Open Discussion

I want to live in a world where the hard discussions that are taboo to talk about (politics and religion to begin) are accepted and encouraged. 

The way people are offended at everything in society today, I feel like we could easily spend out time tip toeing around others, afraid saying something will be offensive or upsetting to others.  While I will never argue that we should speak without thought and consideration for others, I do think we need to move back toward a more free speech pattern of conversation. 

We expect everyone to be like us, agree with us, share our beliefs, etc.  Pause for a moment and imagine what the world would be like if that were actually true.  I think it might be a little dull a boring!  We can't change the world, if we don't accept others. 

I don't want to avoid talking about the hard stuff.  When we have those conversations with others, especially those with views different than ours, I think we have a great opportunity to learn.  We as people should be able to have civil conversations to share our thoughts, opinions and beliefs in healthy discussion.  Yes, sometimes they can be heated, and sometimes it's not appropriate, but we need to be talking about it, learning more and opening our minds to difference changes and views.  We don't have to agree; it's okay to agree to disagree, but please let's talk about the hard stuff, let's spread the real world news; the hard stuff that needs awareness brought to it.

And as Christians, let's spread the GOOD NEWS.  It isn't our responsibility to change people's minds, but to share Jesus' message.  God will handle the rest.

Most importantly, let's do this all with LOVE in our hearts for our Lord, our neighbors and ourselves.

Debt

We are student loan free!

Cleaning

Ruth likes to get in the drawer for the dish rags and dish towels.  And she empties them out of the drawer.  She likes to grab one for each hand and crawl around cleaning the floor and other things. 

Tonight while I was folding laundry she got a wash rag and wiped down the entertainment center with it. 

Missions

I spent part of last Saturday at a women's retreat at my church.  The focus and theme of the day was on missions.  We had a handful of speakers talk about their non-profits and the missions they focus on.  Then we did a couple small mission projects. 

My biggest take away from the day that has stuck with me nearly a week later is that the need in our world is so stinking big I can't even begin to understand it.  My heart hurts for it. 

It is easy to start down the path of thinking, the need is so big I can do so little to meet that need.  But the Holy Spirit has a way of changing your perspective and your thinking at just the right time doesn't he?  I may not be able to solve any major world problems, but I can love.  I can pray, and I can give.  I can give enough to significantly change the life of one and one matters.  We are each wonderfully made by HIM, in HIS image and HE loves us. 

Matthew 25:40 - New International Version (NIV)
⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Keith went in to check on Elinore after bed time last night.  Make sure she's still in bed, not waking her sister or anything.  He came out and told me that she said "my babies don't go to sleep Daddy, because they aren't real." 

Of course Elinore has many babies in her bed, but she's dwindled the collection down a bit lately. 

Singing

One morning on the way to the sitter last week, Elinore had a 30ish minute meltdown of tears and screaming because I dared to sing along to the radio and her music in the car! 

She informed me I was allowed to whistle, so I did for a song, but man, that's hard to keep up with for long!

Then I switched to humming.  She told me that was the most annoying sound and she didn't want to hear that ever again!

I didn't stop singing; I enjoyed it!  I told it was a way to praise God as we listened to Christian radio and her Bible Songs CD. 

Best Valentine Ever

Thanks Caden.

You are welcome from breakfast, lunch and dinner!