do. Yay to facing my fears and overcoming them even in something that may be trival to the rest of the world!
I haven't named this square yet. This is a 6" square that I made with Red Heart Super Saver yarn I had laying around somewhere (I have yarn everyplace you can think of).

This one I have named "I'm not your Granny" Square. For some reason I've always thought that if I ever designed a granny I'd have to name it that. I guess it's the irony of the name and my actual age.

This is a scarf that I made from the basic granny square pattern and just trimmed it with a round of single crochet to not only hid all the hideous ends, but to pull the colors and the style of the scarf all together making it look much neater than what it is without the edging.

This scarf is an example of what I mean when I say that even a basic granny can look nice with the right color combo and edgings.
I'll have to find my copy of the patterns for the two grannies and see if I can type them out with step by step pics.

Good to know you're loved

2010-03-09T22:27:00.000-06:00

Have you ever noticed that when you are not the parent of a child, but a beloved adult to said child, when you don't see them for a while they stick to your side when you eventually do? My sister has four children ranging in age from 7-3, yes they are stepping stones (or multiples :D). Her younger daughter and I have a bond that was formed when her brother was born. My niece at the time was only ten months old when my sister gave birth to her brother and sister ten weeks early (my youngest niece blessed us with her presence for only ten days before she walked with God). During this time I took a few weeks off of work so that my sister and her husband could spend as much time as they could with their daughter who was dying, and be there for their son who was also in the NICU. My niece was still on the bottle and still unable to do much for herself because of her age. My older niece and nephew were four at the time and able to even help me out a bit when I was watching over them. For three weeks I fed, comforted, played with and loved not only her, but my older niece and nephew too. Ever since then she has wanted to be with me whenever I was around, and only wanting to go to someone else if she didn't like me telling her no about something. Recently I had not seen my sister and her children mainly because of my work schedule so on my day off last week I called my sister up and asked her and the kids to go to a store with me. My sis had an errand to run so we made a deal that she'd come with me if I'd go with her. When the five of us arrived at the first store (my requested store) my four year old niece aske me "Aunt Jo Jo, will you push me in a cart?" Now how could I deny that? I naturally had her in the cart I was using. The cutest part of this though was not that she wanted to be near me, but that she wanted her sister right by her to hold her hand. My seven year old niece was kind enough to oblige her and hold her hand through the store. We left that store to go to the grocery store my sister needed to stop at. When we were getting the kids out of the car my niece once again asked me to push the cart that she was in and let her mommy push the cart her brother was in. We got the young ones into the cart and took all five of us into the store. While we were walking to the doors of the store my niece asked me one more question where I just could not deny the request. She put her head on my shoulder and asked me to snuggle with her. How cute can she get? It is so good to know you are loved.

My crafting.

2010-02-22T09:43:00.001-06:00

It's been two and a half months since my last post, but I have been a busy lady. I have been working on my crafting and been busy with learning how to do coupons and helping to build up the food pantry at our church. I have finished some new projects from my knitting. I haven't crocheted much, but I have a friend who is pregnant and I found a project that I think would be great for her baby.

I just finished this hat. The pattern was found in a recent copy of Interweave knits. I did this to learn how to work with many colors. The mits, I found on the internet and everyone who saw them just loved them. The doily was a pattern that I came up with ~ without even doing a doily before and the blankets, two of them are doll blankets and the last was made for a friend who needed some comfort.

The Legend of the Candy Cane

2009-12-05T22:39:00.000-06:00

I love legends about the holidays and although I know that they may not be true, there can still be truth found in them. The Legend of the Candy Cane is no different. Though this legend may not be true, the meaning that it gives to the candy cane is a great reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. Here’s how the legend goes:

Many years ago a candy maker in Indiana decided to make a testimony for Jesus in one of his candies. He took a sugar stick and bent it so one way it would look like a shepherds hook, since God is our shepherd (Ps 23:1, Jn 10:1-18; Is 40:11; Jer 31:10; Micah 5:4; Heb 13:20). When you turn it the other way it looks like a J for Jesus. The base white color of the candy cane symbolizes the virgin birth and also shows the sinless life of our savior. The three small red stripes are for the scourging that Jesus suffered on our behalf (53:5; Mt 27:32-50) and the large red stripe is for his bloodshed on the cross. The flavor is like the hyssop from Biblical times which was used for purification (Ex 12:22, 24:6-8; Lev 14:4, 49-52). The hardness shows how Jesus is our refuge, protection and strength (Deu 32:4, 15, 18; 1 Sam 2:2; 2 Sam 22:32, 47; 23:3; Psa 18:2, 31; 28:1; 92:15; 94:22; 95:1; Is 44:8).

The candy cane as a whole can show us the truth about Christ as a savior regardless of how the modern day candy cane came into being.

Look at the Candy Cane

What do you see?

Stripes that are red

Like the blood shed for me

White is for my Savior

Who's sinless and pure!

"J" is for Jesus, My Lord, that's for sure!

Turn it around

And a staff you will see

Jesus my shepherd

Was born for Me!

From the website: http://home.att.net/~scorh3/CandyCane.html

For further information see the following sites:

http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1266.html

http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-stories/legend-of-candy-cane.html

http://our.homewithgod.com/mkcathy/MerryChristmas/legend.html

http://www.spiritisup.com/canetree

http://www.holidaydecorations.com/Candy-Canes.html

http://www.stcharleschristmas.com/candycane.htm

http://www.homeschooled-kids.com/candycanelegend.html

Tradition of The Advent Season

2009-12-03T17:47:00.000-06:00

We are now in the season of Advent, or the celebration of the Messiah’s coming. This is one of my favorite times of year though I did not start to celebrate Advent until about six years ago when I moved from Virginia to Missouri. The church I go to here celebrates Advent when all of the churches that I had previously attended did not. I have done some research on Advent and found out that although this is primarily a Catholic tradition, many protestant churches (like mine) celebrate it too. We celebrate Advent from the last Sunday in November to Christmas Eve and every Sunday, a candle is lit on a wreath that represents hope, joy, peace, love and Christ. This past Sunday was the Sunday of hope: The hope of the coming Messiah and the hope of the second coming of Christ.

Traditionally, Advent was not seen just as a celebration time, but as a time similar to lent when people spent time in prayer and supplication for forgiveness of sins (see the book Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins). It was also a time where new believers prepared themselves for their baptism. The candles that are lit all mean different things to different denominations, but are traditionally three purple or blue candles, one rose or red candle and a large white candle. Our church celebrates the meanings of Hope, peace, love and joy for the four tapered candle, however some other meanings are the Bible, the wise men, John the Baptist, Mary and prophecy among others. The large white candle always represents Christ.

Another tradition that happens during the Advent season is an Advent calendars. These are made up of different pictures that show the meaning of the Advent season (although there are secular calendars too). Every day from December 1 to Christmas Eve, another picture is shown. When the calendar is fully finished, it is Christmas.

The tradition of Advent may be relatively new to me, but it is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the birth of our Christ. The four weeks prior to Christmas can help us see not only who Christ is and how he came, but the purpose of His life and the hope of the future that we have in Him that Jeremiah talks about.

For further references on Advent and the meanings behind the traditions see the following sites:

http://www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html

http://www.spirithome.com/advent.html

http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/adx/adwreath.html

http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/christmas/features/advent.html

And the book Stories Behind the Greatest Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins (Zondervan Publishing)

The offical start to Christmas

2009-11-29T20:22:00.002-06:00

The holiday season has officially started and if Friday is any indication of Advent then I’m not ready for it. I love Christmas and in the last few years with celebrating Advent with my church family I have something to look forward to every December. Working retail is the only crimp in the plan with me. I have been working retail for twelve years and this last Friday was the worst one that I have seen, even the ones before the recession. I don’t know if it was the fact that most stores now are going to have killer deals to draw in the crowds, or if people just don’t really care if they have the money and charge everything. I’m not in a place to be able to see who has money and who does not, but I do see people greedily running to and fighting for what they want for their family. It saddens me and makes my heart sick to see it. This time of year is about family, friends and love, compassion, kindness in the extreme yet people would rather give material things than eternal things. I know the history of Christmas has not always been a calm affair. In fact, at one point Christmas was used to ridicule people and faith. It had been like the modern day Halloween. In two hundred years it has come almost full circle back to being a farce, a false display of something sacred. It is too commercial still, even in these hard times.

I cannot say though that I am totally immune to the commercialism of Christmas. As I sit here typing about my pet peeves with the way one of the most Holy holiday is celebrated I am sitting on the couch in front of the television watching Fa la la la Lifetime-holiday movies all day. I also love to shop for Christmas gifts, though I have been trying to make more this year than I usually do. I love the decorations and the carols. The stores do look all festive and I have a personal tradition of having my picture taken with Santa every year. I guess I just wish that people would try to spend more time with family and friends than at the store trying to buy the latest gaming system. Time is one thing that costs no money but can last for a lifetime. It also would warm my heart to see people realize the meaning behind the celebration. Not the reasons for why we celebrate Christmas around the solstice, but the reason why we even have a Christmas holiday in the first place.

Thanksgiving dinner

2009-11-26T19:44:00.000-06:00

Today was my first attempt at making Thanksgiving dinner for my family and I loved doing it. The kitchen is one of the places in my house that I love to be in. Cooking, baking and creating meals thrills me and gives me joy to do. A holiday meal is just the next step. I have never had a reason to make a Thanksgiving dinner for my family before because my mother has always done the cooking. The most that she has ever had me do for a holiday is set the table or peel potatoes. This year my mother is injured and unable to stand long enough to do much cooking. I think she worried about the dinner more than anyone else in the house too.

Preparing dinner went rather well for me today. I had two things I was unable to do, make gravy and heat bread, but I had jarred gravy to fall back on and the bread was fine. I did have a larger menu than what the table could really hold though and crowding ten people around our table took a bit of brain power to figure out, but in the end it all worked out well for us. My menu for today was mainly traditional, but every bit of it I love. We had turkey, ham, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn pudding, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, pumpkin bread, wheat rolls, pickles, olives (two family traditions) and pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. I made so much of everything that I don’t think my sister will have to cook for a few days since I gave her just about all of the leftovers, except the cheesecake. By the way, Splenda does not detract from the taste of cheesecake at all. It doesn’t make it dry either.

I believe I had a success with dinner if my nieces and nephews were any indication. My two-almost-three year old nephew told me he had “good stuff” and my seven year old niece told me the cheesecake was the “best cake I’ve ever had”. After dinner we all sat down to share something that we were thankful for over the last year then we watched one of our favorite Christmas movies: Emmet Otter’s Jug band Christmas. Not an exciting day, yet a very peaceful and fulfilling day for us. This face of my three-almost-four year old niece says a lot too. (Who can say no to this face?)

My father and I also trimmed our tree today. We have a narrower tree than we’ve ever had before so most of our ornaments didn’t fit. The only ones that were mandatory to get on were our Hallmark ornaments. I don’t even know if we were able to get all of those on. I had only one request for an ornament this year, until I saw that I had a Peanuts nativity ornament. I have a Peanuts ornament that plays a carol with handbells. I rang handbells when I was younger and I love them. My mother also bought an ornament for the kids to give me. She bought me an Aunt Angel ornament. Because God Said “Let there be fun”, at least that’s what the tag says :). I think that this is the first anything given to me that says “Aunt” on it.

Now, Onto tomorrow and horrendous crowds at work, then turkey and gravy over homemade buttermilk biscuits for dinner :D

The start of a wonderful holiday!

2009-11-22T20:55:00.000-06:00

Every year my church has a Thanksgiving meal where we celebrate the Lord's Supper then fellowship around the table. Generally everyone brings a dish with enough to feed your family plus a few people. This year we were blessed. There is a Kia car dealership across the street from my church building and our Pastor has been building a relationship with the men and women who work at the dealership. They decided that since our Pastor has done things to bless them then they would bless our church. This year instead of us providing the food for the Thanksgiving banquet, our new friends from across our street not only provided the food, but served us. It was a true blessing to me this year. With everything that has been going on with my family I was able to have a day that was stress free. I did not have to worry about what I was going to bring, whether I would buy something or bake something, and how much I should take considering it’s only really me. My parents take something for the two of them when they go. Today’s blessing by the men and women from the dealership is a great way to start off the Christmas season and has reminded me to not only pay blessings back, but to pay it forward as well.

Twas the month before Christmas

2009-11-18T23:06:00.000-06:00

Once again, I received a great email from a friend. This one is about Christmas and there is a lot of truth in it. Enjoy!

Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS , not Happy Holiday !*

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS. Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

I've got the Blues!

2009-11-13T22:47:00.000-06:00

I sit here tonight pondering what tea to drink, wondering if I have enough honey while wishing I would have picked up some lemons all to help a sore throat. No, I am fortunate enough to not have H1N1, at least yet. I was at the St. Louis Blues hockey game last night and despite the fact that they lost I had an incredible time. The game started off absolutely wonderful with a goal against the Nashville Predators in the first two minutes. Unfortunately that was the last goal that the team scored. The final score was 3-1 mainly because the Preds are great with committing penalties when the refs aren't looking and our team seemed to be afraid to check the Preds. When they did, it was not always good. One of the times that our team checked a player from the other team our guy was penalized five minutes for about three different penalties plus a game misconduct. What happened is that the Pred player was checked so hard and at just the right angle that he hit his head against the boards and was hurt enough to stop the game, check him out and get him to go to the locker room. Luckily, he was able to walk on his own. Not long after that was the first of two fights in the game. Yes, a hockey game with only two fights in it. It's hard to believe, but it did happen. I'm told that it's really interesting to watch just two players swinging at each other for all they're worth. I'm not too big on the one on-one fights because they CAN be vicious. The team fights aren't as bad.
Last night was military appreciation night as well. Louie, the mascot, had on a camouflage top on and there were people there en force to collect donations for Operation Homefront which helps with emergency and morale situations for not only the troops who are deployed, but for the people back here at home as well. If you want to learn more about it the site is http://www.operationhomefront.net/index.asp.

Practice before the game.

Louie in his Camo with his nerf gun, which got taken away by the officials.

Playing Hockey, kinda like pros. They need to learn how to check.

Face off at center ice. One of my favorite parts of the game was watching the refs try and avoid having the puck hit them, and getting out of the players way.

This picture was taken with no zoom on. We were fairly close to the ice, right above where the Zambonis come out to play.

Two of the four people I went with to the game.

Our Goalie (one of them) Mason. He did good until the last five minutes of the game, when the Preds scored twice to win.

Veteran's day: Thank you and Bless you!

2009-11-11T22:42:00.001-06:00

This post is for all of the Veterans and active military we have the privilege of knowing. What you have done for us is beyond words of thanks and praise. We would not be able to live in a country where we have all of our freedoms if it were not for all of you. I have recently heard that we are the land of the free BECAUSE of the brave. I whole heartedly believe that. My prayer this Veteran’s day is that together we can make a better country that is more interested in treating all with dignity and living in peace that what we are now.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Our military men and women deserve more than just one day of recognition.

An Irish Blessing

(A Blessing from St. Patrick)

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Apologetics = Arrogance?

2009-11-11T22:20:00.002-06:00

I have recently felt like there have been personal attacks on my faith, whether or not it is actually happening. I have read on the internet that all Christians force people to believe what they believe and have arrogance when they stand up for what they believe in. If it is arrogance to be able to logically defend our beliefs (apologetics), then it is not only Christians who are guilty of arrogance, but all people who can defend how they believe, if not, what they say is illogical and arrogant in and of itself.

We have also been accused that we do not follow the whole Bible. This, I confess, is truer than not because we are human. A true believer will strive to faithfully follow the Bible even through struggling with things that they have a hard time with. My knee jerk response to this way of thinking is to lash out at them (the accusers of Christianity) in anger, but that is not love, that IS arrogance. We are called to love all people, even those who attack us for what we believe. When people attack us, they are against us. Here is what the New Testament says about how we are to treat people who stand against us: Matthew 5:43-45 states "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Luke 6:27-28 says "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." and in v. 35-36 "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." We are also given this promise in the book of Romans. It is called the Believer’s Triumph: (Romans 8:28-39)

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

The Believer's Triumph

31 What then are we to say about these things?

If God is for us, who is against us?

32 He did not even spare His own Son,

But offered Him up for us all;

How will He not also with Him grant us everything?

33 Who can bring an accusation against God's elect?

God is the One who justifies.

34 Who is the one who condemns?

Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised;

He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.

35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ?

Can affliction or anguish or persecution

Or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

36 As it is written:

Because of you we are being put to death all day long;

We are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.

37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious

Through Him who loved us.

38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,

Nor angels nor rulers,

Nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing

Will have the power to separate us

From the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!

This promise is given to let us know that even when we feel like we are being attacked for our beliefs, the attacker may do what they will, but we are never separated from God. He is always there and Jesus is interceding to Him on our behalf. We have nothing to fear because we are in God's will and His protection is on us. He protects our souls. Physically we are still vulnerable to what happens in this world, but God protects our souls. And that is cause for celebration! It also causes heartbreak knowing that there are people so willingly blind that they will not even let us explain our point of view-not force them to believe-but just explain. You can NEVER force someone to believe.

If you would like to see the cross-references to the Romans passage you can locate that here on BibleGateway. The list is rather extensive.

Making lemonade out of lifes lemons.

2009-11-10T19:51:00.004-06:00

Recently in my family there has been a lot happening. My mother has been off of work due to severe back pain, my niece has had irrational fears and I have had to face the possibility of pre-cancer at age 28. Add these to a friends father's death and the illness of a coworker and most people would be down and depressed, overwhelmed by all the stress that comes from having to take care of their mother who can't stand for very long, to reassure the niece that there is nothing wrong and that her Aunt will not allow anything to happen to her and to keep herself calm knowing that the results of a medical test can change the path that her life is on. Throughout all of this, I have never once felt like too much was happening or questioned why it had to happen to me. I have never thought that "I have been a good person so why should I suffer?" I have just seemed to know that this too will pass, I will come through it. The passage about "therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself" (Matt 6:32) has been running through my mind, kind of like it did when my father had his heart bypass six years ago.
I say all this not to have people think that I am some super happy human person, but that there is more to how you can react than just the knee jerk responses that we all like to have (for example, getting angry when a mint Oreo blizzard just happens to turn out a regular Oreo blizzard, or the pharmacy taking over two hours to fill two prescriptions when it was supposed to take less than an hour). Yes, having a peace that passes all understanding (Phil 4:7) can help you to keep everything under control. Just keep in mind to be penitent about the knee jerk responses, but don't beat yourself up. And yes, managing anger is on my list of things I need to accomplish.
When life gives you lemons, God will provide the water and sugar to make your lemonade.

Sarcasm is my second language

2009-10-28T15:32:00.005-05:00

I have been under conviction about my sarcastic behavior of late. I've actually been thinking about how sarcastic I am. I'm wondering how Godly it is of me to be sarcastic. I love my sarcasm, it's my defense. Whenever I get a bit out of my comfort zone, I start spouting off in sarcasm. Whenever I see something on the news that I have opinions on (which happens more often than not), my first reaction is to say something sarcastic. But is sarcasm showing any of the attributes of God? How is being sarcastic NOT breaking one of the ten commandments? Can sarcasm not be construed as a lie? Even though the tone of the voice lets you know how it's meant, the words are still not truth, but a lie. Matthew 5:27 and James 5:12 both admonish Christians to be truthful: "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matt 5:37), Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned." (James 5:12). The tone may be a "no" when the words are a yes or vice versa and that, to me, is not living out what these two verses tell us. Also, do people see the love that God has when we are sarcastic? 1 Corinthians 13 states that love is patient, kind, not rude and rejoices in truth among other things. Sarcasm can be rude, rejoice in evil, is not kind or even patient, for when I loose my patience is when I am the most sarcastic. When I become sarcastic toward my parents, is that honoring them? There is a lot to think about with this. I have been trying to catch myself before I say something sarcastic, but it is very hard when it is second nature to me. Prayer and God changing my heart is the only way that I am going to change with this too. This is my prayer, to honor God in not only deed, but in words as well. If that means that sarcasm goes out the window, then so be it. He'll give me the strength to speak with honor and forgive me when I slip (though I hope that I don't do that often). Sarcasm, with God helping me, will not be the norm for very long.

Too busy? Please read.

2009-10-23T10:12:00.004-05:00

This, too, is a good moral story. None of the things mentioned (except gossip) are inherently evil, yet they steal our time away from what is really important. This is why I applaud people who don't own t.v.s and keep other things to a minimum in their households. I know that I have time stealer's listed here, and some that are not listed (like my "Granny crafts" as I lovingly call them).

SATAN'S CONVENTION: (Please Read This....Especially if you are too busy!)

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church"

"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth...."

"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior."

"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:

"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered...

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."

"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."

"Keep them from spending time with their children."

"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."

"Entice them to play the radio or I-Pod whenever they drive." To keep the TV, DVDs, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non- biblical music constantly."

"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."

"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."

"Invade their driving moments with billboards."

"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes."

"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. "

"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."

"Give them headaches too! "

"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere."

"That will fragment their families quickly!"

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas.."

"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death..."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive." "Have them return from their recreation exhausted."

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God’s creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."

"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus."

"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."

"It will work!"

"It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.

Having little time for their God or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

The wooden bowl

2009-10-23T09:52:00.003-05:00

This is another email I received from a friend that has a great moral attached to it.

The Wooden Bowl I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now. A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You nee d to be able to throw something back sometimes. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

An afternoon drive.

2009-10-18T20:50:00.005-05:00

One thing that I have always loved to do is to go on drives on days I don't work. We used to go some Sunday afternoons and around Christmas time to see all the decorations people put out. I don't go on many now, but I still very much enjoy them. I don't always like to be by myself on trips, but there are days when solitude is just what I need. I had wanted some friends to come with me, but it all worked out even though I was by myself. I had an enjoyable drive and accomplished something that I have been wanting to do now for a long time. I went to the Mississippi-Missouri Rivers Confluence (where the Missouri flows into the Mississippi) and took pictures of it. I hope to be able to go again once the trees along the river turn.

This is the path in the Jones-Confluence State Park just west of Illinois in the most eastern part on Missouri in the area. The road to this park is pothole filled and gravel covered, but it was worth it for the pictures that I was able to get. Wooded areas to me are very peaceful and a place where I feel closest to God.

I took this because the sun coming through the trees made this very appealing to me. The effects that you can use with the computer to simulate this look are never as good as actually being able to capture this naturally.

I love taking pictures of the sun. The light is always refreshing to me. Sometimes winter can be oppressive with the lack of sunlight, but the spring and summer make it worth the while. The light bearer to the world which would be very dark indeed without the Son.

Part of the Confluence I think this is the Missouri right before it flows into the Mississippi.

This is where the two rivers meet. The land across is the land right in between the two rivers.

Vacation Ventures

2009-10-17T22:09:00.004-05:00

My vacation this year was supposed to be going to my 10 year high school reunion. I chose to pay off a credit card instead. What I actually did on my vacation was fun and an excellent learning experience. I started an apron for me that I still have to finish putting together, I tried my hand at jam, though I ended up with more syrup than jam, and I even made butter! Now I just need to pull a loaf of my home made honey wheat bread out of the freezer and make me a PB&J sandwich, though the peanut butter part would not be homemade...and interesting thought though, how to make peanut butter...

Here are pics of my sister's and my efforts with butter and jam.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make butter. Heavy whipping cream and shaking is all it takes, and it was so good that I only had a little bit of it myself. My sister's family ate the rest.

Our strawberry jam. I can't remember if this was a batch that ended up as syrup or the batch that actually became jam.

My sister stirring our jam. My apron is just like this one but the bias on mine is purple.

The pot of berries as it's heating up.

Being single, Christian and ALMOST 30

2009-10-16T23:54:00.003-05:00

Sometimes this combination is not fun. Being a Christian young lady, looking for a person to whom you can be a helpmeet to is almost a cultural thing for the mainstream Christian circles. So what's a lady to do when she is knocking on thirty (only a year and a half more) and she has not "fulfilled" her obligations of being a wife, mother, career woman...well...basically superwoman? I have long given up on dating (DATING, not MARRYING). I have decided that when God wants me to become a wife, the man will enter my life-somehow. At my age dating, according to the standards of the world, is still a viable and very fun option. I, however, have decided that the worlds standards are not right for me. Each person has to decide for themselves how they are going to live. I respect your decision to live according to how you see fit, but I also find the worlds standards quite lacking. The world sees me as a person in the prime of my youth still, and I am, but "prime of my youth" according to the current American culture says that I'm to old to say "I'm saving myself for my husband, he is the only one to whom my gift of purity belongs". To too many people, that is an antiquated value. The ironic thing is that if you ask women if they would have waited knowing what they know now, there are plenty who would say "yes, I should have waited until marriage to have children". The world says it's "old fashioned" and "impractical" to think that a marriage can last a life time, why should it when divorce is so easy? Divorce is not "easy". It's hard on all those involve, especially children. Marriage is hard, I agree, but vows are given before God Almighty that each one will love, honor and cherish the other until death, though I'm informed that many people leave out "til death do us part". Such a shame. I have my opinions on divorce, but not knowing all the situations that people get one for I leave that discussion alone for the moment.
Maybe I'm just different from even the Christians that I know. There is nothing wrong with marrying young, but there is nothing wrong with remaining single as long as that is what God's will is for you. Families, husbands and children are all blessings from God, but so are friends, sibling and nieces and nephews. If you are a Christian woman and single, do not despair. God's plans are not always our own. There maybe something that God will have you do that you would not otherwise be able to do if you were married. If the chance arises to marry though, take it. When you know if it's God's will, do not fear but step out in faith. Seek His will, seek Him and His Kingdom and He will give you joy and a peace that passes all understanding no matter what your circumstances are.
Oh, and by the way, when I marry my career will be being a Homemaker. Women are called according to Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 to be homemakers. You can still earn income through a home based business, but the main priority for a Christian Woman is to be a homemaker.

Very fitting for Constitution day

2009-09-17T07:39:00.002-05:00

I received this email recently and I thought it was very fitting for our time. That and with it being constitution day today, it's even more perfect. It's harsh, but replete with truth.

NEW PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION The following has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA. This guy should run for President one day...

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth.. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes ..

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from!

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!

If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish Sensible people of the United States speak out because if you do not, who will?

Healthcare? What healthcare?

2009-09-16T16:59:00.002-05:00

As I have been reading the Healthcare bill that the government thinks we are stupid enough to believe, here are only five reasons why it is not a good bill. Are you ready for this? Really? The bill is made for people to be lead to the slaughter house like helpless lambs. We are not ignorant and we will stand up for what is right. This healthcare bill will make a system that is already broken even worse than it is now. Do we need healthcare reform? Yes. Should the government oversee the healthcare system? Can they actually balance a budget and not tax us at high rates? Can they dig us out of the astronomical amount of debt that we have? The answer to these questions are a loud resounding NO, so what makes us think that they can give us better healthcare than what we have now? Have they not learned from other countries where this healthcare system has more people dying than living and being cured? NO. Here are just five reasons taken directly from the bill (#3200).
On pages 21-23 of Health bill 3200, it states that it will
“Such report shall include any recommendations the Commissioner deems appropriate to ensure that the law does not provide incentives for small and mid-size employers to self-insure or create adverse selection in the risk pools of large group insurers and self-insured employers.”

They will ration our healthcare: page 29 lines 4-16
“(2) ANNUAL LIMITATION.—
(A) ANNUAL LIMITATION.—The cost-sharing incurred under the essential benefits package with respect to an individual (or family) for a year does not exceed the applicable level specified in subparagraph (B).
(B) APPLICABLE LEVEL.—The applicable level specified in this subparagraph for Y1 is $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a family. Such levels shall be increased (rounded to the nearest $100) for each subsequent year by the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (United States city average) applicable to such year.”
Yes, no more than $5,000 a year in healthcare for an individual AND NO MORE THAN $10,000 PER FAMILY. That should be a crime in an of itself. How in the world can you put a limit on life such as this, oh I forgot, this comes from the people who think that a person’s life does not start until birth or even later, but that’s another blog.

They will be connected to our finances, and access at that time whether or not it is financially fiscal to allow us to go to the doctor plus a national ID card. Pg 58 and 59.
‘‘(D) enable the real-time (or near real-time) determination of an individual’s financial responsibility at the point of service and, to the extent possible, prior to service, including whether the individual is eligible for a specific service with a specific physician at a specific facility, which may include utilization of a machine-readable health plan beneficiary identification card;

They are connected to our finances: pg 59
“(C) enable electronic funds transfers, in order to allow automated reconciliation with the related health care payment and remittance advice;”

Okay, the title of this section just rubs me the wrong way: they want to limit healthcare
(b) LIMITATION ON HEALTH BENEFITS PLANS OFFERED BY OFFERING ENTITIES.—The Commissioner may not enter into a contract with a QHBP offering entity under section 204(c) for the offering of an Exchange-participating health benefits plan in a service area unless the following requirements are met: (1) REQUIRED OFFERING OF BASIC PLAN.—The entity offers only one basic plan for such service area.
(2) OPTIONAL OFFERING OF ENHANCED PLAN.—If and only if the entity offers a basic plan for such service area, the entity may offer one enhanced plan for such area.
(3) OPTIONAL OFFERING OF PREMIUM PLAN.—If and only if the entity offers an enhanced plan for such service area, the entity may offer one premium plan for such area. (pg 84)

So, reduced cost, does that equal reduced benefits? Pg 86
(B) TIERED COST-SHARING FOR AFFORDABLE CREDIT ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.—In the
case of an affordable credit eligible individual (as defined in section 242(a)(1)) enrolled in an Exchange-participating health benefits plan, the benefits under a basic plan are modified to provide for the reduced cost-sharing for the income tier applicable to the individual under section 244(c).

So much for choice for the employer, pg 145
(4) AUTOENROLLMENT OF EMPLOYEES.—The employer provides for autoenrollment of the employee in accordance with subsection (c).
So… now the employer has no choice but to use the government plan. So much for keeping our current insurance.

An email that rings true

2009-08-13T19:28:00.001-05:00

I received this email from a friend I work with and it rings true with not only me, but with many people I know. It was a letter that was on the Glenn Beck show, but it is not only for conservatives, this speaks to us all, no matter what our political affiliation is.

GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona. She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:

I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life.. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written.. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues a re that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?

Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

One , illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why -- what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band-Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try -- please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now. Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some non politicians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington . Our president often knows all the right buzzwords and that is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have canceled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when he will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.