THE MEANING OF LIFE

 I feel compelled to address the most elusive yet quite simple answer for THE MEANING OF LIFE. 

It is not my responsibility to be a spiritual leader, nevertheless it seems to be a very misunderstood aspect of life. Spirituality…more commonly referred to as God, rests in the hands and hearts of each and every individual to “seek and find” the Truth.

I acknowledge that ‘Religion’ can and does establish confusion and even a precedence for perhaps "blaming" God for less-than-ideal life circumstances. 

Regardless of whichever religious affiliation one may have OR the lack thereof, it is commonly mentioned that God makes no mistakes. Whether an individual is capable of this understanding or not is entirely up to that individual based upon…“have you knocked”?

Allow me to explain…every individual has their own "cross to bear" which is unique to each individual. God never allows "for more than we can tolerate". God never promised us life would be easy. Actually, the meaning of life is all about us as SPIRITUAL BEINGS having a PHYSICAL experience and God is very clear this “physical experience” is very short in length of time. Therefore, whether an individual’s "cross" is a genetically pre-dispositioned disability or the loss of a limb from fighting during war or cancer or being a minority, etcetera...each and every "cross" is that particular individual’s burden to bear. The second and more important part of the meaning of life is..."did you fight the good fight? Did you keep the faith?"

Furthermore, it is not God whom has dominion over the earth. God gave us humans dominion over the earth and included the bonus of "free will" but interestingly, because God is "all knowing" He already knew exactly which decisions individuals would make with their "free will" and thus, took that into consideration. 

In summary, it is not WHAT your particular burden is or even which decisions you have made to find yourself amidst the burdens (trials aka learning experiences aka challenges). Burdens of the past, burdens where you are now and the burdens where you will be are inevitable. What IS important is HOW you got through it all that matters most.

And for goodness sake…do not take my word for it. Find out for yourself...

The Current Times

It's worse than I had first thought. The racism and hatred of current times has accelerated to such extremes that it may only be described as horrible and corrupt. Each of us in the United States of America need to be extremely wary and cautious. Prepare for the worse. It is with much regret and sadness that I must warn everyone now, however...it is the truth. 

Their are many very clear signs which reveal that not only is our Government WANTING to separate us by emphasizing news events which clearly sympathize with a minority group but also seem to indicate weapons of defense are to be considered deplorable and thus, imply to citizens they will be safer to disarm! Many citizens are ignorant enough to simply follow the crowd and agree with Government advice...unknowingly walking into their death traps.

What type of tactic has the US Government came to? It is a desperate attempt to destroy us because they want to merge as a One World Order with the United Nations. (Make no mistake, whoever has the money; has the power.)

Refer to this quote: 

"A free people ought only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them; which would include their own government." George Washington

I have been concerned over this very thing for over seven years and those who know me well know this to be quite true. I have kept these concerns largely to myself  due to people who think such things are simply "conspiracy theorists" ideals. However, given time its come to my attention that anything I say will likely fall upon deaf ears. Regardless, it is my duty as a Watchman to bring it to your attention. I am just the messenger.

Should you have any questions or concerns please follow my Blog. You may also message me.

Everyone's Lives Matter!!

Okay, I'm going to say it...I'm disgusted with racism. It's no longer just about black people. Its about all people...and yes, even white people too. I refuse to apologize for being born with skin that is light in color. I have worked hard for everything I have. I have never been 'given' anything, in FACT, I see immigrants and other minorities receiving privileges based upon their skin color and nothing more. Many immigrants and minorities take advantage of the United States and receive benefits which they did not have to work for or deserve what they get.
I am referring to privileges such as tax exemption and scholarships. I'm referring to employment opportunities they receive based upon being bilingual. Their are several other benefits which 'they' receive unlike me...a white, US citizen who does NOT receive. YET, here I am criticized for expressing any opinion of cultural pride because my ancestors came from more established and wealthier countries than other people did. Well, guess what...NOT ANYMORE. I take a stand NOW. America is this Great Melting Pot and that means y'all are no worse or better than me and I am no worse or better than you...so suck it up. Be adults about this. Stop playing the RACE CARD. Its OLD NEWS and I'm SICK of it. You should be sick of it too. Wake up. 

Summer Light

When I first discovered it was common for people to enjoy thunderstorms, I was thoroughly disgusted.

Like...REALLY? C'mon people, get your own interests already! 

Now, I just roll with it. I guess everybody likes to watch true crime documentaries, read, bake and laugh until they cry. Not in that specific order of course.

My two daughters (now 13 and 9 years old) went to their daddies house on Friday for his 5 week summer visitation which is part of the Arkansas standard schedule. It's my least favorite time of the year because I really miss the girls a lot even though I still get to see them every other weekend. Its just that I'm used to seeing them everyday...ya, know?

The girls have been calling me everyday which has been a very nice surprise!! They miss me and love me and want to include me in their lives even when we cannot be together. I really like that. We are close which is VERY special. Actually...it is priceless.

Dr. Laura was RIGHT when she recommended that IF people get divorced they should NOT get married again until AFTER the kids are grown up. I heard her say that on the radio BEFORE I even thought about getting a divorce 10 years ago.

I understand this is controversial. Their are MANY good step parents out there who would argue with this recommendation. Even I can see some situations when remarriage has been beneficial so I cannot suggest that in anyway remarriage is a no go in all circumstances.

Logically speaking from a female perspective, with two female children statistics reveal the risks are greater than the possible benefits especially in consideration of the laws of no co-habitation. I mean, how well can you really know anyone just by going out to dinner with them a few times a month? Thanks, but no thanks.

Besides, guess what? Our children didn't get to pick their parents and they certainly didn't decide we split up. Plus, we only get one opportunity to raise our children. ONE. We should spend that time wisely. Would you like to know how I decided to spend my children's lives wisely?

I really feel sad to have to say this...

I had to choose between my husband and my kids.

My parents fought a lot in front of me and my sister when we were growing up and it did something to me. It changed me somehow.

I didn't want that to happen to my girls too.

I had to leave the love of my life in order to protect my children. In order to provide them with peace.

My ex-husband and me fought all the time in front of the children. We were together for two years before we got married, then married for ten years. It took me two years of deep thought and prayer and consideration before I finally made the final decision.

I also wanted for him to be happy and me too. And now we all are. He remarried shortly after the divorce. I remain single...8 years now.

Its important to be able to go home and feel safe and content and peaceful and loved.

*It has been scientifically proven that children who grow up in an environment of abuse develop many issues which carry on throughout adulthood affecting many aspects of life. 

REFERENCES:

Children and Domestic Violence:

http://www.nctsn.org/content/children-and-domestic-violence

Dr. Laura:

http://www.drlaura.com/

It Doesn't Have to Be the Best...Always

Stories is one of the first things which we are taught, perhaps even while still in the womb. I know that when I was pregnant I read to my babies. It was fun, engaging and helped my emotional connection with the unborn baby I was growing. So a STORY is not just a bunch of words, it is entertainment...

it is enrichment...

it is learning...

it is growth...

it is well...time, well spent.

And speaking of time, have you heard of the ancient story about Alexander the Great? Well, that story is one of my very favorite which I think of often and reference frequently. 

Just in case you haven't heard, allow me the honor of telling you.

Alexander the Great was a mighty warrior who lived many years ago. He became quite famous for conquering several Countries by many Wars. 
Along the way many miles from home Alexander the Great fell ill and lay upon his death bed. Having so, he called upon his Generals to give his last wishes. 

"First, I want only the finest surgeons of all the country to carry my casket.
Secondly, I want my hands to be hanging openly for all to see.
Third, I want all of my wealth - the rubies and anything I have to be scattered freely behind the funeral procession for all."

The Generals looked amongst each other aghast. They were all in shock of they just heard. Finally, the most trusted General asked Alexander the Great, "Sir, Why do ask of us these three things?"

To which Alexander the Great replied,
"First, I want everyone to know that when it is your time, not even the finest surgeon's can SAVE you.
Secondly, I want everyone to see that as you come into this life with empty hands, you also leave this life with EMPTY hands.
Last, I want everyone who comes to my funeral to realize the only thing we have which has any value is our TIME...so spend it wisely."

Interesting perspective and thought provoking isn't it?

I have personally spent many hours reading countless books and even more hours watching TV. My favorite author is Wally Lamb. One of his books is 'The Hour I First Believed'. I can't say it was his best, yet it was good. I won't apologize for having spent those hours reading his book. I spend several hours watching ID channel, 'Investigation Discovery'. Some of it I agree with...okay, most of it I do and find entertaining. I won't apologize to myself for spending those hours watching that either.

Should I apologize to my body though for hours I'm sitting their watching TV instead of doing physical activity?

I think not because I am a Christian and my body is but a vessel that I must be entombed in while on earth. However, I do nothing to excess. I do not eat in excess, I do not drink in excess, I do not watch TV in excess, I do not exercise in excess, I do not work in excess, I do not read in excess, I do not read in excess, I do not pray in excess, I do not avoid in excess.

So, in speaking of 'excess'...lets address that. Ladies, men do not care if you are 20 pounds in excess or not. You really shouldn't either. Love yourselves.

Be Yourself, No Matter What the Cost

Sometimes when I first wake up a brilliant thought comes to mind immediately, or at least what I believe to be brilliant. Since I don't keep a paper and pen next to my bed, I grab my phone and send myself a text message because I know I will forget it later. Also, even though my two best friends adore me for my weirdness, even they would find a random text from me like that particularly odd...so I must send it to myself.

Anyway, later on when I wake up better and have more time I can think about it and write. I decided to start blogging again instead of just doing Facebook status updates. I'm a writer. It is what I love. If nobody reads it, I don't care. I've written nine books and have been encouraged to publish for profit but I don't want to. Its not from fear of rejection because believe me, I've endured plenty of that. In fact, that attributes partly to why I am not a coward and I am able to be genuinely myself. 

Which brings me to the thought I had the other morning, "If people do not learn how to be content with what they have, they will never be happy, no matter how much they ever get."

I realized this can apply to ALL matters in life including professional endeavors, personal relationships and self image.

What does it matter if you earn a six figure income, live in your dream home, have a perfect body and married to a really nice person who you raise lovely and talented children with, IF you are still running around like some mad person searching for a better, more desirable and more rewarding existence? 

I'll answer in Part II...

What Makes You Special

Have you ever thought about what is it that sets yourself apart from everyone else? You may ask yourself, "What is it exactly that makes me so special? What is it about me that makes my mom and dad think I'm so great anyway?"

You may think, 'My friends tell me I'm smart and important.'

The reason I am led to write this today is because after years of observation on social media and life experience its become obvious that none of us are particularly unique or "special" in our own right. In fact, we are all so much the same that it is sickening.

You probably noticed it when you were first realizing that you were an individual, separate from your parents and attempting to express yourself - only to realize that during your futile efforts, a bunch of other people also did the same things you did. You thought they were "copying" you, but truth is...they were just trying to express themselves too. 

If you are a good photographer - guess what, somebody else you know is also a good photographer. If you are a writer, I bet you know at least two or three other writers. If you are a fashion designer, there are plenty of them too. There are lots of computer geniuses, gaming nerds, science geeks, math whizzes, musicians and artists each and all are better and more successful the last.

Clearly what you do does not make you special so perhaps its your personality, right? Wrong.

If you are funny, their will always be somebody funnier than you. If you are outgoing, their will always be somebody more awesome than you. If you are shy, I promise their is somebody else out there who has less Facebook friends than you. 

If you say something which you think is unique, think again - it has already been said. There are NO unique quotes anymore. Your personality holds no merit to anyone who does not personally know you.

Having said that, that is exactly what makes you special - the people who know you. To THEM, you are special.

So hold those relationships close and don't hurt them. Honor your parents. Be good to your friends. Be kind to your neighbors. Respect your elders. Respect yourself.

Singleness

He goes to weddings...always as a guest, never as the groom. He takes gifts to the bride and groom...but has not been gifted with a bride of his own. Some of his friends have established careers and nice homes. He, on the other hand, owns no home and is just beginning a new career with meager finances. When visiting his married friends, he holds their children and spends time with them. They are drawn to him, though he has no children of his own.
He is a virile man with natural sexual desires, a man who experiences true temptation. He is a man of spiritual commitment that keeps him from sexual involvement outside of marriage. His spiritual depth leads him to fully support his churches position on sexual abstinence for those unmarried.
He is regarded by some in his community as different...a misfit...not conforming to societys norm. However, he is intelligent, verbally gifted, and more than able to hold his own in community debates. He is not afraid to express his thoughts and feelings publicly...not ashamed to shed a tear among friends.
He is a content, confident man who knows who he is and what he wants, yet he does experience times of intense lonliness and longing. Typically, he is not thoughtt of in this way, but this single man's name is Jesus.
(An excerpt from a book by June Hunt)

If Only More People Could be as BRAVE as Tim Tebow!

Tim Tebow’s viewpoint on life is a refreshing change in a heavily polluted media surrounding societies lifestyles of Liberal vs. Christian and the media's determination to discourage others from following a godly path. Despite what people may admit, the media has a significant role in establishing the trends of popular culture. Unfortunately, it is apparent the mainstream media emphasizes Christian’s to be closed-minded, judgmental and old fashioned while the less religious types (most generally Liberals and Democrats) are considered open-minded, politically correct individuals who are current with the times. It is for this reason I monitor what is watched in my home and what is listened to in my car. I like to maintain my own perspective rather than allow an out sourced opinion of someone else to subconsciously make an impression on me. In this way I can tap into my own creativity and express opinions that are uniquely my own. If only more people could be like Tim Tebow and allow themselves to express their own politically incorrect opinions. But then again, it does takes courage to stand alone with an unpopular opinion. I would encourage anyone to watch the attached YouTube video (by clicking on the title of this blog) and to follow Mr. Tebow’s career going forward.
How creative God is to use this nation’s most widely watched and closely followed sporting event to exalt His name! The Tebow perspective can be practiced by anyone. For example, if what you do for a living is a stay at home mom, sweep the floors, do the dishes, tend to your children…all for God’s glory. If what you do for a living is perhaps more public, live a lifestyle that sets an example for others. You will be ministering to them and they won’t even know it!
I think father's in particular may benefit from reading Tebow's new book titled, "Through My Eyes" which should be interesting enough to capture the attention of men and maintain their attention; after all, it IS about football...right?

Life is a Little Bit Real...a Little Bit Not...and All about Perception

When I spend time in personal meditation, I'm always taken to a peaceful place in my dreams...the countryside of Ireland. Why does this place which I have never actually ventured to seem to hold serenity for me I wonder? Perhaps because it is somewhere I have never been and thus reality has not pocessed my ideal of Ireland. For example, I saw the ocean for the first time when I was about twenty-one years old. I knew of the ocean before then of course, only from television and movies. Because my pre-conceived ideal of the ocean was that of flawless sun tanned beauties, I had prepared myself to get there and see just that...but strangely enough, the people whom visited the beach on the same days as I, were not that of perfectly toned women in their early twenties but rather, ordinary women who looked like me...or 'gasp' not quite as good looking as me. So, shall I ruin my pre-conceived ideal's of Ireland and visit this country...or shall I keep my prestine Ireland country-side exactly that...prestine? This isn't much different than the pre-conceived notions of a child hoping to one day meet her 'knight in shining armor' only to discover in dating; there is no knight, much less shining armor to recognize him by. So, I guess life has its ways of disappointing us...without doing anything to be rationale cause for disappointment. In having made these observations as it relates to realistic life versus dream life, I can only assume true happiness is but simply a state of perseption. Well in THAT case...let the happiness continue and emerge one moment at a time, one day at a time, one year at a time and do not look back.

Still, far from perfect....

So, every now and then I post a blog entry about my walk with the Lord and how that is going. Its nothing fancy, I’m not a religious nut or anything like that. My life has its ups and downs just as everyone does and I am far from perfect…but anyway here goes.

I was reading a book titled “Celebration of Discipline” which is an intriguing study about learning how to meditate the Christian way and other disciplines to put ones self before God in an effort to seek Him so you may develop a more intimate relationship with God.

Bible in Basic English
“And you will be searching for me and I will be there, when you have gone after me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

I find the more I expose myself to God the more I consciously think about God and therefore, the more Christ-like I become. For example, making simple choices to live righteously such as, listening to Christian radio versus secular radio, praying before each meal consistently, praying with the girls before we tuck them in at night, reading Christian literature instead of fictional novels. Watching what I am exposed to on TV, the internet and in movies. I am taking precautions for protecting myself from the harsh realities of the world basically.

Now, when an irritant arises which poses an opportunity to be less than Christ-like, I am better prepared. I have been practicing a God centered life, so I stop and think about situations and respond to them instead of reacting to them. I think about the other person instead of making presumptions.

You may have noticed I did not mention going to church. We do attend church once a week on Sunday mornings which is very fulfilling to us but going to church is not a requirement for having a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Developing a routine has made all the difference. I am able to focus carefully on child rearing, including proper instruction and discipline. I am fully functional in all capacities that I am supposed to be doing without being overdrawn on my personal limitations and therefore I need not sacrifice on being thorough. I am NOT stretched too thin.

In Divorce Care class, which I attended at a former church I regularly attended and loved…they inform all us single people that one does not need anyone else to complete them because an individual is whole without a partner. I believed that then but I knew it was God’s plan for me to have a partner again one day. Now, I contemplate what Divorce Care taught and know in the bible it says God saw Adam was alone and it was not good.

A Day in the Life of Dick and Jane

I found this poem in an old book from 1983 titled, "Why I Hate Men."

I think it accurately describes the typical marriage relationship as the majority of my life has been commited to one man on two separate occassions. Since I have the benefit of having been married and divorced twice, I can provide accurate details based on life experience for what is common. Hope you enjoy...

6 a.m.
See Jane wake up.
Up, Jane, up.
See Jane clean the
bathroom.
Ugh, ugh, ugh.
And do her exercises.
Puff, puff, puff.

See Dick roll over
and go back to sleep.
Sleep, sleep, sleep.

8 a.m.
See Jane cook.
Cook, cook, cook.
See Dick and Dickie, Jr.
Eat, eat, eat.

See Jane finish cooking.
See Dick finish eating.

8:45 a.m.
See Dick go to work.
See Jane take Dickie to school
before she goes to
Work, work, work.

Work, Jane, work.

3 p.m.
See the Day Care call Jane
because Dickie doesn't feel well.
Sick, Dickie, sick.

Hear Jane's boss
complain
because Jane has to leave early.

See Dick sit behind his desk
in his office.
Sit, Dick, sit.

See Jane take Dickie home.
Nurse, nurse, nurse.
See Jane run to the store.
Shop, shop, shop.

6:00 p.m.
See Dick come home.
Dick is tired.
See Dick lie down.
Snooze, Dick, snooze.

See Jane cook.
See Dick eat.
See Dickie, Jr. eat.
Soup, soup, soup.

8:30 p.m.
See Jane wash dishes.
See Jane do laundry.
See Jane wax floors.
See Dick watch television.

10:00 p.m.
Dishes, dishes, dishes.
Laundry, laundry, laundry.
Floors, floors, floors.

See Dick read a book.
Read, read, read.
Snooze, snooze, snooze.
Television, television, television.
Eat, eat, eat.
Sleep, sleep, sleep.

12 Midnight
Bed, Jane, bed.
Hurry up and sleep.
It's almost
dawn, dawn, dawn.

6 a.m.
Oh, my, Jane, Dick is
horny, horny, horny.
Again, again, again.

See Dick and Jane play.
Pant, pant, pant.

6:30 a.m.
Watch Jane get
up, up, up.
While Dick goes back to
sleep, sleep, sleep.

See Jane
Ugh, ugh, ugh.
Puff, puff, puff.
Cook, cook, cook.
Nurse, nurse, nurse.
Work, work, work.
Shop, shop, shop.
Errands, errands, errands.
Run, run, run.

Faster, Jane, faster.
Or Dick might get
bored, bored, bored.

And find another woman he
likes better than you.

And you might get a
divorce, divorce, divorce.

Wouldn't that be
awful?

My hope for your home is not like this example but if it is...

See Jane
pray, pray, pray.
See Dick
grow, grow, grow.
See Dickey
learn, learn, learn.

In HIS time.

God never gave up on US...lets never give up on HIM.

God created man in HIS IMAGE. We have all heard that haven't we? It is one of those basic biblical facts taught in Sunday school when we are little children. BUT...have we REALLY heard it?
I know I always thought about “His image” in comparison with myself as, “Okay that's cool, I look like God.” But oh no!! That is not exactly what is meant in its entirety about how we have been created in His image.
I ask the reader to consider this: God created a whole lot of awesomeness but He created man in HIS IMAGE. That doesn't mean just in appearance that also means we have similar emotions. Additionally, just as God presides over the Heaven's; He has granted man with the authority for presiding over the Earth. None of His other creations have been granted such a privilege. What an honorable position to be in.
Can you believe it that God trusts us so much that he grants full authority over the Earth to man!? You know what that means don't you? GOD HAS FAITH IN US! He never gave up His faith in us either, EVEN AFTER man fell into sin. God STILL believed in us so much so that He sent His one and only son, Jesus to walk the Earth sinless and ultimately sacrifice His life for us. God literally created a loop hole for us because He believes in us so much.
Holy cow! I get chills thinking about that, and here is why...
As we know, based on life experiences in parenting and career, anyone with authority has a huge responsibility! When I go downstairs and my daughters remain upstairs, my 7 year old daughter asks, “Mommy, am I in charge?” I answer, “Yes, you are in charge.”
She gains a sense of pride knowing I trust her to ensure my 3 year old daughter doesn't do something stupid while I am not around.
How awesome it is to think of ourselves from God's perspective...He trusts us so much that we are responsible for ALL of His other creations. Take a look at this verse and think about that.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends IF you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:13-15

God has put us in charge and we must take accountability for this responsibility.
We are literally amidst a Spiritual warfare during our own walk's on Earth. Praise God we are not exposed to the same public ridicule for what we believe in this Country as in many Countries however, never doubt for a moment...we are indeed involved in a War.
I am so thankful for my friends, both the friends I encounter about my walk in the secular environment and my friends at church.

GOD knew that everyone needs
companionship and cheer,
He knew that people need someone
whose thoughts are always near.

He knew they need someone kind
to lend a helping hand.
Someone to gladly take the time
to care and understand.

GOD knew that we all need someone
to share each happy day,
to be a source of courage
when troubles come our way.

Someone to be true to us,
whether near or far apart.
Someone whose love we’ll always
hold and treasure in our hearts.

That’s Why GOD Gave Us Friends.
(Author unknown)

I have limited knowledge but God grants me understanding the closer I grow in relationship with Him...our personal, intimate relationship...just Him and me.The potential for my knowledge is unstoppable because I have tapped into a intimate friendship with the source!!

“[Ask, Seek, Knock] "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”- Matthew 7:7-8

I encounter many people out there on this Spiritual battlefield and although I am nothing more than a young warrior in my walk of faith, I can make a difference by sharing what I do know with the others and by conducting my life in such a way that REPRESENTS. I can teach others what its like to be a Believer and leave them completely unaware they were just informed. Its about consistency and to have that stability takes MUCH effort by reconnecting with my Father in Heaven daily. After all, we encounter Satan daily don't we? Sadly, often people do not even realize they are under attack by Satan. We are all in a different place in our individual walks of faith with the Lord.
We all know that teamwork has its challenges and we have heard the phrase, “There is no I in team.” Many times conflict arises among team members therefore resulting in drama.
Why is it that if teamwork is so difficult do employer's keep running business in this way? Well I'm glad you asked because there are answers! The benefit of teamwork is so great that it far outweighs the negative aspects.
Working together in a combined effort toward a common goal offers the exchange of idea's and affords us the opportunity to learn from each other and meet goals more efficiently and with a better final result. Truly intelligent people realize they do not already know everything.
Because this is the case in the business world, perhaps it is the same from a Spiritual perspective? True, being inside of a church makes us no more Christian than being inside of a garage makes us car's but we NEED our friends at church who are further a long in their walks of faith so we can ask questions and learn from them. We also need them for support because a re-connection with in our church family reminds us we are not alone!
It is no different than coming home to the warm embrace of a spouse and telling him or her about your day. My hope for your home is peace, love, contentment. Home is where you can lay aside the harsh, cruel, exhaustion from your walk in the world (the battlefield) and recuperate for the next day (battle).
As my Pastor once put it, “Is it no wonder Satan attacks relationships so much? We NEED each other so we can be prepared to do God's work.”
Men and women are designed in His Image AND, we are designed for EACH OTHER. Complimentary strengths and weaknesses that when combined are unstoppable. Do you think Satan wants God to win? Absolutely not...
I have been dating some and during this process find many areas for opportunities in ministry. Unfortunately, temptation presents itself for my own sinful nature to be challenged as well. I go out there with the best intentions but faced with temptation along the way. It reminds me of one of the Twelve Steps from the Celebrate Recovery ministry: “We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.”
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” 1 Corinthians 10:12
We all have weaknesses...no human is immune. Each time a temptation arises, I just know if I can get past it my relationship with God will improve. He and me will become even closer, even stronger.
I spoke with a couple of Godly girlfriends about my weaknesses and gained insight from them. One told me if I feel that I am unable to get past the weakness I should pray like this, “God, I can't do this by myself. Please help.” She said God wants me to ask Him for help and I know she is right but I needed her to remind me and provide some direction.Many times when we are in the midst of our own dilemma the path is unclear. We need our support group and trusting accountability partners to slap us out of it occasionally. Satan never makes temptation easy to resist...it is always appealing. One must be willing to acknowledge our flaws! 
Step One: "We admit we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable." I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18
Now I think about my weakness in this way - if I can be faithful to a man for 12 years during our dating and marriage, I should certainly be able to remain faithful to God. After all, God is fulfilling the husband position in my life at this time. In order for me to be the wife God intends for me to be someday I must be faithful to God first and foremost.
So, having said all of that to say – we need our church family and if you haven't found a church home please consider joining me where I go. We laugh, we cry but we never judge. The Pastor is so good at making every individual feel comfortable and welcome and he wants everyone to understand church is not for the sinless but rather...church is a hospital for the hurt.
How many of us have been brokenhearted due to marriages that end in divorce and the resulting baggage is loss of faith in marriage? Many, many men have given up hope on marriage and it is no longer considered sacred. Lets not forget who designed marriage...GOD DID. 
A friend of mine nearly lost his life in '07 when involved in a motorcycle accident. The doctor's did not think he would make it through the night but he did. The doctor's did not think he would make it through a year, but he did. The doctor's never expected him to bodily function in a normal way again but after 3 years he is a walking miracle!
While recovering, his friends asked him if he would ever ride a motorcycle again. His response was, "After a car accident do you give up on cars? Are you going to go buy a horse and travel by horse everywhere you go?"
WOW!! That is an awesome response and he is so right! Likewise, even if you have been in marriage and it failed before...are you going to give up? I will never give up on marriage.
Just like God never gave up on US...lets never give up on HIM.

Then and Later

Well, we celebrated 4th of July this past weekend and with the Holiday came another celebration...my ex-husband re-married.

I happened to be going through some old photo's when I reviewed some Cd's that had been created for back-up and found many pictures from when he and I were married, including video's from Christmas.

Thinking...well isn't this just the perfect day to reminisce about old days as we say farewell permanently to a dissolved twelve year relationship?

I guess the most prominent photo that caught my attention is this one of Desiree when she was about 6 to 8 months old. It made me think of how different my life is now versus that time and how little time has actually passed since then as she is only 3 1/2 years old now.

When we brought Desiree home from the hospital she was transported by Chevrolet Tahoe to my dream home. A 3000 square foot log home with a wrap around front porch, two living areas, formal dining, 3 bedrooms and a bonus room. All on 3 acres in a country setting just off of a dirt road with horses pastures all about. The nursery was prepared, everything appeared in order.

Having formally separated shortly after this picture was taken, the girls and I relocated to the city where Ryan switched schools and we moved into a 1400 sqaure foot condo. Turning over the Tahoe, I purchased a small car.

The material pocessions relinquished, financial security banished, safety unsecured....it took a lot of courage to do what I did. Ultimately, sacrificing everything for peace in our home whether it be a mansion or a shack...peace is priceless.

Ryan & Desiree Introduce Mommy to "The Puppy Game"

“The Puppy Game”

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Saturday mornings I usually get up before the girls and make biscuits and eggs for breakfast. It is the only day of the week we have time for a homemade breakfast at home, so I try to make it special. After breakfast, as I was cleaning the kitchen and the Disney movie the girls were watching ended, I peeked out of the kitchen to see what the kids were up to and saw them kiss. It is so nice to see they love each other, then I got kisses and Ryan asked me if we could play “The Puppy Game.”


They really get into puppy stuff. They always ask me if they can be my puppies. It’s like I have puppies instead of little girls. They crawl around with their tongues hanging out and they lick each other. Oh dear, I know. They bark all the time. Ryan thinks I am allergic to dogs for some reason. I am not sure where she got this idea. That is why we do not have a real dog though apparently.


I joined them in the living room and as I lay down on the floor I asked, “How does this game go?” Ryan said, “We are the puppies.” And then they began to demonstrate.


“And I am the one that gets wallered all over?” I asked. Soon, we were in a full blown wrestling match! Two ferocious “puppies” attacking me. They stood side by side and growled at me before attacking and I said, “I’m scared.” And that wasn’t far from the truth! The girls know just where to jab and pounce to cut off all my circulation and air flow and they know right where my hernia is. Of course they do not hurt me intentionally.


My girls had such a good time! I’m not sure that I would have made it out alive had I not curled into a ball there at the end. I inhaled a bit of fresh air and realizing I was free, got up and said, “Oh good, I’m free.” Ryan said, “Yeah, I had to help you, I thought you were crying.” We all laughed.


I do not recall wrestling with my mom like that when I was a kid. I think maybe this is me doing the daddy part too. You hear of single parents taking on the role of both parents. I told Desiree she is my little Yorkie because she is so tiny and on the go all the time…oh and she will still potty in the house even though she is house broken. Ryan is my Golden Retriever because she is loving but likes to be free.

I may have an unusual idea of what is beautiful...

Abandoned, old, farm, dusk
Originally uploaded by Christina G. Grigg

One day in ’09 my daughters and I were going for a drive, exploring new parts of Bella Vista, Arkansas and beyond. Listening to music with the top down on the convertible, daydreaming and enjoying a lovely summer day when we came upon this building.

I suppose it may be the combination of my personal interests that make this scene special to me, as I love history and architecture.

Sometimes I have come across old structures that were clearly used for business purposes by design but since their days of glory having long ago expired, the owners have either let the buildings lay abandoned or they are used for other purposes.

Interestingly, many of these structures stand with their original signs intact, although somewhat off kilter and faded. As one might imagine, over the years weather has beaten these buildings often.

The buildings are positioned in such a way to accommodate what was likely used as the main street during that time.

As I stand amongst history, whether it be an abandoned town, the Smithsonian museum or a battlefield…my mind escapes to what life must have been like then. These are the moments I enter a state of calm.

When touring a museum where a war took place, looking at the type of currency they used, the types of guns they used the food the people ate, it is amazing how much more difficult life was then.

I walk the trail through the woods leading to the battlefield. Reading the names on the plaque that is displayed there and running my fingers across what are now only words but represent those who gave their lives here.

Then, looking up across the field…

Electronic Medical Records? Not if I have anything to do about it...

I was born in 1979. I can recall when the VCR first came out and when the microwave oven was introduced to society; two inventions impacting the family and making life more convenient for generations to come. I remember getting an electronic type writer for one of my birthdays and this was the most exciting thing ever! Prior to receiving the typewriter, I wrote all of my stories by pen and paper. Oh, and lets not forget when Nintendo was developed.




Society has only continued to progress in the electronic/technology industry over the years, adapting to popular culture. In my opinion, progress for the greater good in general is always in the best interest of society.



On the other hand, considering the “Health Information Technology” (HIT) aspect of the health care reform involving our personal medical records, I am opposed to implementing more technology. Claims for more effective transcription and documentation of information, safer record retrieval, scheduling, coordination of care, improved communication, reduced medical errors due to adverse events in prescriptions and medication instructions and reduced admin costs through electronic claims adjudication only translates to one thing to me: my personal medical information is going to be all over the internet and this violates my rights according to the U.S. Constitution.



Yes, technology has its benefits…but I won’t be brain washed into believing it’s better than human beings.

The Ten Commandments vs. Rule of Law

The Ten Commandments are the best Rule of Law to go by. Having said that, society as a whole has accomplished manipulation of the system in such a way that determining the Rule of Law is not a straight forward process.




When we speak of the “law” we are really talking about the combination of a sum total of the constitutions, statutes, ordinances, executive orders, treaties, regulations, and judicial decisions. The sum total of all these elements as they coexist at any point in time is therefore, extremely complex, somewhat uncertain, always dynamic, and sometimes self-contradictory. All of these matters are occurring all over the nation in multiple jurisdictions simultaneously and sometimes one judge may rule in favor of the plaintiff on a matter when another judge rules in favor of the defendant on a very similar matter by comparison.



Laws are re-visited and modified on a consistent basis due to new circumstances that arise in accordance with events never before seen.



In the first year of law school studies are based primarily on case law and debate. Case law is an effective way to research history and develop judgment for what the “Rule of Law” is. Researching “Authority” is part of developing a case brief before any trial and part of representing a client in general to gain an understanding for the case. There are several different types of Authority an attorney must research including, actual, apparent, constructive, express, general, implied, incidental, inherent, naked, special, supervisory, constituted, adverse, imperative, persuasive, primary and secondary. I won’t go into details about each, but each different type is relative to specific evidence/facts. This is why attorneys choose specialty area’s of business to work in, because it is hard work just doing the research portion on each matter. Additionally, this is an excellent way to AVOID basing justice on society’s belief system because we look at the facts set forth by decisions previously made establishing “case” law. The research of all points of Authority does not stop until all facts are pointing to the same core Rule of Law because along the way, one will find many facts contradicting their case.



Here is a case study in point to provide an example for what I mean:



Dennis is a 10-year-old boy who is always getting into trouble. Everyone in the neighborhood knows Dennis; they’ve actually nicknamed him “The Menace.” Mr. Wilson lives right next door to Dennis and has posted a large “No Trespassing” sign in his front yard to keep Dennis out. He also yells at Dennis to “Stay out!” whenever he sees Dennis walk by his house. All of the other neighbors have fences to keep Dennis out of their yards, but Mr. Wilson never put one up. Mr. Wilson decided to build a pool in his backyard. The pool builders, Pools R Us, came and dug a 20 foot long, 8 foot deep hole for the pool. After the workers went home, Dennis decided to investigate the new project. He walks over but then trips over a shovel one of the workers mistakenly left in the yard and falls into the hole. Mr. Wilson hears Dennis yell for help and puts a ladder in the hole so he can climb out. Dennis has a couple of bruises and minor cuts, but otherwise seems to be unharmed.



So, let’s look at this from a Ten Commandment perspective. Who is liable for damages? Is there anyone liable?



ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.' – This doesn’t apply here.



TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.' – This doesn’t apply here.



THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.' – This doesn’t apply here.



FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.' – This doesn’t apply here.



FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.' – Mr. Wilson is not Dennis’ father or mother.



SIX: 'You shall not murder.' – This doesn’t apply here.



SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.' – This doesn’t apply here.



EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.' – Dennis didn’t steal anything.



NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.' – Dennis was not witnessing to Mr. Wilson.



TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.' – This is the commandment that does apply. According to this, Dennis should not have trespassed to begin with. Sounds pretty simple, right?



What about the contributing factors though…should Dennis’s parents want to sue Mr. Wilson and Pools R Us for their son’s medical bills and emotional distress caused by the accident? Mr. Wilson didn’t have a fence up like all of the other neighbors do.



First, although Dennis was trespassing on private party, because he is a minor his parents DO have legal standing to sue Mr. Wilson.



Second, the court will need to determine if it was Mr. Wilson’s negligence or the construction company’s negligence that caused the injury. After all, had the shovel not been laying there for Dennis to trip over he may not have fell into that hole, right? According to common law doctrine (Contributory Negligence) providing a plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to the harm suffered by the plaintiff then the plaintiff cannot recover damages against the defendant for that harm."



Third, there are laws that can hold parents responsible for their irresponsible children - who generally have learned to be irresponsible due to irresponsible parenting. Those laws may come into play on these facts, but only if the jurisdiction has such laws. If those laws do come into play the court will need to establish whether or not the parents, child, neighbor, Construction Company, and possibly a neighborhood organization committee were acting in a manner a “reasonable person” would be expected to. I quote “reasonable person” because this is a legal standard for a hypothetical person. A person who exercises the degree of attention, knowledge, intelligence, and judgment that society requires of its members for the protection of their own and of others’ interests. The reasonable person acts sensibly, does things without serious delay, and takes proper but not excessive precautions.



Note, Mr. Wilson is adding a swimming pool and it is common to have a legal requirement to fence in a pool. The reason for such a law is to protect the general public from harm. This same reason - if not similar laws - cause construction sites to be roped, fenced, or otherwise guerdoned off so as to protect the pubic. Here, Mr. Wilson's yard was the construction site.



As you can see, Dennis should have stayed away, as told and in accordance with the Ten Commandments. But Mr. Wilson and Pools R Us may have been under a legal duty to secure the construction area where the pool was being installed. If under such a legal duty, then the breach of that duty would cause Mr. Wilson and/or Pools R Us to be liable for harms resulting from that breach of duty.



In summary, an Attractive Nuisance is property that is inherently dangerous and particularly enticing to children. The pool that Mr. Wilson was having built was attractive to Dennis. Children are very curious. Mr. Wilson should have taken the appropriate measures to prevent accidents. Whether it would have been Dennis or someone else that would have been on his property even with permission. He should have had a fence built around the pool area where he was building the pool.



Dennis parents can in fact sue for Damages. Damages is money awarded by the common law courts for civil wrongs. In both contract and tort law damages are the courts calculation of what it would cost to put the Plaintiff back into the position he/she would have been in but for the wrong. The Damages in this case would be the Medical bills that the family had to incur unrepentantly due to the physical injuries their son incurred.



The Tort involved here would be a civil claim for the wrongful act of Mr. Wilson, which constituted negligence that resulted in the harm of Dennis. Negligence would be the failure to do what a reasonably prudent person would ordinarily have done to prevent foreseeable harm to another under the circumstances.

The Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch is of interest to me, particularly the procedure of electing Judges for life terms in some jurisdictions. It is my opinion this sets up the legal system for corruption and injustice. According to the mission statement of the American Bar Association, defending liberty and delivering justice is the national representative of the legal profession. The functions of law in society are to protect the rights of both the weak and the strong…this should be a protection extended to both parties, equally and unbiased therefore, based on facts. It is my experience (from the defense position) regardless of evidence and a good argument the judicial system rules in favor of the plaintiff. All of these lifer’s are liberal but because I represent a corporation that does not donate large sums of monetary donations to their judicial committee like the opposing party does, I believe those contributing factors result in corruption. Additionally, one of the best descriptor’s of law I have ever found is: “When we speak of the “law” we are really talking about the sum total of all these elements as they coexist at any point in time. As such, the law is extremely complex, somewhat uncertain, always dynamic, and sometimes self-contradictory.” The above statement is referring to the combination of a sum total of the constitutions, statutes, ordinances, executive orders, treaties, regulations, and judicial decisions. With regard to where all of this may fall under the umbrella of our Federal court system’s structure it is evident by Article III of the U.S. Constitution specifically, Section 2. Therefore, as you can see…all jurisdictions is a matter of Federal law. The law in and of itself is a circle that can be argued….whether or NOT the receiver is willing to listen to that argument is another question. The important thing about law is case study, good analysis of evidence and the judicial system. With those tools the power one has using the basis of law, changing the law is not necessary UNLESS there is no case study. At which time…off you go to my favorite, Supreme Court. Clearly, the Judiciary Branch of the Justice system is in a very favorable position of authority.

Not Religious just Christian

I marked all of the presents from Santa but after reading some more info about Assembly of God last night I learned that we shouldn't encourage our children to believe in fictitious characters at all, even for fun…

I am going to let it be this year but from now on I am going to make sure they know why presents are REALLY exchanged.

It is difficult to keep any secrets with kids anyway. They are SO smart!!... See More

I am glad I found those brochures at my church. Having a reference guide is great! I already knew I would believe the 16 Doctrines of AG just because the brothers and sisters who go there exhibit traits that are undeniably Christ-like but I still needed to know why they are this way so I can learn how to be more like them!

People have become so wrapped up in WHAT they get for Christmas; the beauty of spending time with loved ones has become just part of the “tradition” versus actually appreciating those who care for them.

I get sick listening to people talk about how they do gift exchanges…the boyfriend gives the girlfriend his credit card so she can buy herself something because she will be so pissed if he gets her the wrong thing.

People just need to be happy they have someone who cares enough for them to be thoughtful and give them a gift, period.... See More

I don’t consider myself “religious” per se. I just KNOW there is too much evidence in my life to deny God exists. After learning the hard way, following my own plan all of these years only to continue to find no satisfaction in my life…I have realized I am nothing but what can be compared to a weak, misguided teenager who just thinks she knows everything.

I discovered how helpless I really am and admitting for the first time in my life that I need someone to take care of me…and that person will NEVER be found here on earth, no matter how much or diligently I search.

Submitting my life to God was like taking a huge BURDEN off of me! Finally, I can relax and enjoy life because I know He has a plan for me and I can rest in the comfort of my faith, hope and His love.

I walked away from the church for a long time because I was looking at the people in the church as an example of who God is. I thought if that is the way so called followers of Christ live, I don’t want to have anything to do with that!

Now I know the TRUTH…we are all imperfect but God loves us anyway! We shouldn’t judge others walk in life and base our opinions on them but rather, have a personal relationship with God.

I still don’t pray much at all…but I am reading my bible some and learning at church, when I go.

It is SO relieving to take the pressure off of myself knowing that God already knows all of my sins. He doesn’t like my sins but He has unconditional love for me and all I have to do is ask for forgiveness. This doesn’t give me permission to live in a sinful way though. Because I truly am saved through Jesus Christ and embodied by the Holy Spirit the evidence of His unconditional love is present in my life…because I WANT to live for Him and receive the magnificent plan He has for me and most importantly for my kids!

One of the reason’s I like my church so much is because they are DIFFERENT! The people there don’t care about what each other are wearing or judge me. Because they know God loves each and everyone of us…and to be Christ-like are to do the best we can to learn how to have unconditional love too.

I don’t question my friends, relatives and co-workers in their own personal belief’s or lack thereof. I just know what works for me and it’s a pretty good thing!

I have studied Taoism, Buddhism and Catholicism. I agree that Taoism and Buddhism have some awesome insight for life and the Catholic Church has provided a wealth of excellent literature regarding practical application in our daily walk of the Faith.

Many of my favorite quotes are by Mohandas K. Gandhi and Dalai Lama. Gandhi practiced Hinduism his whole life and the Dalai Lama practiced Buddhism.... See More

"It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err." Gandhi (Hinduism)

“Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.” Gandhi (Hinduism)

“If patience is worth anything, it must endure to the end of time. And a living faith will last in the midst of the blackest storm.” Gandhi (Hinduism)

“I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.” Dalai Lama (Buddhist)

“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…” Dalai Lama (Buddhist)

“I am learning to understand rather than immediately judge or to be judged. I cannot blindly follow the crowd and accept their approach. I will not allow myself to indulge in the usual manipulating game of role creation. Fortunately for me, my self-knowledge has transcended that and I have come to understand that life is best to be lived and not to be conceptualized. I am happy because I am growing daily and I am honestly not knowing where the limit lies. To be certain, every day there can be a revelation or a new discovery. I treasure the memory of the past misfortunes. It has added more to my bank of fortitude.” Bruce Lee (Taoist)

FOLLOWS IS THE QUOTE that expresses perfectly WHY I AM NOT RELIGIOUS, by Dalai Lama:

“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness ... the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.”