Once I've moved all the posts, I will take this blog down.
To receive all my new writings - please click over and join me at The New and improved Mommy Detective site.
http://www.themommydetective.com/
Friday, March 23, 2012
I am moving!
Once I've moved all the posts, I will take this blog down.
To receive all my new writings - please click over and join me at The New and improved Mommy Detective site.
http://www.themommydetective.com/
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Abbott and Costello on Unemployment
Have you ever heard something and it just didn't ring true? You may want to be encouraging and positive, but something just doesn't feel right. It's confusing when I watch the news and they talk about businesses laying people off or going out of business and yet, the unemployment rate is supposed to be going down.
I loved Abbott and Costello. I've spent many hours laughing at their approach to logical issues. I don't know if this is a routine that they did in their career - but it's a great way to look at what "may" be happening within the ranks of Obama's team.
It's a sad commentary but their style will leave you chuckling.
COSTELLO: I want to talk about the unemployment rate in America.
ABBOTT: Good Subject. Terrible Times. It's 9%.
COSTELLO: That many people are out of work?
ABBOTT: No, that's about 20%.
COSTELLO: You just said 9%.
ABBOTT: 9% Unemployed.
COSTELLO: Right 9% out of work.
ABBOTT: No, that's about 20%.
COSTELLO: Okay, so it's 20% unemployed.
ABBOTT: No, that's 9%...
COSTELLO: WAIT A MINUTE. Is it 9% or 20%?
ABBOTT: 9% are unemployed. 20% are out of work.
COSTELLO: IF you are out of work you are unemployed.
ABBOTT: No, you can't count the "Out of Work" as the unemployed. You have to look for work to be unemployed.
COSTELLO: BUT THEY ARE OUT OF WORK!!!
ABBOTT: No, you miss my point.
COSTELLO: What point?
ABBOTT: Someone who doesn't look for work, can't be counted with those who look for work. It wouldn't be fair.
COSTELLO: To who?
ABBOTT: The unemployed.
COSTELLO: But they are ALL out of work.
ABBOTT: No, the unemployed are actively looking for work.. Those who are out of work stopped looking. They gave up. And, if you give up, you are no longer in the ranks of the unemployed.
COSTELLO: So if you're off the unemployment roles, that would count as less unemployment?
ABBOTT: Unemployment would go down. Absolutely!
COSTELLO: The unemployment just goes down because you don't look for work?
ABBOTT: Absolutely it goes down. That's how you get to 9%. Otherwise, it would be 20%. You don't want to read about 20% unemployment do ya?
COSTELLO: That would be frightening.
ABBOTT: Absolutely.
COSTELLO: Wait, I got a question for you. That means they're two ways to bring down the unemployment number?
ABBOTT: Two ways is correct.
COSTELLO: Unemployment can go down if someone gets a job?
ABBOTT: Correct.
COSTELLO: And unemployment can also go down if you stop looking for a job?
ABBOTT: Bingo.
COSTELLO: So there are two ways to bring unemployment down, and the easier of the two is to just stop looking for work.
ABBOTT: Now you're thinking like a democrat.
COSTELLO: I don't even know what I just said!
And now you know why Obama's unemployment figures are improving!
I think Washington structured taxes according to this Abbott and Costello clip!
God loves you,
Debbie
I loved Abbott and Costello. I've spent many hours laughing at their approach to logical issues. I don't know if this is a routine that they did in their career - but it's a great way to look at what "may" be happening within the ranks of Obama's team.
It's a sad commentary but their style will leave you chuckling.
COSTELLO: I want to talk about the unemployment rate in America.
ABBOTT: Good Subject. Terrible Times. It's 9%.
COSTELLO: That many people are out of work?
ABBOTT: No, that's about 20%.
COSTELLO: You just said 9%.
ABBOTT: 9% Unemployed.
COSTELLO: Right 9% out of work.
ABBOTT: No, that's about 20%.
COSTELLO: Okay, so it's 20% unemployed.
ABBOTT: No, that's 9%...
COSTELLO: WAIT A MINUTE. Is it 9% or 20%?
ABBOTT: 9% are unemployed. 20% are out of work.
COSTELLO: IF you are out of work you are unemployed.
ABBOTT: No, you can't count the "Out of Work" as the unemployed. You have to look for work to be unemployed.
COSTELLO: BUT THEY ARE OUT OF WORK!!!
ABBOTT: No, you miss my point.
COSTELLO: What point?
ABBOTT: Someone who doesn't look for work, can't be counted with those who look for work. It wouldn't be fair.
COSTELLO: To who?
ABBOTT: The unemployed.
COSTELLO: But they are ALL out of work.
ABBOTT: No, the unemployed are actively looking for work.. Those who are out of work stopped looking. They gave up. And, if you give up, you are no longer in the ranks of the unemployed.
COSTELLO: So if you're off the unemployment roles, that would count as less unemployment?
ABBOTT: Unemployment would go down. Absolutely!
COSTELLO: The unemployment just goes down because you don't look for work?
ABBOTT: Absolutely it goes down. That's how you get to 9%. Otherwise, it would be 20%. You don't want to read about 20% unemployment do ya?
COSTELLO: That would be frightening.
ABBOTT: Absolutely.
COSTELLO: Wait, I got a question for you. That means they're two ways to bring down the unemployment number?
ABBOTT: Two ways is correct.
COSTELLO: Unemployment can go down if someone gets a job?
ABBOTT: Correct.
COSTELLO: And unemployment can also go down if you stop looking for a job?
ABBOTT: Bingo.
COSTELLO: So there are two ways to bring unemployment down, and the easier of the two is to just stop looking for work.
ABBOTT: Now you're thinking like a democrat.
COSTELLO: I don't even know what I just said!
And now you know why Obama's unemployment figures are improving!
I think Washington structured taxes according to this Abbott and Costello clip!
God loves you,
Debbie
Monday, February 6, 2012
Happy Birthday Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan was a great president. I feel privileged that I lived during his presidency. Happy Birthday to a great man!
I hope you will teach your children about this great man and that you will dig around for the truth about his life and his beliefs. The left is trying to discredit the fact that through his beliefs, this country excelled. The more we abandon his beliefs, the more we slip into socialism. The following includes many quotes from President Reagan. If you look in the left sidebar, you'll find more.
The following is brought to you by American Minute
A graduate of Eureka College, IL, 1932, he announced for radio stations in Iowa. He married Jane Wyman and had children Maureen and Michael. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II, then became an actor, appearing in over 50 films. He was President of the Screen Actors Guild, switched from Democrat to Republican, and became Governor of California.
His second marriage, to Nancy Davis, 1952, had children Patti and Ron.
His name was Ronald Reagan, born FEBRUARY 6, 1911, and died June 5, 2004.
At age sixty-nine, he was the oldest person elected U.S. President, and sixty-nine days after his inauguration, he survived an assassination attempt. Ronald Reagan stated at St. John's University in New York, March 28, 1985:
"Government that is big enough to give you everything you want is more likely to simply take everything you've got."
Ronald Reagan remarked to the Heritage Council, Warren, Michigan, October 10, 1984:
"Henry David Thoreau was right: that government is best which governs least."
In his 1964 speech, A Time for Choosing, Ronald Reagan stated:
"I suggest to you there is no left or right, only an up or down. Up to the maximum of individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism; and regardless of their humanitarian purpose, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have, whether they know it or not, chosen this downward path."
In 1961, Ronald Reagan stated:
"One of the traditional methods of imposing statism or socialism on a people has been by way of medicine. It's very easy to disguise a medical program as a humanitarian project...James Madison in 1788...said: '...There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.'...
What can we do about this?...We can write to our congressmen and our senators. We can say right now that we want no further encroachment on these individual liberties and freedoms...We do not want socialized medicine...If you don't, this program I promise you will pass...and behind it will come other federal programs that will invade every area of freedom as we have known...until, one day...we will awake to find that we have socialism.
And...you and I are going to spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children, what it once was like in America when men were free."
Ronald Reagan stated in Beijing, China, April 27, 1984:
"I have seen the rise of fascism and communism. Both philosophies glorify the arbitrary power of the state...But both theories fail. Both deny those God-given liberties that are the inalienable right of each person on this planet, indeed, they deny the existence of God."
On March 20, 1981, at the Conservative Political Action Conference Dinner, Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC, Ronald Reagan stated:
"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid. That's why the Marxist vision of man without God must eventually be seen as an empty and a false faith - the second oldest in the world - first proclaimed in the Garden of Eden with whispered words...'Ye shall be as gods.' The crisis of the Western world...exists to the degree in which it is indifferent to God."
On May 17, 1982, in a proposed Constitutional Amendment on Prayer in Schools, President Ronald Reagan stated:
"Our liberty springs from and depends upon an abiding faith in God."
President Reagan proclaimed:
"Now, therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, in recognition of the contributions and influence of the Bible on our Republic and our people, do hereby proclaim 1983 the 'Year of the Bible' in the United States. I encourage all citizens, each in his or her own way, to reexamine and rediscover its priceless and timeless message."
Ronald Reagan wrote in his article, "Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation," The Human Life Review, 1983:
"Lincoln recognized that we could not survive as a free land when some men could decide that others were not fit to be free and should be slaves...
Likewise, we cannot survive as a free nation when some men decide that others are not fit to live and should be abandoned to abortion."
At the Alfred M. Landon Lecture Series, 1982, Ronald Reagan stated:
"We can't have it both ways. We can't expect God to protect us in a crisis and just leave Him over there on the shelf in our day-to-day living. I wonder if sometimes He isn't waiting for us to wake up, He isn't maybe running out of patience."
At Reunion Arena in Dallas, 1984, Ronald Reagan stated:
"Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience....without God there is a coarsening of the society; without God democracy will not and cannot long endure.... America needs God more than God needs America. If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under."
WOW!
God loves you,
Debbie
I hope you will teach your children about this great man and that you will dig around for the truth about his life and his beliefs. The left is trying to discredit the fact that through his beliefs, this country excelled. The more we abandon his beliefs, the more we slip into socialism. The following includes many quotes from President Reagan. If you look in the left sidebar, you'll find more.
A graduate of Eureka College, IL, 1932, he announced for radio stations in Iowa. He married Jane Wyman and had children Maureen and Michael. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II, then became an actor, appearing in over 50 films. He was President of the Screen Actors Guild, switched from Democrat to Republican, and became Governor of California.
His second marriage, to Nancy Davis, 1952, had children Patti and Ron.
His name was Ronald Reagan, born FEBRUARY 6, 1911, and died June 5, 2004.
At age sixty-nine, he was the oldest person elected U.S. President, and sixty-nine days after his inauguration, he survived an assassination attempt. Ronald Reagan stated at St. John's University in New York, March 28, 1985:
"Government that is big enough to give you everything you want is more likely to simply take everything you've got."
Ronald Reagan remarked to the Heritage Council, Warren, Michigan, October 10, 1984:
"Henry David Thoreau was right: that government is best which governs least."
In his 1964 speech, A Time for Choosing, Ronald Reagan stated:
"I suggest to you there is no left or right, only an up or down. Up to the maximum of individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism; and regardless of their humanitarian purpose, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have, whether they know it or not, chosen this downward path."
In 1961, Ronald Reagan stated:
"One of the traditional methods of imposing statism or socialism on a people has been by way of medicine. It's very easy to disguise a medical program as a humanitarian project...James Madison in 1788...said: '...There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.'...
What can we do about this?...We can write to our congressmen and our senators. We can say right now that we want no further encroachment on these individual liberties and freedoms...We do not want socialized medicine...If you don't, this program I promise you will pass...and behind it will come other federal programs that will invade every area of freedom as we have known...until, one day...we will awake to find that we have socialism.
And...you and I are going to spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children, what it once was like in America when men were free."
Ronald Reagan stated in Beijing, China, April 27, 1984:
"I have seen the rise of fascism and communism. Both philosophies glorify the arbitrary power of the state...But both theories fail. Both deny those God-given liberties that are the inalienable right of each person on this planet, indeed, they deny the existence of God."
On March 20, 1981, at the Conservative Political Action Conference Dinner, Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC, Ronald Reagan stated:
"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid. That's why the Marxist vision of man without God must eventually be seen as an empty and a false faith - the second oldest in the world - first proclaimed in the Garden of Eden with whispered words...'Ye shall be as gods.' The crisis of the Western world...exists to the degree in which it is indifferent to God."
On May 17, 1982, in a proposed Constitutional Amendment on Prayer in Schools, President Ronald Reagan stated:
"Our liberty springs from and depends upon an abiding faith in God."
President Reagan proclaimed:
"Now, therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, in recognition of the contributions and influence of the Bible on our Republic and our people, do hereby proclaim 1983 the 'Year of the Bible' in the United States. I encourage all citizens, each in his or her own way, to reexamine and rediscover its priceless and timeless message."
Ronald Reagan wrote in his article, "Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation," The Human Life Review, 1983:
"Lincoln recognized that we could not survive as a free land when some men could decide that others were not fit to be free and should be slaves...
Likewise, we cannot survive as a free nation when some men decide that others are not fit to live and should be abandoned to abortion."
At the Alfred M. Landon Lecture Series, 1982, Ronald Reagan stated:
"We can't have it both ways. We can't expect God to protect us in a crisis and just leave Him over there on the shelf in our day-to-day living. I wonder if sometimes He isn't waiting for us to wake up, He isn't maybe running out of patience."
At Reunion Arena in Dallas, 1984, Ronald Reagan stated:
"Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience....without God there is a coarsening of the society; without God democracy will not and cannot long endure.... America needs God more than God needs America. If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under."
WOW!
God loves you,
Debbie
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Mr. Obama's State of the Union
Before I comment on the State of the Union Address, let me pass along a story someone sent. I've thought about this story for a long time. While I teach and live by the old version, I agree with the point the new version is trying to make.
The ANT and The GRASSHOPPER two versions:
Two Different Versions ... Two Different Morals
OLD VERSION
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE OLD STORY: Be responsible for yourself!
( Both Ron and I remember our school teachers telling this story and insisting everyone be like the ants. My teacher used this story to point out to several students that if they didn't get their act together they would be like the grasshopper and never be successful.)
MODERN VERSION
The ant works hard in the withering heat and the rain all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while he is cold and starving.. CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.
America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so? Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green...'
Occupy the Anthill stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the SEIU group singing, We shall overcome. Then Rev. Jeremiah Wright has the group kneel down to pray for the grasshopper's sake, while he damns the ants. President Obama condemns the ant and blames President Bush 43, President Bush 41, President Reagan, Christopher Columbus, and the Pope for the grasshopper's plight.
Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.
Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar and given to the grasshopper.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper and his free-loading friends finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which, as you recall, just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around them because the grasshopper doesn't maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow, never to be seen again.
The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident, and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the ramshackled, once prosperous and peaceful, neighborhood.
The entire Nation collapses bringing the rest of the free world with it.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2012.
When we watched the State of the Union, Ron and I were definitely not impressed. Ron thought it was more of the same and frankly boring. I had only one thought. "Mr. Obama is very quick to spend my money and with his nose in the air he loves to tell me what he thinks is right for my life. Unlike the American way his entire speech was not about inspiration, being a better American or working harder together. His speech smacked of "I don't care if you like my policy or not. I want it so I'm going to ram it down your throat." Oh yes, I will be very careful how I vote.
God loves you,
Debbie
The ANT and The GRASSHOPPER two versions:
Two Different Versions ... Two Different Morals
OLD VERSION
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE OLD STORY: Be responsible for yourself!
( Both Ron and I remember our school teachers telling this story and insisting everyone be like the ants. My teacher used this story to point out to several students that if they didn't get their act together they would be like the grasshopper and never be successful.)
MODERN VERSION
The ant works hard in the withering heat and the rain all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while he is cold and starving.. CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.
America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so? Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green...'
Occupy the Anthill stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the SEIU group singing, We shall overcome. Then Rev. Jeremiah Wright has the group kneel down to pray for the grasshopper's sake, while he damns the ants. President Obama condemns the ant and blames President Bush 43, President Bush 41, President Reagan, Christopher Columbus, and the Pope for the grasshopper's plight.
Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.
Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar and given to the grasshopper.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper and his free-loading friends finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which, as you recall, just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around them because the grasshopper doesn't maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow, never to be seen again.
The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident, and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the ramshackled, once prosperous and peaceful, neighborhood.
The entire Nation collapses bringing the rest of the free world with it.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2012.
When we watched the State of the Union, Ron and I were definitely not impressed. Ron thought it was more of the same and frankly boring. I had only one thought. "Mr. Obama is very quick to spend my money and with his nose in the air he loves to tell me what he thinks is right for my life. Unlike the American way his entire speech was not about inspiration, being a better American or working harder together. His speech smacked of "I don't care if you like my policy or not. I want it so I'm going to ram it down your throat." Oh yes, I will be very careful how I vote.
God loves you,
Debbie
Monday, January 16, 2012
Debating attacks - Watching the Fox news Debate
I am filled with panic about my life and my country. Ron and I are working on a marketing plan for several ideas. We are pushing the limit with our finances. We are fasting and praying for our children and their needs. We are also fretting about the needs of our parents and what the days ahead will be for them. We are concerned about our friends and disappointed with greedy churches. We feel pressured on every side and thoroughly disappointed with the state of our country.
If you want my vote, give me a candidate that promises a country with honor and citizens committed to making their lives better. You want my vote? Support less government and more God in our lives. You want my vote, don't promise more money - promise more values and families defined by honor and decent living.
In three months I will be a grandmother. I want that child to have hope. I want that child to believe in America. I want that child to have the advantages I had when I was growing up. I want that child to be safe from predators and safe from evil. I want that child to feel like the future is bright with promise and dreams are attainable.
Can anyone make that happen? Of course they can. America was all of that until we became the country of greed, me first, give me what I want and I don't care what happens to you. Don't get me wrong - I'm not talking about abdicating responsibility to evil unions and dictating governments. I'm talking about men and women who are willing to personally sacrifice to make this country better.
The problem is I know that government and elected officials can't do any of that. Making America great depends on good people stepping up to the plate and doing all they can to "build" a better America. You and I (coupled with Biblical principles) are the only ones that can change America. Yes, we need a president that supports those ideas....but he can't get the job done until each individual citizen decides they will do any and everything possible to create a better society. (That includes your pocketbook)
Sigh*** It's a big task. Are you up to the challenge?
God loves you,
Debbie
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Don't forget the important gifts of Christmas
Merry Christmas!
I am looking forward to the important gifts of Christmas. The ones that last a lifetime. The gifts that keep on giving all year long. They are wrapped with paper that outshines all others. The gifts I'm talking about are the personal smiles, sweet memories and beautiful moments that we share with loved ones and friends. Those little snippets of time that keep invading our thoughts all year long. The moments that leave a lump in our throat but sweep all the cobwebs from our aching hearts. When the tiniest sweet moment is through we take a deep breath and drink in a freshness that seems to clear away all the sadness of this evil world.
Take time this Christmas to hug all your friends and family. Hold them tight. Whisper that you love them. Listen to their stories, share a laugh and be thankful for those who have blessed your life so much. My Dad just posted this wonderful story on his blog. I hope you enjoy this little present of goodness.
When I was young, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighborhood. I remember well the polished old case fastened to the wall. The black receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when my mother used to talk to it.
Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person - her name was “Information Please” and there was nothing she did not know. “Information Please” could supply anybody’s number and the correct time.
My first personal experience with this genie-in-the-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer.
The pain was terrible, but there didn’t seem to be any reason in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy. I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway.
The telephone!
Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlor and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlor and held it to my ear. “Information Please,” I said into the mouthpiece just above my head.
A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into my ear.
“Information.”
“I hurt my finger.” I wailed into the phone. The tears came readily enough now that I had an audience.
“Isn’t your mother home?” came the question.
“Nobody’s home but me.” I blubbered.
“Are you bleeding?”
“No,” I replied. “I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts.”
“Can you open your icebox?” she asked. I said I could.
“Then chip off a little piece of ice and hold it to your finger,” said the voice.
After that, I called “Information Please” for everything. I asked her for help with my geography and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my math. She told me my pet chipmunk that I had caught in the park just the day before would eat fruits and nuts.
Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary died. I called “Information Please” and told her the sad story. She listened, then said the usual things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was un-consoled. I asked her, “Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?”
She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, “Paul, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in.” Somehow I felt better.
Another day I was on the telephone. “Information Please.”
“Information,” said the now familiar voice.
“How do you spell fix?” I asked.
All this took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest.
When I was 9 years old, we moved across the country to Boston.
I missed my friend very much. “Information Please” belonged in that old wooden box back home, and I somehow never thought of trying the tall, shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall.
As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me. Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy.
A few years later, on my way west to college, my plane put down in Seattle. I had about half an hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lived there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialed my hometown operator and said, “Information, Please”.
Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well, “Information.” I hadn’t planned this but I heard myself saying, “Could you please tell me how to spell fix?”
There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, “I guess your finger must have healed by now.”
I laughed. “So it’s really still you,’ I said. “I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time.”
“I wonder”, she said, “if you know how much your calls meant to me.” “I never had any children, and I used to look forward to your calls.”
I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister.
“Please do, she said. “Just ask for Sally.”
Three months later I was back in Seattle. A different voice answered “Information.” I asked for Sally.
“Are you a friend?” She said.
“Yes, a very old friend,” I answered.
“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, she said. Sally had been working part-time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago.”
Before I could hang up she said, “Wait a minute. Did you say your name was Paul?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called. Let me read it to you.” The note said, “Tell him I still say there are other worlds to sing in. He’ll know what I mean.”
I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant.
Merry Christmas - God loves you,
Debbie
I am looking forward to the important gifts of Christmas. The ones that last a lifetime. The gifts that keep on giving all year long. They are wrapped with paper that outshines all others. The gifts I'm talking about are the personal smiles, sweet memories and beautiful moments that we share with loved ones and friends. Those little snippets of time that keep invading our thoughts all year long. The moments that leave a lump in our throat but sweep all the cobwebs from our aching hearts. When the tiniest sweet moment is through we take a deep breath and drink in a freshness that seems to clear away all the sadness of this evil world.
Take time this Christmas to hug all your friends and family. Hold them tight. Whisper that you love them. Listen to their stories, share a laugh and be thankful for those who have blessed your life so much. My Dad just posted this wonderful story on his blog. I hope you enjoy this little present of goodness.
Operator please
June 23, 1998
When I was young, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighborhood. I remember well the polished old case fastened to the wall. The black receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when my mother used to talk to it.
Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person - her name was “Information Please” and there was nothing she did not know. “Information Please” could supply anybody’s number and the correct time.
My first personal experience with this genie-in-the-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer.
The pain was terrible, but there didn’t seem to be any reason in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy. I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway.
The telephone!
Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlor and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlor and held it to my ear. “Information Please,” I said into the mouthpiece just above my head.
A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into my ear.
“Information.”
“I hurt my finger.” I wailed into the phone. The tears came readily enough now that I had an audience.
“Isn’t your mother home?” came the question.
“Nobody’s home but me.” I blubbered.
“Are you bleeding?”
“No,” I replied. “I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts.”
“Can you open your icebox?” she asked. I said I could.
“Then chip off a little piece of ice and hold it to your finger,” said the voice.
After that, I called “Information Please” for everything. I asked her for help with my geography and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my math. She told me my pet chipmunk that I had caught in the park just the day before would eat fruits and nuts.
Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary died. I called “Information Please” and told her the sad story. She listened, then said the usual things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was un-consoled. I asked her, “Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?”
She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, “Paul, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in.” Somehow I felt better.
Another day I was on the telephone. “Information Please.”
“Information,” said the now familiar voice.
“How do you spell fix?” I asked.
All this took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest.
When I was 9 years old, we moved across the country to Boston.
I missed my friend very much. “Information Please” belonged in that old wooden box back home, and I somehow never thought of trying the tall, shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall.
As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me. Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy.
A few years later, on my way west to college, my plane put down in Seattle. I had about half an hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lived there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialed my hometown operator and said, “Information, Please”.
Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well, “Information.” I hadn’t planned this but I heard myself saying, “Could you please tell me how to spell fix?”
There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, “I guess your finger must have healed by now.”
I laughed. “So it’s really still you,’ I said. “I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time.”
“I wonder”, she said, “if you know how much your calls meant to me.” “I never had any children, and I used to look forward to your calls.”
I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister.
“Please do, she said. “Just ask for Sally.”
Three months later I was back in Seattle. A different voice answered “Information.” I asked for Sally.
“Are you a friend?” She said.
“Yes, a very old friend,” I answered.
“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, she said. Sally had been working part-time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago.”
Before I could hang up she said, “Wait a minute. Did you say your name was Paul?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called. Let me read it to you.” The note said, “Tell him I still say there are other worlds to sing in. He’ll know what I mean.”
I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant.
Merry Christmas - God loves you,
Debbie
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
America's youth and the death of intelligent thought.
It's often hard to explain to others how I look at the world. My new book, The Mommy Detective attempts to help others see what I see when I look at problems. It shows my thoughts when it comes to my world view, parenting, faith and a host of other issues. Basically, I feel that the only way to a good life is to know the truth. If you base it on what you've heard or what someone has told you to believe - you can be fooled. You may think you have a good life but around the corner a train wreck is on it's way.
I don't want to be surprised negatively with a horrible ending to a particular train of thought. For example if I believe that God doesn't exist because some atheist professor told me that in a classroom, what happens if he's wrong? What happens if I get to the moment of death and find out that my Christian neighbor is right. With no time to change, I will suffer the consequences of another person's research.
If I plan to build a part of my life on any philosophy, I am going to constantly question my beliefs to be sure I'm right. The most dangerous position to be in is one where you can never test your theories or where you look at life through selfish eyes. I've know wonderful Christians who loved God but still viewed the world through very small selfish eyes. For that reason I tell people constantly - show me something that is better than the way I live and I'll change. But...first you have to prove to me it's better. Since I know my platform extremely well and I've tested most every view - they back off quickly.
We are headed for some very difficult times. People are voting and spouting a lot of ridiculous theories and refusing to investigate their validity. That will lead us to a slavery based society. We may not be in physical chains - but we will be mentally chained. We must train our children to think logically and to thoroughly test every area of every philosophy they choose to live by. Without that kind of scrutiny we will bite the apple once again and our society will slip into desperate chaos.
Guess who rises to the top during a chaotic situation - evil - always evil. People usually don't turn to good people during a crisis because the good person will require some form of hard work.
Angel Hunt posted the following video on her blog. I am grateful she did. I hope you will watch the entire video and ask yourself - "Do my philosophies have the kind of holes in it that the interviewer revealed? "
God loves you,
Debbie
I don't want to be surprised negatively with a horrible ending to a particular train of thought. For example if I believe that God doesn't exist because some atheist professor told me that in a classroom, what happens if he's wrong? What happens if I get to the moment of death and find out that my Christian neighbor is right. With no time to change, I will suffer the consequences of another person's research.
If I plan to build a part of my life on any philosophy, I am going to constantly question my beliefs to be sure I'm right. The most dangerous position to be in is one where you can never test your theories or where you look at life through selfish eyes. I've know wonderful Christians who loved God but still viewed the world through very small selfish eyes. For that reason I tell people constantly - show me something that is better than the way I live and I'll change. But...first you have to prove to me it's better. Since I know my platform extremely well and I've tested most every view - they back off quickly.
We are headed for some very difficult times. People are voting and spouting a lot of ridiculous theories and refusing to investigate their validity. That will lead us to a slavery based society. We may not be in physical chains - but we will be mentally chained. We must train our children to think logically and to thoroughly test every area of every philosophy they choose to live by. Without that kind of scrutiny we will bite the apple once again and our society will slip into desperate chaos.
Guess who rises to the top during a chaotic situation - evil - always evil. People usually don't turn to good people during a crisis because the good person will require some form of hard work.
Angel Hunt posted the following video on her blog. I am grateful she did. I hope you will watch the entire video and ask yourself - "Do my philosophies have the kind of holes in it that the interviewer revealed? "
God loves you,
Debbie
Monday, November 7, 2011
Scandal, scandal, scandal
Is anyone questioning the scandals that seem to crawl out of the woodwork when something good is happening?
I'm not a mind reader. I don't know if someone I've never met is telling the truth or not. I can't put my arm around a total stranger and vouch for his/her integrity. But it does seem that either a truly good person doesn't exist anymore or some people are willing to perjure themselves for the sake of ten minutes of fame. The real problem with the justice system and the media is that once a person is accused, the accuser can run away and hide. He/she isn't prosecuted. The life of the accused is ruin and there's no way to get it back.
I don't know Herman Cain. I've read his bio and I've listened to him speak several times, but I can't tell you for sure that he isn't the kind of man that would sexually harass a woman. Yet...it does seem suspicious that no one says a thing about him until....he rises in the polls and looks like he might be a shoe in. Then all of a sudden four women are on the bandwagon to demand that he's a bad guy. It seems like socialists, democrats, liberals and Mr. Obama's team are so desperate that I wouldn't put it pass someone in that army of individuals to do something dastardly.
If you factor in a little "discernment", it is possible to say...This person or that person just doesn't seem to be the kind of person to do that. But... there again, who really knows.
For what it's worth, it doesn't seem to me that Herman Cain looks or acts like the kind of person that would demean any woman. Something here doesn't ring true. Besides, have you seen his bio??? It doesn't look to me like he would have time to harass anyone.
I guess we will have to see how this all plays out, but I'm a little sad. I don't think the media is trustworthy and I think most reporters would bury a candidate they didn't like for the price of dinner at Denny's. I don't think they would bat an eye at ruining any one's life. So to put this matter into their hands is like asking a crocodile to babysit a rabbit. He wouldn't care about lost revenue, he'd just be glad dinner was served.
I guess the only real option here is to pray. Pray for Herman Cain, pray for more honorable reporters and pray that God will have mercy on America.
God loves you,
Debbie
I'm not a mind reader. I don't know if someone I've never met is telling the truth or not. I can't put my arm around a total stranger and vouch for his/her integrity. But it does seem that either a truly good person doesn't exist anymore or some people are willing to perjure themselves for the sake of ten minutes of fame. The real problem with the justice system and the media is that once a person is accused, the accuser can run away and hide. He/she isn't prosecuted. The life of the accused is ruin and there's no way to get it back.
I don't know Herman Cain. I've read his bio and I've listened to him speak several times, but I can't tell you for sure that he isn't the kind of man that would sexually harass a woman. Yet...it does seem suspicious that no one says a thing about him until....he rises in the polls and looks like he might be a shoe in. Then all of a sudden four women are on the bandwagon to demand that he's a bad guy. It seems like socialists, democrats, liberals and Mr. Obama's team are so desperate that I wouldn't put it pass someone in that army of individuals to do something dastardly.
If you factor in a little "discernment", it is possible to say...This person or that person just doesn't seem to be the kind of person to do that. But... there again, who really knows.
For what it's worth, it doesn't seem to me that Herman Cain looks or acts like the kind of person that would demean any woman. Something here doesn't ring true. Besides, have you seen his bio??? It doesn't look to me like he would have time to harass anyone.
I guess we will have to see how this all plays out, but I'm a little sad. I don't think the media is trustworthy and I think most reporters would bury a candidate they didn't like for the price of dinner at Denny's. I don't think they would bat an eye at ruining any one's life. So to put this matter into their hands is like asking a crocodile to babysit a rabbit. He wouldn't care about lost revenue, he'd just be glad dinner was served.
I guess the only real option here is to pray. Pray for Herman Cain, pray for more honorable reporters and pray that God will have mercy on America.
God loves you,
Debbie
Welcome the Holidays -Hallelujah!
I was working on a sad news topic when Ron sent me a link to the following video. I had tears in my eyes by the end of the video. It's inspiring and wonderful. It's about time children are taught that faith can be inspiring and fun.
I hope you will pass this video around as you welcome the coming holidays.
Now don't you feel better???
God loves you,
Debbie
I hope you will pass this video around as you welcome the coming holidays.
Now don't you feel better???
God loves you,
Debbie
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Girl Scouts - a liberal organization
I remember growing up in a world where you could trust the philosophy and integrity of organizations like boy scouts and girl scouts. I am sad at the overwhelming work new parents have to do in order to protect and defend their child and the Christian, conservative way of life.
I have never confronted someone who disagrees with me and intentionally hurt them. I've always been as nice as possible to everyone. I enjoy expressing my views and being respectful enough to hear theirs.
I've spent many years looking the other way when images, lifestyles and philosophies I don't agree with are displayed. However, we don't live in a world where the true meaning of "diversity" exists. Diversity, compassion, acceptance is only available for liberals and their agenda. If I want to invite a group of like minded people to enjoy a meeting or day with people who "think like I do"....you can be sure I'll be attacked and someone will yell that I'm being divisive. That's poppycock! The real definition for what's happening in America today is "attack from the left, from liberals, from gays and from Muslims". The agenda is to break down the family, destroy Christianity and eliminate any thought in America that doesn't promote the idea that any and everything is okay.
We are losing our freedoms and it won't be long until we will have to fight to regain what we've lost. Don't get me wrong. I hope these freedoms can be replaced peacefully.
It's just not logical when Muslims (or their representatives) attend a Catholic school and then sue because they don't have a prayer room dedicated to their faith. Duh! You want a Muslim prayer room - go to a Muslim school! Don't try to destroy a Catholic school from within.
In every segment of society atheists yell about how offensive a cross is or how they can't stand to drive past a grave because it has a flag or some religious symbol. To believe that lie, I would have to see every atheist as a weak minded, feeble dysfunctional retard that doesn't have the ability to turn his head and look away. And...that even the slightest symbol of Christianity would overpower his weak mind and cause him immediate pain. How lame is that?
But these pathetic Christians who are believing in something that isn't real - we have to stomach a constant stream of television images, off the beam scientists and pornography pushers. And these poor Christians that need a crutch because they are so weak - we somehow are strong enough to resist the constant garbage we have to view.
Today was the last straw. Today I learned that innocent little girl scouts are the new stream of prey for liberal agendas. This is from the American Family Association....
The Girl Scouts of Colorado has flip-flopped on a decision not to let a 7-year-old boy join their organization, now saying he is welcome even though he's not a girl, according to FoxNews.
The Girl Scouts issued a statement to the local Fox affiliate, saying they are an inclusive organization and will accept "Bobby." The troop leader who turned him away made a mistake, they said, and the situation is being rectified. "If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout," the statement said.
This follows a long history of liberal leanings by the Girl Scouts of America:
Girl Scouts supports Planned Parenthood
Girl Scouts recognizes many "gods"
Girl Scouts advances lesbianism and radical feminism
The Girls Scouts of America has lost it's way and lost its mind. A boy is not a girl, end of story.
AFA is proud to recommend the Christian-based American Heritage Girls as an alternative to the Girl Scouts of America. American Heritage Girls has over 13,000 members in 41 states.
To view this article AFA - Girl Scouts now allow transgender
I have just one thing to say to the Girl Scout representative that said, "If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout."
How stupid! According to his/her rationale - If I identify myself as an eagle and my family presents me as an eagle - then I must be an eagle and the scientific community should welcome me as such. I doubt that living on mountain top and flying around the valley will be possible. I'm not sure I could build a nest large enough or that I would be comfortable killing small animals. But...if I say it loud enough and demand that it's true - then surely it must be. Hum...who said that originally - oh yeah - Hitler had a lot to say about faith and lies....
Check out Brainy Quotes
"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed."
"It is always more difficult to fight against faith than against knowledge."
"It is not truth that matters, but victory. "
"Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it. "
Sounds familiar Adolf Hitler
It's like Abraham Lincoln said "Just because you say a dog's tail is a leg doesn't make it so!"
The sadness in all of this is not the stupidity of the adults - although that is important. The sadness is the child. Seven year olds don't have the social or mental capability to understand "who they are". They are simply following the parents who are planting an idea. This entire situation is a lie and in the process a life is ruined. Children are followers and if you choose to lie to a child - he doesn't know the difference. It's so sad that America has stooped so low that we now give in and allow our citizens to lie. Without knowing and living by the truth - we will eventually become a nation of slaves.
God have mercy on us.
God loves you,
Debbie
I have never confronted someone who disagrees with me and intentionally hurt them. I've always been as nice as possible to everyone. I enjoy expressing my views and being respectful enough to hear theirs.
I've spent many years looking the other way when images, lifestyles and philosophies I don't agree with are displayed. However, we don't live in a world where the true meaning of "diversity" exists. Diversity, compassion, acceptance is only available for liberals and their agenda. If I want to invite a group of like minded people to enjoy a meeting or day with people who "think like I do"....you can be sure I'll be attacked and someone will yell that I'm being divisive. That's poppycock! The real definition for what's happening in America today is "attack from the left, from liberals, from gays and from Muslims". The agenda is to break down the family, destroy Christianity and eliminate any thought in America that doesn't promote the idea that any and everything is okay.
We are losing our freedoms and it won't be long until we will have to fight to regain what we've lost. Don't get me wrong. I hope these freedoms can be replaced peacefully.
It's just not logical when Muslims (or their representatives) attend a Catholic school and then sue because they don't have a prayer room dedicated to their faith. Duh! You want a Muslim prayer room - go to a Muslim school! Don't try to destroy a Catholic school from within.
In every segment of society atheists yell about how offensive a cross is or how they can't stand to drive past a grave because it has a flag or some religious symbol. To believe that lie, I would have to see every atheist as a weak minded, feeble dysfunctional retard that doesn't have the ability to turn his head and look away. And...that even the slightest symbol of Christianity would overpower his weak mind and cause him immediate pain. How lame is that?
But these pathetic Christians who are believing in something that isn't real - we have to stomach a constant stream of television images, off the beam scientists and pornography pushers. And these poor Christians that need a crutch because they are so weak - we somehow are strong enough to resist the constant garbage we have to view.
Today was the last straw. Today I learned that innocent little girl scouts are the new stream of prey for liberal agendas. This is from the American Family Association....
The Girl Scouts of Colorado has flip-flopped on a decision not to let a 7-year-old boy join their organization, now saying he is welcome even though he's not a girl, according to FoxNews.
The Girl Scouts issued a statement to the local Fox affiliate, saying they are an inclusive organization and will accept "Bobby." The troop leader who turned him away made a mistake, they said, and the situation is being rectified. "If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout," the statement said.
This follows a long history of liberal leanings by the Girl Scouts of America:
Girl Scouts supports Planned Parenthood
Girl Scouts recognizes many "gods"
Girl Scouts advances lesbianism and radical feminism
The Girls Scouts of America has lost it's way and lost its mind. A boy is not a girl, end of story.
AFA is proud to recommend the Christian-based American Heritage Girls as an alternative to the Girl Scouts of America. American Heritage Girls has over 13,000 members in 41 states.
To view this article AFA - Girl Scouts now allow transgender
I have just one thing to say to the Girl Scout representative that said, "If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout."
How stupid! According to his/her rationale - If I identify myself as an eagle and my family presents me as an eagle - then I must be an eagle and the scientific community should welcome me as such. I doubt that living on mountain top and flying around the valley will be possible. I'm not sure I could build a nest large enough or that I would be comfortable killing small animals. But...if I say it loud enough and demand that it's true - then surely it must be. Hum...who said that originally - oh yeah - Hitler had a lot to say about faith and lies....
Check out Brainy Quotes
"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed."
"It is always more difficult to fight against faith than against knowledge."
"It is not truth that matters, but victory. "
"Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it. "
Sounds familiar Adolf Hitler
It's like Abraham Lincoln said "Just because you say a dog's tail is a leg doesn't make it so!"
The sadness in all of this is not the stupidity of the adults - although that is important. The sadness is the child. Seven year olds don't have the social or mental capability to understand "who they are". They are simply following the parents who are planting an idea. This entire situation is a lie and in the process a life is ruined. Children are followers and if you choose to lie to a child - he doesn't know the difference. It's so sad that America has stooped so low that we now give in and allow our citizens to lie. Without knowing and living by the truth - we will eventually become a nation of slaves.
God have mercy on us.
God loves you,
Debbie
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Negative complaints can kill Holiday memories
Even if the child has never had it before, even if there’s no hope of it happening – the tiniest spark of desire will be there. Maybe just maybe - there is a Santa. Maybe just maybe - there is a Jesus. Maybe just maybe - I’ll be excited or happy or loved – even if it’s just for the moment.
Crashing their hopes and dreams, Mom or Dad enters the room screaming about chores that must be done and how they hate the holidays because of all the work. Even in homes where holidays are celebrated and children are treated with respect – Mom often mutters under her breath until little Sally decides that Christmas isn’t a fun holiday after all.
Little feet dance with anticipation in the long line to see Santa, while mothers argue, fuss and pull at their children until seeing Santa is the end result of an exasperating trip. Children’s eyes are wide with excitement as they glance at the live trees on the lot. They smell the pine, crunch along the saw dust and imagine twinkling lights over large packages. Then Dad barks about how heavy the tree is or how much sap will be on the carpet and little eyes droop with the heaviness of fake holiday cheer. No wonder so many young adults would rather spend the holidays with their friends. The joy of a decorated house and loving family interactions has been replaced with bad attitudes and impossible goals.
You don’t have to come right out and stand against the holidays in order to destroy them. You can simply “complain” them to death.
“But Debbie, that’s not fair. I work like a dog during the holidays and I’m exhausted. Shouldn’t my family pay attention to me and allow me to vent a little?”
It’s difficult to suffer in silence. I know. I’ve done it many times. The question should not be what do you need – the question should be what is the goal? If you goal is to inspire your family to enjoy each other during the Holidays, then all the little snide remarks about greedy companies, selfish in-laws and demanding children does not support your goal.
If your goal is to bring your family together in peace and enjoy the time you have with them – negative thoughts, complaints and rants should not be allowed. If your goal is to have everyone bow at your feet because of the work you’ve done – then perhaps you need to draw up a contract that will produce a well thought out Thank You rather than simply voicing your complaints.
This year, rather than personally concentrating on the birth of Christ, perhaps parents should concentrate on the teachings of Christ. Philippians 2:14 is a great place to start.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Perhaps we need to ask ourselves if our children turn their backs on God because we presented his birth in such a negative light. Yes, we told them the story of the Nativity. Yes, we told them Jesus is the way the truth and the life. But did we also turn Thanksgiving and Christmas into such a flurry of negative comments that we not only turned them off on the holidays but we also turned them off on the love of Jesus?
God loves you,
Debbie
Friday, October 28, 2011
I hate it when people "settle"
I love all my clients and all my friends. I really love my family and those I feel like are family.
I try to give good advice and I'm very careful when counseling that I don't push too hard or crush any one's toes.
However....that said....I hate to settle for anything less than the "best for me". That may not be the best for you...you have your own best. I just can't fathom someone who knows they are settling but they just don't care any more. It's as if they feel like they don't deserve the best or they are just too "tired or lazy" to try anymore. NO...No...No...!
The first place that anyone can go to begin the process of building your self esteem and becoming a better person - the first place to go is to insist that you are not going to settle for anything less than the best your life can be! Don't settle for a spouse, don't settle in your job, don't settle in your dreams and for heaven's sake don't settle / give in / sell out - yourself. Be the very best that you can be.
I've made a ton of mistakes and I've had to walk back to several crossroads and start over. Each time I have I've re-committed myself to the highest standard. I'm committed to racing for and reaching for the highest best for my life.
Someone sent an e-mail full of pictures from Wall-mart. Pictures that showed the worst that people can be. Some of them were so bad that the only possible response was a guttural "that's disgusting". Over all though, I felt pity. Pity that those people were so starved for a little attention that they were willing to look their worst to be recognized. They settled for disgusting looks because they were too lazy or too dysfunctional to work for and deserve a respectful look.
I thought about the thousands of people all across this country that are buying into the settling routine. They take their cues from pathetic shows like bridezillas. For the sake of money producers trot out dysfunctional emotionally crippled people as if they are worthy of our attention. Instead of getting help for an emotionally starved spoiled brat, producers exploit their dysfunction. They promote their need for attention and provide a means for them to settle for negative attention. Reality show participants don't stop to think that people are laughing at them, that they are being ridiculed and that they have settled for the worst form of bullying.
Instead of reality show adults pursuing their highest goal - being respected for their classy ways, their intelligence, their good looks - reality shows parade a host of dysfunctional ugly people in front of us that promote....."I'm pathetic but I'm settling because I'm either too lazy or too mixed up to work for anything better.
It's so sad to me that people think so little of themselves. It's refreshing to follow someone like Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Whether I agree with all her opinions or not - you have to admit that she was well educated, extremely classy and the best she could be. I like watching actors like Denzel Washington and others that strive to be the best they can be. Even knowing that she didn't pick the right person the first time around - you have to admire a person like Princess Diana who worked hard to be the best she could be.
I hope you will spend a little time today asking the question - Am I settling? Have I settled for a steady date that isn't going to help me be my best - just because I'm tired of trying? Have I settled for a bad job just because I don't want to study and go for the good job? Have I settled for friends that make me unhappy just because I don't want to find friends that will support me and push me to be my best?
If I've settled in any area of my life....why am I settling and what can I do to change and be my very best!
So why do I hate it when people settle? It's a waste. It's a waste of a life, of a family, of a generation. When you aren't your best - people around you suffer as well. Don't waste your life. Be your best.
God loves you,
Debbie
I try to give good advice and I'm very careful when counseling that I don't push too hard or crush any one's toes.
However....that said....I hate to settle for anything less than the "best for me". That may not be the best for you...you have your own best. I just can't fathom someone who knows they are settling but they just don't care any more. It's as if they feel like they don't deserve the best or they are just too "tired or lazy" to try anymore. NO...No...No...!
The first place that anyone can go to begin the process of building your self esteem and becoming a better person - the first place to go is to insist that you are not going to settle for anything less than the best your life can be! Don't settle for a spouse, don't settle in your job, don't settle in your dreams and for heaven's sake don't settle / give in / sell out - yourself. Be the very best that you can be.
I've made a ton of mistakes and I've had to walk back to several crossroads and start over. Each time I have I've re-committed myself to the highest standard. I'm committed to racing for and reaching for the highest best for my life.
Someone sent an e-mail full of pictures from Wall-mart. Pictures that showed the worst that people can be. Some of them were so bad that the only possible response was a guttural "that's disgusting". Over all though, I felt pity. Pity that those people were so starved for a little attention that they were willing to look their worst to be recognized. They settled for disgusting looks because they were too lazy or too dysfunctional to work for and deserve a respectful look.
I thought about the thousands of people all across this country that are buying into the settling routine. They take their cues from pathetic shows like bridezillas. For the sake of money producers trot out dysfunctional emotionally crippled people as if they are worthy of our attention. Instead of getting help for an emotionally starved spoiled brat, producers exploit their dysfunction. They promote their need for attention and provide a means for them to settle for negative attention. Reality show participants don't stop to think that people are laughing at them, that they are being ridiculed and that they have settled for the worst form of bullying.
Instead of reality show adults pursuing their highest goal - being respected for their classy ways, their intelligence, their good looks - reality shows parade a host of dysfunctional ugly people in front of us that promote....."I'm pathetic but I'm settling because I'm either too lazy or too mixed up to work for anything better.
It's so sad to me that people think so little of themselves. It's refreshing to follow someone like Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Whether I agree with all her opinions or not - you have to admit that she was well educated, extremely classy and the best she could be. I like watching actors like Denzel Washington and others that strive to be the best they can be. Even knowing that she didn't pick the right person the first time around - you have to admire a person like Princess Diana who worked hard to be the best she could be.
I hope you will spend a little time today asking the question - Am I settling? Have I settled for a steady date that isn't going to help me be my best - just because I'm tired of trying? Have I settled for a bad job just because I don't want to study and go for the good job? Have I settled for friends that make me unhappy just because I don't want to find friends that will support me and push me to be my best?
If I've settled in any area of my life....why am I settling and what can I do to change and be my very best!
So why do I hate it when people settle? It's a waste. It's a waste of a life, of a family, of a generation. When you aren't your best - people around you suffer as well. Don't waste your life. Be your best.
God loves you,
Debbie
Monday, October 24, 2011
Nelson Mandela on education
A site on Linked In asked a question about education and helping special needs children. I was intrigued by a quote from Nelson Mandela. The writer said, "I agree with James' quote of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.”
Here was my response.
While I understand where Nelson Mandela was coming from and what he was trying to accomplish, he was not correct when he said Education is the most powerful weapon. Yes, education is vitally important and no matter what condition a child deals with - education is probably #2 on the list. But if you really want to change the world or if you want to make a difference in your child's world - you must always start with parenting. A child's parent or caregiver determines the home environment that promotes the child's "view" of his world. Parents are the primary source that builds a child's thought process. Parents can either help teachers and education or they can destroy the child's desire to learn. Even when a teacher "thinks" he's won over a parents influence - when you follow that child down the road - years later you'll discover that a parent's influence remains a primary factor even if it's subconscious.
Why else do counselors and psychiatrists probe into your childhood and whether or not you love your parents? It's because we all know that true empowerment or lack of begins in that home. Even when an adult seems to have drastically changed his life and is nothing like his parents - he will often admit that their influence is still present in several areas of his life.
That's why I'm totally convinced that Parents are the only force in the world that can totally change a community, a country or even the world - in 20 years or less. We are raising the next generation and we will have an impact on thier beliefs - good or bad. If schools, civic groups, churches and other groups would start with the parent first and then branch out - they could literally change society.
I understand that this discussion is slanted for special needs children as well as the public school and their response to helping "all" children learn. It still doesn't matter. The condition of the child is not the issue. There is a need, a bond and a God given purpose for the family. There are dynamics between parent and child that simply can't be duplicated anywhere else. What you do in your home does not stay there - it will follow your child his entire life - period!
God loves you,
Debbie
Here was my response.
While I understand where Nelson Mandela was coming from and what he was trying to accomplish, he was not correct when he said Education is the most powerful weapon. Yes, education is vitally important and no matter what condition a child deals with - education is probably #2 on the list. But if you really want to change the world or if you want to make a difference in your child's world - you must always start with parenting. A child's parent or caregiver determines the home environment that promotes the child's "view" of his world. Parents are the primary source that builds a child's thought process. Parents can either help teachers and education or they can destroy the child's desire to learn. Even when a teacher "thinks" he's won over a parents influence - when you follow that child down the road - years later you'll discover that a parent's influence remains a primary factor even if it's subconscious.
Why else do counselors and psychiatrists probe into your childhood and whether or not you love your parents? It's because we all know that true empowerment or lack of begins in that home. Even when an adult seems to have drastically changed his life and is nothing like his parents - he will often admit that their influence is still present in several areas of his life.
That's why I'm totally convinced that Parents are the only force in the world that can totally change a community, a country or even the world - in 20 years or less. We are raising the next generation and we will have an impact on thier beliefs - good or bad. If schools, civic groups, churches and other groups would start with the parent first and then branch out - they could literally change society.
I understand that this discussion is slanted for special needs children as well as the public school and their response to helping "all" children learn. It still doesn't matter. The condition of the child is not the issue. There is a need, a bond and a God given purpose for the family. There are dynamics between parent and child that simply can't be duplicated anywhere else. What you do in your home does not stay there - it will follow your child his entire life - period!
God loves you,
Debbie
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Children raised in unchristian homes...
My Bible study group gave me a wonderful birthday celebration at my home last week. As I looked around the room at the precious friends I was filled with love and complete admiration.
Admiration? Most of them were raised in unchristian homes. Many of them had to struggle to find salvation. I am always awe struck by people who fight to find the saving power of Jesus.
No...I'm not contradicting my last post. I am so grateful for my Christian home and the care my parents took to help me find Jesus. Yet, when I think about all the stories I've heard of how difficult it was to grow up in some unchristian homes - the abuse, the rejection, the hopeless feelings - all the problems those people faced and yet.....God reached out and grabbed the lost sheep. He called to them and they responded. He completely changed their lives.
Well....my experiences may be safe and loving and comforting - but they don't hold a candle to someone who has fought evil and wrestled with satanic powers and emerged victorious! That precious person deserves adoration. That precious saint deserves to be applauded and given the stage.
I hope that everyone reading this blog will realize how important it is to build a Christian home for your children. They need to see the love of God in you. It will help them avoid the sorrow and pain that so many children from unchristian homes have to endure. But....and this is very important....when you survive and go on to find the love of Jesus "in spite of" an unchristian home - I believe you deserve Heaven's highest honor.
It's kind of like being in the military. I am very thankful that I did not grow up in a military home. I would not respond well to someone else determining where I live and how I conduct the business of my home. I would hate being forced to do what they want when I know it's not right for me. I'm a freedom based person and would not want to give that away. I'm not sure that it's good to ask small children to endure the hardships that the military imposes on their lives. For that reason I am grateful that I avoided marriage with a military person.
However, do I respect and honor every person in the military? You bet. Do I stop and clap when I see them in the mall or an airport. You bet! Have I stopped them from time to time just to shake their hands and say thank you. Absolutely!
That's why if you had to struggle to find Jesus - if you grew up in a situation that made it hard for you to see his face but you continued to search for Him - I am so very proud of you. I am humbled by you. I admire you and wish I had a medal just for you.
I believe when we get to heaven and God begins the task of handing out medals and crowns - I believe your crown will be bigger than mine and I will be so very proud of you!
In one of my Dad's sermons he challenged us to think differently about Heaven's rewards. He asked, "Who do you think will receive more honors? A woman who had a drunkard for a husband. He made it difficult to feed and care for their children because he drank more than half of what he made. She did what she could for all eight children. She made things to sell and she made all their clothes. She read the Bible to them and prayed for them. They walked to church every Sunday morning knowing that if they didn't return fast enough and get dinner on the table - mom would be attacked. Every child became a Christian and two went on to be ministers. When this woman arrives in Heaven perhaps she will stand in line beside a well known evangelist. He was raised in a Christian home, married a Christian woman and had a relatively quiet Christian life. He traveled and preached to a lot of people. He was treated with respect and honor. Hundreds of people became Christians because of his work.
If Heaven is where justice is applied and all is made right, who do you think will receive more honors? I think the woman will. Not that the evangelist did anything wrong. He too will receive a crown and the joy of living forever with Jesus. But he received a good chunk of his reward while here - she didn't. I think Jesus will take her in his arms and swing her around. He will do the dance of joy with her and be delighted that she followed Him and made it to Heaven. I think at that moment every angel will fold their wings and every saint of Heaven will be excited. I think everyone will understand that she earned her reward and she deserves it!
For all of you that have fought to find your salvation - I am so proud of you! You inspire me! Praise God for you!
God loves you,
Debbie
Admiration? Most of them were raised in unchristian homes. Many of them had to struggle to find salvation. I am always awe struck by people who fight to find the saving power of Jesus.
No...I'm not contradicting my last post. I am so grateful for my Christian home and the care my parents took to help me find Jesus. Yet, when I think about all the stories I've heard of how difficult it was to grow up in some unchristian homes - the abuse, the rejection, the hopeless feelings - all the problems those people faced and yet.....God reached out and grabbed the lost sheep. He called to them and they responded. He completely changed their lives.
Well....my experiences may be safe and loving and comforting - but they don't hold a candle to someone who has fought evil and wrestled with satanic powers and emerged victorious! That precious person deserves adoration. That precious saint deserves to be applauded and given the stage.
I hope that everyone reading this blog will realize how important it is to build a Christian home for your children. They need to see the love of God in you. It will help them avoid the sorrow and pain that so many children from unchristian homes have to endure. But....and this is very important....when you survive and go on to find the love of Jesus "in spite of" an unchristian home - I believe you deserve Heaven's highest honor.
It's kind of like being in the military. I am very thankful that I did not grow up in a military home. I would not respond well to someone else determining where I live and how I conduct the business of my home. I would hate being forced to do what they want when I know it's not right for me. I'm a freedom based person and would not want to give that away. I'm not sure that it's good to ask small children to endure the hardships that the military imposes on their lives. For that reason I am grateful that I avoided marriage with a military person.
However, do I respect and honor every person in the military? You bet. Do I stop and clap when I see them in the mall or an airport. You bet! Have I stopped them from time to time just to shake their hands and say thank you. Absolutely!
That's why if you had to struggle to find Jesus - if you grew up in a situation that made it hard for you to see his face but you continued to search for Him - I am so very proud of you. I am humbled by you. I admire you and wish I had a medal just for you.
I believe when we get to heaven and God begins the task of handing out medals and crowns - I believe your crown will be bigger than mine and I will be so very proud of you!
In one of my Dad's sermons he challenged us to think differently about Heaven's rewards. He asked, "Who do you think will receive more honors? A woman who had a drunkard for a husband. He made it difficult to feed and care for their children because he drank more than half of what he made. She did what she could for all eight children. She made things to sell and she made all their clothes. She read the Bible to them and prayed for them. They walked to church every Sunday morning knowing that if they didn't return fast enough and get dinner on the table - mom would be attacked. Every child became a Christian and two went on to be ministers. When this woman arrives in Heaven perhaps she will stand in line beside a well known evangelist. He was raised in a Christian home, married a Christian woman and had a relatively quiet Christian life. He traveled and preached to a lot of people. He was treated with respect and honor. Hundreds of people became Christians because of his work.
If Heaven is where justice is applied and all is made right, who do you think will receive more honors? I think the woman will. Not that the evangelist did anything wrong. He too will receive a crown and the joy of living forever with Jesus. But he received a good chunk of his reward while here - she didn't. I think Jesus will take her in his arms and swing her around. He will do the dance of joy with her and be delighted that she followed Him and made it to Heaven. I think at that moment every angel will fold their wings and every saint of Heaven will be excited. I think everyone will understand that she earned her reward and she deserves it!
For all of you that have fought to find your salvation - I am so proud of you! You inspire me! Praise God for you!
God loves you,
Debbie
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Saving Power of Jesus Christ
Today is my birthday. I woke with tears in my eyes. No....it's not because I'm older. I woke thinking about my long life with Jesus. I cried because He is my dearest friend and not because he saved me from Hell. I cried because he saved me from so much more.
I remember the Sunday night I sat on the front pew of my Dad's church when I was only six years old. That night is still very fresh in my mind. My little legs couldn't reach the floor but they swung in rhythm as mom and dad sang an upbeat song. It was a warm night in Biloxi, Mississippi. The windows were open and a soft breeze with a hint of ocean swept through the church. Dad moved behind the pulpit to preach. I don't remember what he said or even the topic of his sermon. But I remember thinking about all the times my parents sat with me and told me about Jesus. I thought about the Sunday school teachers that showed me pictures and told me about a man who would love me forever and would never leave my side.
I remember my Dad talking about sin. I knew I shouldn't lie and I knew I should obey my parents but sin meant very little to me. Instead, I stared into the eyes of my Dad and I wanted to know the man he was talking about. I wanted to be friends with a man who was as wonderful as my Dad said he was. I pictured my mom and dad walking down a path with Jesus walking between them. Yes, it was the simple Sunday school drawings of this Jesus....but for me, it was very real.
Then I saw it. I saw the glistening eyes of my Dad. My dad never cried. It didn't matter what kind of pain it was - emotional or physical - my dad never cried. He could make a joke out of any situation. He could fuss about injustice and stupidity - but dad never cried. That night, the tears didn't run down his face....but I saw not only the film of tears that he fought to contain - but also the deep understanding that everything he was saying about this friend of his was completely and totally true. His depth of emotion connected with mine and all I wanted was to be friends with this Jesus. I wanted to know what my parents knew. I wanted Jesus to see me and to love me in the same way he loved my parents.
When Dad gave the alter call I pushed off that uncomfortable wooden bench and joined several others at an old fashioned alter. I knelt and folded my arms on the alter. I laid my head on those little arms and began to cry. At six-years old that's all I knew to do. I didn't have sins to repent. I didn't have dreams to ask for. All I could think to say was, "Jesus please come into my life and love me. I want to be your friend."
I kept thinking what it would be like to know that this great man was my friend. I desperately wanted to know that we would walk together, that he would take care of me and that all three of us - my parents and I would have this man as our friend.
My Dad put his arms around me and prayed a simple prayer. My mother knelt beside me and walked me through the sinners prayer. I did everything I was told, but none of it made me feel any different. It was the emotions of knowing who Jesus was and the desperate need to "feel" his presence in my life that kept the tears rolling down my cheeks.
The alter cleared and as always mother and dad stood at the back of the church shaking hands and talking with friends. I returned to the front row seat and continued to cry. I don't know why the tears wouldn't stop except that I was so desperate to know that Jesus and I had cemented our relationship. Some people may criticize my tears or the fact that my parents allowed it to happen. But I would not be the same person today if my parents had not allowed me to follow the sweet path of redemption. For me those tears were a journey. A journey that allowed an innocent little girl to commit her entire life to Jesus Christ. I will always be grateful to my parents for introducing me to Jesus Christ. I will always be grateful to the grandparents, aunts, uncles and various saints that supported my faith and shared their testimonies of God's love.
I remember Dad and the strong arms that lifted me off that old wooden bench. I remember laying my head on his shoulder and crying. I remember him stoking my back and telling me how glad he was that I knew his best friend. I sat between mom and dad as we drove to a restaurant. 10 or 15 friends from church were waiting. Dad sat at the head of the table. I sat between him and mother.
I didn't look around. I still wasn't sure that Jesus had heard me. I bowed my head and tears rolled down my cheek. "Did you hear me Jesus? I so want to be your friend." Mother saw my tears and asked what was wrong. I told her I just wanted to be saved. I wanted Jesus to be my friend.
She put her head close to mine and we prayed again. She assured me that it was done. That Jesus was not one to hold his love from anyone that wanted to know him. She smiled wide, patted my hand and kissed me on the cheek. I heard the words. I knew my mother wouldn't lie to me. But I still didn't feel like it was done. During the entire meal I swiped at tears. I picked at my plate because it was too hard to swallow.
The ride home was quiet. I prepared for bed as I always had. Mom and dad both knelt by my bed and prayed a sweet prayer with me. They turned out the lights and left the room. I lay in the dark and watched a flicker of light from the hallway. Again the tears streamed down my face. I thought about all the Sunday school stories I had heard, the songs about Jesus and the smiles from older people who had walked with him. I closed my eyes as tight as I could, "Jesus please be my friend. You can have every part of me. You can have everything - all my toys - you can even have my dog. I just want to be your friend."
It's impossible to explain what happens when love rushes into a heart and changes you forever. I've been successful in business but it is a drop in comparison to feeling your heart burst with the love of Jesus. I've been married and had three children but none of those joys compare with the overwhelming love of Jesus. I've received awards. I've experienced many exciting and wonderful emotions - but nothing....nothing I've ever experienced matches the moment that Jesus came rushing into my life. Nothing can hold a candle to the overwhelming all consuming feeling I had when Jesus came into my heart. That feeling has held on for 54 years. It has guided me through every decision and every situation in my life. He has never left me. Even when I was in pain and screamed at him. Even when I debated and fussed about his will. Even when I was so distraught that I shook a fist at the sky and yelled, "Where are you!" He never left me for a moment. 54 years later I love him more now than I ever have.
I worry about churches that promote the idea that becoming a friend of Jesus requires nothing more than repeating a statement. I personally don't believe that's how it works. If Jesus does not stir your emotions, he probably doesn't live in your heart. Humans are always emotional about things that touch them. I once knew a 6'3" man who never cried, never was especially nice and never showed emotions of any kind. I saw that man hit his finger hard enough with a hammer to shatter the bone. His jaw tightened but nothing more. He wrapped it in a towel and continued to work. That rigid tower of strength was brought to his knees by a child. His love of his daughter broke him. And she finally led him to Jesus Christ who broke him further. After his encounter with Jesus it seemed the entire world took on a new intensity. He saw everything differently and everything touched him deeply. He became even more powerful because he now could touch all people and all his emotions. He was clearly a changed man.
Beware of faiths that offer no power and no change.
Today I have served Jesus 54 years of my life. I think too many people believe that the only reason to consider God or Jesus is to avoid Hell. They think of Jesus as a one gift Savior. I have been hurt by people who are jealous of the life I've had. I was never molested. I didn't live in a dysfunctional home - in fact my home was filled with love, peace and wonderful music. I always knew I was totally loved. I married my soul mate. I had three wonderful children. We avoided teen rebellion and they have grown to be remarkable adults. I have great in-laws. I have never been arrested. And even though I can debate with the best of them, I don't scream or get into violent arguments and I don't hold grudges.
For me....being friends with Jesus and understanding what he wants to do in everyone's life - has saved me from much more than Hell. He saved me from experiencing the dark evils of this world. He kept me from drugs, addictions, broken relationships, heartache, pain and sorrow. Oh I have suffered! No one gets out of this life scott free. I've had my heart broken into a million pieces. I have had times of complete despair. I've been attacked both emotionally and physically. I've been betrayed, and criticised and stomped. I've been embarrassed and lonely. I've been put down because I have a good life...go figure. I'm dismissed as if doing something right makes me a freak in this life. The reality is that I didn't do any of this on my own....it's all because of Jesus - yet I'm the one being rejected. There have been times when I let my guard down and Satan was quick to flood my life with temptation. I've been stupid and lost several of those battles - but when I realized I was drifting away, I called on my friend Jesus for the strength and I ran back into his arms.
I worry and pray for those who are jealous of my life. I would never hurt them or treat them differently because they didn't meet Jesus when they were young. Instead, my only desire is to comfort them and to help them find the love that only Jesus can give. I believe he can heal any life. I believe Jesus can make all things new. My only thought is to be part of God's plan to say...."You can have my life too. That's what Jesus offers for everyone."
I've never understood this love affair with sin. In fact, I've tried to study sin and it's affects on people. Every sin the Bible warns about has only fleeting moments of fun or rewards. The rest of the time it's full of pain and sorrow. Why would anyone purposely choose pain and sorrow for their life? It's illogical. The consequences are always so full of pain and they last so long that I could never come up with a good enough reason to participate. It's kind of like saying, I'll give you 20 milllion dollars. You can buy anything you want with the money. You can live like a king and no desire will be refused. At the end of one year, we will have the right to cut off one arm and one leg. It doesn't matter what we do with it - the cost for you receiving 20 million dollars is that you will lose one arm and one leg. Why would anyone do that?
How about 50 million dollars? But at the end of three months we will kill your child and harvest their organs for others. What????
That how I see sin. Sin offers a lot of good stuff in the beginning but the following price tag is way too much! The saving Power of Jesus Christ is that he says, "Stick close to me and there will be very few consequences. I will teach you how to have the best life possible. There are things you can't have or they will cost you pain....but if you avoid those and stick close to me and my commandments you will have a great life. You will receive rewards that never end. You will receive the most important things in life. You will find true contentment and joy with your life. Pure satisfaction will be yours. And when others (no fault of your own) cause you pain or when accidents happen - I will be there to help you through it."
To me.....that sounds like a great deal! A fantastic plan. To me that's the best part of the Saving Power of Jesus Christ. When I look beyond how wonderful He is...how much I love "who" He is and how fantastic it is to be near him......then I see this wonderful gift of a great life and I am amazed! I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want Jesus to swipe their life clean and start over - with Him as the architect prepared to create His personal design for their great life.
After 54 years of being a Christian I can testify that He has never let me down and Jesus has always been there. You can trust Him and you can take it to the bank that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Jesus has always been my friend and the best thing in my life.
If you want to know this wonderful man, please send me an e-mail. Your life will never be the same.
God loves you,
Debbie
 |
| Me and Dad Biloxi, Mississippi |
I remember the Sunday night I sat on the front pew of my Dad's church when I was only six years old. That night is still very fresh in my mind. My little legs couldn't reach the floor but they swung in rhythm as mom and dad sang an upbeat song. It was a warm night in Biloxi, Mississippi. The windows were open and a soft breeze with a hint of ocean swept through the church. Dad moved behind the pulpit to preach. I don't remember what he said or even the topic of his sermon. But I remember thinking about all the times my parents sat with me and told me about Jesus. I thought about the Sunday school teachers that showed me pictures and told me about a man who would love me forever and would never leave my side.
I remember my Dad talking about sin. I knew I shouldn't lie and I knew I should obey my parents but sin meant very little to me. Instead, I stared into the eyes of my Dad and I wanted to know the man he was talking about. I wanted to be friends with a man who was as wonderful as my Dad said he was. I pictured my mom and dad walking down a path with Jesus walking between them. Yes, it was the simple Sunday school drawings of this Jesus....but for me, it was very real.
Then I saw it. I saw the glistening eyes of my Dad. My dad never cried. It didn't matter what kind of pain it was - emotional or physical - my dad never cried. He could make a joke out of any situation. He could fuss about injustice and stupidity - but dad never cried. That night, the tears didn't run down his face....but I saw not only the film of tears that he fought to contain - but also the deep understanding that everything he was saying about this friend of his was completely and totally true. His depth of emotion connected with mine and all I wanted was to be friends with this Jesus. I wanted to know what my parents knew. I wanted Jesus to see me and to love me in the same way he loved my parents.
When Dad gave the alter call I pushed off that uncomfortable wooden bench and joined several others at an old fashioned alter. I knelt and folded my arms on the alter. I laid my head on those little arms and began to cry. At six-years old that's all I knew to do. I didn't have sins to repent. I didn't have dreams to ask for. All I could think to say was, "Jesus please come into my life and love me. I want to be your friend."
I kept thinking what it would be like to know that this great man was my friend. I desperately wanted to know that we would walk together, that he would take care of me and that all three of us - my parents and I would have this man as our friend.
My Dad put his arms around me and prayed a simple prayer. My mother knelt beside me and walked me through the sinners prayer. I did everything I was told, but none of it made me feel any different. It was the emotions of knowing who Jesus was and the desperate need to "feel" his presence in my life that kept the tears rolling down my cheeks.
The alter cleared and as always mother and dad stood at the back of the church shaking hands and talking with friends. I returned to the front row seat and continued to cry. I don't know why the tears wouldn't stop except that I was so desperate to know that Jesus and I had cemented our relationship. Some people may criticize my tears or the fact that my parents allowed it to happen. But I would not be the same person today if my parents had not allowed me to follow the sweet path of redemption. For me those tears were a journey. A journey that allowed an innocent little girl to commit her entire life to Jesus Christ. I will always be grateful to my parents for introducing me to Jesus Christ. I will always be grateful to the grandparents, aunts, uncles and various saints that supported my faith and shared their testimonies of God's love.
I remember Dad and the strong arms that lifted me off that old wooden bench. I remember laying my head on his shoulder and crying. I remember him stoking my back and telling me how glad he was that I knew his best friend. I sat between mom and dad as we drove to a restaurant. 10 or 15 friends from church were waiting. Dad sat at the head of the table. I sat between him and mother.
I didn't look around. I still wasn't sure that Jesus had heard me. I bowed my head and tears rolled down my cheek. "Did you hear me Jesus? I so want to be your friend." Mother saw my tears and asked what was wrong. I told her I just wanted to be saved. I wanted Jesus to be my friend.
She put her head close to mine and we prayed again. She assured me that it was done. That Jesus was not one to hold his love from anyone that wanted to know him. She smiled wide, patted my hand and kissed me on the cheek. I heard the words. I knew my mother wouldn't lie to me. But I still didn't feel like it was done. During the entire meal I swiped at tears. I picked at my plate because it was too hard to swallow.
The ride home was quiet. I prepared for bed as I always had. Mom and dad both knelt by my bed and prayed a sweet prayer with me. They turned out the lights and left the room. I lay in the dark and watched a flicker of light from the hallway. Again the tears streamed down my face. I thought about all the Sunday school stories I had heard, the songs about Jesus and the smiles from older people who had walked with him. I closed my eyes as tight as I could, "Jesus please be my friend. You can have every part of me. You can have everything - all my toys - you can even have my dog. I just want to be your friend."
It's impossible to explain what happens when love rushes into a heart and changes you forever. I've been successful in business but it is a drop in comparison to feeling your heart burst with the love of Jesus. I've been married and had three children but none of those joys compare with the overwhelming love of Jesus. I've received awards. I've experienced many exciting and wonderful emotions - but nothing....nothing I've ever experienced matches the moment that Jesus came rushing into my life. Nothing can hold a candle to the overwhelming all consuming feeling I had when Jesus came into my heart. That feeling has held on for 54 years. It has guided me through every decision and every situation in my life. He has never left me. Even when I was in pain and screamed at him. Even when I debated and fussed about his will. Even when I was so distraught that I shook a fist at the sky and yelled, "Where are you!" He never left me for a moment. 54 years later I love him more now than I ever have.
I worry about churches that promote the idea that becoming a friend of Jesus requires nothing more than repeating a statement. I personally don't believe that's how it works. If Jesus does not stir your emotions, he probably doesn't live in your heart. Humans are always emotional about things that touch them. I once knew a 6'3" man who never cried, never was especially nice and never showed emotions of any kind. I saw that man hit his finger hard enough with a hammer to shatter the bone. His jaw tightened but nothing more. He wrapped it in a towel and continued to work. That rigid tower of strength was brought to his knees by a child. His love of his daughter broke him. And she finally led him to Jesus Christ who broke him further. After his encounter with Jesus it seemed the entire world took on a new intensity. He saw everything differently and everything touched him deeply. He became even more powerful because he now could touch all people and all his emotions. He was clearly a changed man.
Beware of faiths that offer no power and no change.
Today I have served Jesus 54 years of my life. I think too many people believe that the only reason to consider God or Jesus is to avoid Hell. They think of Jesus as a one gift Savior. I have been hurt by people who are jealous of the life I've had. I was never molested. I didn't live in a dysfunctional home - in fact my home was filled with love, peace and wonderful music. I always knew I was totally loved. I married my soul mate. I had three wonderful children. We avoided teen rebellion and they have grown to be remarkable adults. I have great in-laws. I have never been arrested. And even though I can debate with the best of them, I don't scream or get into violent arguments and I don't hold grudges.
For me....being friends with Jesus and understanding what he wants to do in everyone's life - has saved me from much more than Hell. He saved me from experiencing the dark evils of this world. He kept me from drugs, addictions, broken relationships, heartache, pain and sorrow. Oh I have suffered! No one gets out of this life scott free. I've had my heart broken into a million pieces. I have had times of complete despair. I've been attacked both emotionally and physically. I've been betrayed, and criticised and stomped. I've been embarrassed and lonely. I've been put down because I have a good life...go figure. I'm dismissed as if doing something right makes me a freak in this life. The reality is that I didn't do any of this on my own....it's all because of Jesus - yet I'm the one being rejected. There have been times when I let my guard down and Satan was quick to flood my life with temptation. I've been stupid and lost several of those battles - but when I realized I was drifting away, I called on my friend Jesus for the strength and I ran back into his arms.
I worry and pray for those who are jealous of my life. I would never hurt them or treat them differently because they didn't meet Jesus when they were young. Instead, my only desire is to comfort them and to help them find the love that only Jesus can give. I believe he can heal any life. I believe Jesus can make all things new. My only thought is to be part of God's plan to say...."You can have my life too. That's what Jesus offers for everyone."
I've never understood this love affair with sin. In fact, I've tried to study sin and it's affects on people. Every sin the Bible warns about has only fleeting moments of fun or rewards. The rest of the time it's full of pain and sorrow. Why would anyone purposely choose pain and sorrow for their life? It's illogical. The consequences are always so full of pain and they last so long that I could never come up with a good enough reason to participate. It's kind of like saying, I'll give you 20 milllion dollars. You can buy anything you want with the money. You can live like a king and no desire will be refused. At the end of one year, we will have the right to cut off one arm and one leg. It doesn't matter what we do with it - the cost for you receiving 20 million dollars is that you will lose one arm and one leg. Why would anyone do that?
How about 50 million dollars? But at the end of three months we will kill your child and harvest their organs for others. What????
That how I see sin. Sin offers a lot of good stuff in the beginning but the following price tag is way too much! The saving Power of Jesus Christ is that he says, "Stick close to me and there will be very few consequences. I will teach you how to have the best life possible. There are things you can't have or they will cost you pain....but if you avoid those and stick close to me and my commandments you will have a great life. You will receive rewards that never end. You will receive the most important things in life. You will find true contentment and joy with your life. Pure satisfaction will be yours. And when others (no fault of your own) cause you pain or when accidents happen - I will be there to help you through it."
To me.....that sounds like a great deal! A fantastic plan. To me that's the best part of the Saving Power of Jesus Christ. When I look beyond how wonderful He is...how much I love "who" He is and how fantastic it is to be near him......then I see this wonderful gift of a great life and I am amazed! I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want Jesus to swipe their life clean and start over - with Him as the architect prepared to create His personal design for their great life.
After 54 years of being a Christian I can testify that He has never let me down and Jesus has always been there. You can trust Him and you can take it to the bank that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Jesus has always been my friend and the best thing in my life.
If you want to know this wonderful man, please send me an e-mail. Your life will never be the same.
God loves you,
Debbie
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Childhood vaccinations
My parents and I have an ongoing debate about the safety of Nutra Sweet. I "always" have an allergic reaction to any Aspartame and I can't use it at all. I can't believe how many foods have aspartame in it. Knowing that Nutra Sweet (aspartame) has traces of certain chemicals like formaldehyde, I've wondered if those chemicals (even at trace levels) can build up in our system and cause problems. Medical issues that were rare in the 30's have marched to the forefront in today's society. I'm not buying into the belief that it's just because we have access to more information and documented cases. I think there are other factors.
Most people think very little about the chemicals they ingest. I believe our bodies are majestically and wonderfully made. We are in complete balance. It's when we offset the balance of our bodies that problems happen. This goes wrong because we lack some vitamin. That happens because we aren't getting the nutrients we need. By the same token....when we ingest a chemical that changes our balance - we can suffer major problems. Perhaps being diligent about the purity of the foods we eat and staying away from as many chemicals as possible is a better way to live.
Don't get me wrong - I do not believe we should refuse to medicate our children when they have a severe flu or illness that will take their life if we don't agree to an antibiotic or medication. When the illness is present you must use every measure possible to help your child! What I'm talking about is allowing your child to consume massive amount of nutra sweet (aspartame) and hope that it is safe. Why would you want to take a flu shot that might contain brain damaging mercury or MSG? Why not choose a safer route?
Many of you know that I'm going to be a grandmother. Yeah! My daughter called the other day and asked what I thought of flu shots while you are pregnant. Red flags instantly waved in my brain. First of all, pregnant women are cautioned not to use any drug. They are encouraged to keep their lives as natural as possible. Why then would you even consider a "chemical" flu shot? Why take the chance?
I called Dr. Lazar and asked for his opinion. He was furious and after a long talk promised to send more information. We are going to have a vaccine event at his office in Ann Arbor, Michigan on September 24th. If you live close, I hope you will attend.
In the meantime, you can click over to my Mommy Detective blog and read my first post on Vaccinations. This is a big issue and I would like to know what you think?
God loves you,
Debbie
Most people think very little about the chemicals they ingest. I believe our bodies are majestically and wonderfully made. We are in complete balance. It's when we offset the balance of our bodies that problems happen. This goes wrong because we lack some vitamin. That happens because we aren't getting the nutrients we need. By the same token....when we ingest a chemical that changes our balance - we can suffer major problems. Perhaps being diligent about the purity of the foods we eat and staying away from as many chemicals as possible is a better way to live.
Don't get me wrong - I do not believe we should refuse to medicate our children when they have a severe flu or illness that will take their life if we don't agree to an antibiotic or medication. When the illness is present you must use every measure possible to help your child! What I'm talking about is allowing your child to consume massive amount of nutra sweet (aspartame) and hope that it is safe. Why would you want to take a flu shot that might contain brain damaging mercury or MSG? Why not choose a safer route?
Many of you know that I'm going to be a grandmother. Yeah! My daughter called the other day and asked what I thought of flu shots while you are pregnant. Red flags instantly waved in my brain. First of all, pregnant women are cautioned not to use any drug. They are encouraged to keep their lives as natural as possible. Why then would you even consider a "chemical" flu shot? Why take the chance?
I called Dr. Lazar and asked for his opinion. He was furious and after a long talk promised to send more information. We are going to have a vaccine event at his office in Ann Arbor, Michigan on September 24th. If you live close, I hope you will attend.
In the meantime, you can click over to my Mommy Detective blog and read my first post on Vaccinations. This is a big issue and I would like to know what you think?
God loves you,
Debbie
Monday, September 5, 2011
Too much love may corrupt your child.
Ron and I had a wonderful evening together. I fixed coconut cream pudding, coffee and we watched TV. It's always nice being with Ron.
We both were challenged by an old 1962 movie, The Miracle Worker. It won two Oscars and 17 other awards and nominations. It's a fantastic movie about Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. For those of you that don't know the story of Helen Keller, at 19 months she suffered "an acute congestion of the stomach and brain (probably scarlet fever) which left her deaf and blind.
Losing her hearing at such a young age kept her from doing more than making guttural sounds. After Alexander Graham Bell suggested that her parents contact the Perkins Institute for the Blind, Annie Sullivan was sent to be her tutor. Annie found her in a terrible state. At age 9 she was a spoiled wreck. She ate off every one's plate, pitched temper tantrums and had no respect for anyone or their possessions. Annie fought to teach Helen outward discipline so she could also teach her the discipline needed in order to learn.
I sat on the edge of my seat when Annie Sullivan was talking to the parents and said, "Mrs. Keller, I don't think Helen's greatest handicap is deafness or blindness. I think it's your love and pity. All these years you've felt so sorry for her you've kept her like a pet. Well, even a dog you housebreak."
And later.... "Pity for this tyrant? Is there anything she wants she doesn't get? I'll tell you what I pity... that the sun won't rise and set for her all her life, and every day you're telling her it will. What you and your pity do will destroy her, Captain Keller."
To be fair, my mother has often said..."I guess I just love you too much." We all understand the great love parents have for their children. It's that love that carries us through the most difficult times. But...when that love only gives out and never teaches the child to also give - love then becomes a method of corruption. Real love will search for the "best" ways to help a child succeed. Yes, we protect them from harm -but we refuse to protect them from life. Parents who want the "best" for their child will fight for the right of the child to learn, to be unselfish, to have the discipline to achieve. Without fighting for those rights for your child --- you condemn them to a life of overindulgence, depression, loneliness and pain.
After convincing them that she needed two weeks in a nearby cabin - alone with Helen, she was able to break the spoiled nature and help Helen see what discipline would do for her life. At one point James, Helen's brother was talking to Annie at the cabin window. Tears came to my eyes when he said...
"Sooner or later we all give up, don't we?" (He was trying to convince Annie to give up on Helen.)
Annie: "Maybe you all do, but it's my idea of the original sin."
James: "What is?"
Annie: "Giving Up!"
Annie saw something in Helen that she felt was worth fighting for. She saw her potential if only she could get through to her. Annie believed in Helen when her parents didn't. Her parents only saw Helen as a deformed child, a weakling, a child to be pitied. Imagine what Helen's life would have been like if Annie hadn't believed in her.
I see this problem all the time. Parents, teachers, governments, philosophies....everyone wanting to look like a saint and touting "I care"..."I love them so much". They build elaborate philosophies or programs that give, give, give and ask for nothing in return. They feed or give to people until they are lazy, overweight, weak, spoiled individuals who don't have a clue about how to have a successful life. In their warped minds being rich or having everything they want equals some sort of life.
As we celebrate Labor Day today, I hope someone will join me on the stage and be proud of the entrepreneur, the hard worker, the intelligent, the strict mom and the overachiever! I'm sick to death of promoting the lazy, spoiled, overindulgent. It doesn't matter if it's a reality so called star or if it's a lazy person who is capable of work but chooses to take welfare instead. I don't care if it's a wealthy star or a single mom -if they require nothing of their child - it's wrong. Like Annie Sullivan, I believe the spoiled life is torturous and as far as I'm concerned it's the worse form of child abuse!
Proper discipline isn't without compassion! Compassion, understanding and a generous heart should exist in every one's life. If that compassion or love interferes with determination, hard work, achievement or social graces - then your love and compassion will corrupt the soul.
The best thing we can do for ourselves and for our children is to insist that the only honorable life is one filled with hard work, intelligence and determination! Even when you make it to the top, there is still more work to do. If you are privileged enough to have a lot of money - then get busy working to set up businesses so others can work. Don't selfishly blow $500,000 on a wedding that won't be remembered 5 years down the road. Don't selfishly blow $50,000 on some classic car to collect dust in your garage or another $1,500 on one meal. Instead use your talents and your money for good. Get a life! Going on TV and acting like a spoiled brat, cussing at everyone and thinking the sun rises and set on you....isn't a life. Get busy and do something important with your life. Fussing about who kissed who or whose going to go out with you is just stupidity - and unfortunately teaches impressionable teens to be just as spoiled as you are. The same goes for the average family. If you are promoting spoiled behavior within your family - you doom your children to a life of sorrow.
Sorry....there are several things I get really fired up about. Laziness and spoiled behavior ranks near the top with stupidity following close behind.
So what happened to Helen Keller once she learned a little discipline? She finished school and graduated from the prestigious Radcliffe College - cum laude - in 1904. She spent 25 years struggling to learn to speak so others could understand her. She remained close to Annie for 49 years. Unfortunately, Annie married a socialist and that influenced Helen politically (so sad). But...you can't deny the great accomplishments she achieved.
During her lifetime, she received many honors in recognition of her accomplishments including the Theodore Roosevelt Distinguished Service Medal in 1936, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, and election to the Women's Hall of Fame in 1965. She received honorary doctoral degrees from Temple University and Harvard University and from the universities of Glasgow, Scotland; Berlin, Germany; Delhi, India; and Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was also an Honorary Fellow of the Educational Institute of Scotland. She mastered five languages and wrote 12 books.
It is truly amazing what an individual can do when they refuse to give up, when they are determined to work hard and when they are committed to making a difference in their world!
Have a wonderful Labor Day,
God loves you,
Debbie
We both were challenged by an old 1962 movie, The Miracle Worker. It won two Oscars and 17 other awards and nominations. It's a fantastic movie about Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. For those of you that don't know the story of Helen Keller, at 19 months she suffered "an acute congestion of the stomach and brain (probably scarlet fever) which left her deaf and blind.
Losing her hearing at such a young age kept her from doing more than making guttural sounds. After Alexander Graham Bell suggested that her parents contact the Perkins Institute for the Blind, Annie Sullivan was sent to be her tutor. Annie found her in a terrible state. At age 9 she was a spoiled wreck. She ate off every one's plate, pitched temper tantrums and had no respect for anyone or their possessions. Annie fought to teach Helen outward discipline so she could also teach her the discipline needed in order to learn.
I sat on the edge of my seat when Annie Sullivan was talking to the parents and said, "Mrs. Keller, I don't think Helen's greatest handicap is deafness or blindness. I think it's your love and pity. All these years you've felt so sorry for her you've kept her like a pet. Well, even a dog you housebreak."
And later.... "Pity for this tyrant? Is there anything she wants she doesn't get? I'll tell you what I pity... that the sun won't rise and set for her all her life, and every day you're telling her it will. What you and your pity do will destroy her, Captain Keller."
To be fair, my mother has often said..."I guess I just love you too much." We all understand the great love parents have for their children. It's that love that carries us through the most difficult times. But...when that love only gives out and never teaches the child to also give - love then becomes a method of corruption. Real love will search for the "best" ways to help a child succeed. Yes, we protect them from harm -but we refuse to protect them from life. Parents who want the "best" for their child will fight for the right of the child to learn, to be unselfish, to have the discipline to achieve. Without fighting for those rights for your child --- you condemn them to a life of overindulgence, depression, loneliness and pain.
After convincing them that she needed two weeks in a nearby cabin - alone with Helen, she was able to break the spoiled nature and help Helen see what discipline would do for her life. At one point James, Helen's brother was talking to Annie at the cabin window. Tears came to my eyes when he said...
"Sooner or later we all give up, don't we?" (He was trying to convince Annie to give up on Helen.)
Annie: "Maybe you all do, but it's my idea of the original sin."
James: "What is?"
Annie: "Giving Up!"
Annie saw something in Helen that she felt was worth fighting for. She saw her potential if only she could get through to her. Annie believed in Helen when her parents didn't. Her parents only saw Helen as a deformed child, a weakling, a child to be pitied. Imagine what Helen's life would have been like if Annie hadn't believed in her.
I see this problem all the time. Parents, teachers, governments, philosophies....everyone wanting to look like a saint and touting "I care"..."I love them so much". They build elaborate philosophies or programs that give, give, give and ask for nothing in return. They feed or give to people until they are lazy, overweight, weak, spoiled individuals who don't have a clue about how to have a successful life. In their warped minds being rich or having everything they want equals some sort of life.
As we celebrate Labor Day today, I hope someone will join me on the stage and be proud of the entrepreneur, the hard worker, the intelligent, the strict mom and the overachiever! I'm sick to death of promoting the lazy, spoiled, overindulgent. It doesn't matter if it's a reality so called star or if it's a lazy person who is capable of work but chooses to take welfare instead. I don't care if it's a wealthy star or a single mom -if they require nothing of their child - it's wrong. Like Annie Sullivan, I believe the spoiled life is torturous and as far as I'm concerned it's the worse form of child abuse!
Proper discipline isn't without compassion! Compassion, understanding and a generous heart should exist in every one's life. If that compassion or love interferes with determination, hard work, achievement or social graces - then your love and compassion will corrupt the soul.
The best thing we can do for ourselves and for our children is to insist that the only honorable life is one filled with hard work, intelligence and determination! Even when you make it to the top, there is still more work to do. If you are privileged enough to have a lot of money - then get busy working to set up businesses so others can work. Don't selfishly blow $500,000 on a wedding that won't be remembered 5 years down the road. Don't selfishly blow $50,000 on some classic car to collect dust in your garage or another $1,500 on one meal. Instead use your talents and your money for good. Get a life! Going on TV and acting like a spoiled brat, cussing at everyone and thinking the sun rises and set on you....isn't a life. Get busy and do something important with your life. Fussing about who kissed who or whose going to go out with you is just stupidity - and unfortunately teaches impressionable teens to be just as spoiled as you are. The same goes for the average family. If you are promoting spoiled behavior within your family - you doom your children to a life of sorrow.
Sorry....there are several things I get really fired up about. Laziness and spoiled behavior ranks near the top with stupidity following close behind.
So what happened to Helen Keller once she learned a little discipline? She finished school and graduated from the prestigious Radcliffe College - cum laude - in 1904. She spent 25 years struggling to learn to speak so others could understand her. She remained close to Annie for 49 years. Unfortunately, Annie married a socialist and that influenced Helen politically (so sad). But...you can't deny the great accomplishments she achieved.
During her lifetime, she received many honors in recognition of her accomplishments including the Theodore Roosevelt Distinguished Service Medal in 1936, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, and election to the Women's Hall of Fame in 1965. She received honorary doctoral degrees from Temple University and Harvard University and from the universities of Glasgow, Scotland; Berlin, Germany; Delhi, India; and Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was also an Honorary Fellow of the Educational Institute of Scotland. She mastered five languages and wrote 12 books.
It is truly amazing what an individual can do when they refuse to give up, when they are determined to work hard and when they are committed to making a difference in their world!
Have a wonderful Labor Day,
God loves you,
Debbie
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Fun thoughts to ponder
Darlene's Daily
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The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.
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The sheriff of a small town was also the town's veterinarian. One night the phone rang, and his wife answered. An agitated voice inquired, "Is your husband there?"
"Do you require his services as sheriff or a vet?" the wife asked.
"Both." the caller replied? "We can't get our dog's mouth open, and there's a burglar in it."
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Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store or under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.
- Cindy Lew
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THE YELLOW LIGHT
The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.
He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, ''I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him.
I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally....I assumed you had stolen the car.''
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How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. - G. Elliston
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In the Army during Operation Desert Storm, I found myself in a world that had changed little since Biblical times. With so few creature comforts available, packages from home containing cookies and canned goods were received with great anticipation.
When I got a box from my sister, I happily tore into it, only to discover just how far from home I really was. She had filled it with packages of microwave popcorn.
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Thanks Darlene for this fun filled page! I hope the Yellow Light will make us all think twice before doing anything "that Jesus wouldn't do" :)
God Loves You,
Debbie
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Can America's children be successful in school?
I am frustrated with professionals that think huge problems can be solved with a specialized approach. In other words addressing one side of a problem somehow makes all the other sides fall into place.
As a Mommy Detective - and hopefully a relatively smart individual - I understand that our lives are complicated. That means that our actions are often based on an array of circumstances and variables. We respond to our world because of the hundreds of interactions in our lives. Something that happened in grammar school is compounded by a host of other issues that build on the first. As the problem forms layers, the original issue is masked. As issue upon issue develops, we begin to respond to our world in a negative way. Like the layers of an onion, it's hard to tell where one layer ends and the next begins. It's important to always remember however, that no action is ever based on one circumstance. We are complicated creatures.
We are constantly being changed by our environment and our relationships. We find insight and change because of something we read, hear or view. Most problems can't be solved by changing one situation or interaction in our lives. Most problems are caused by and must be solved with multiple changes.
For that reason, I get upset when some new author or professional wants to announce to the world that if we changed just one thing - crime would go away, children would be smarter and the economy would grow.
In order to cause real change, we must look at all the issues - not just one. For example, I watched Michelle Rhee on Fox news this morning (at least until the power went out). To give her credit, she is a very smart person and knows a lot about education. She is extremely upset about teachers vs. the reading and math scores of children across this nation.
I agree that some people choose teaching just for the benefits, money and summer vacations. But, I also think there are a lot of teachers who are dedicated to their jobs and will do anything necessary to promote the success of their students. Ms. Rhee agrees with that statement.
While you can't ignore bad teaching - you can't put the entire blame in that one area. There are other reasons our children are not succeeding in school. Ms. Rhee also agrees but continues to come back to the one area of ineffective teachers. Consider the following....
1. Parents are not involved in their child's education. They turn their child over to a school and hope for the best. With both parents working, time scheduled for every sporting event possible, music and art lessons and multiple chances to socialize - there's no time left for Mom and Dad to get involved in the Academics of their child?
2. Parents, media and social groups do not promote the desire to be smart. I hate movies like Dumb and Dumber, all reality shows and most radio talk shows. They promote the underlying theme that it's more acceptable to be angry, stupid, out of control and a sexual pervert. They look down on the hard working kid who makes straight A's, wants a virtuous relationship, hopes to marry for love...not just sexual attraction... and plans to work to make this world better. Instead their vocabulary is incredibly small and the only way they can express their feelings is with cuss words. (Unfortunately too many parents are infected with this stupidity disease) They don't promote character but instead center solely on money and things. Their self-esteem is not based on intelligence, wisdom or solid relationships so they strive for fleeting moments of praise based on looks or anger rather than on real worth. They think it's smarter to take the easy road to fame rather than the dedicated road to a life of honor. They would rather act like an idiot for the camera than be smart in designing a good life. Fun for them is anything that gets attention instead of gaining proper attention for doing something worthwhile. And then we wonder why children are depressed or having a hard time fitting in..duh!
With these mentally destroying subversive actions being promoted 24/7 by the media and outside sources to our children - it's a wonder any child chooses the path of knowledge and wisdom. Most parents allow their children to idolize dysfunctional stars rather than promote a healthy self-esteem. Without good role models...why would a teen want to study?
3. Socially our children are being taught to strive for the "stun gun" rather than for intelligence. The "stun gun" approach is anything that you choose to stun those around you - and take their attention away from judging your capabilities. Instead of striving to be recognized for their abilities most children would rather have the fleeting praise for some outfit, piercing or bad behavior. When we allow our children to go for the stun gun approach, we eliminate their desire for worthy based praise. When we eliminate personal competition, we eliminate the drive to achieve higher goals.
4. It amazes me that parents allow their children to "skip" over the logic of life. For example, we allow them to follow fads and think it's an expression of who they are. Baloney! Fads drive children to be one of the crowd....to fit in....to be the same....to walk like zombies and leave their looks in the hands of greedy designers. There is a difference between "class" and "fad". Fads usually don't make you look good. Fads are based on greed. When a person has more than enough clothes to look his best - designers come out with some new "fad" hoping to force you into spending more money. Fads are never about making you look good. Fads are about dipping into your pocket. Thank God for the parent or child that says - "I'd rather have control over how I look and save my money so I can buy a new car. I'm not going to spend my money on clothes that aren't flattering so some actor mogul can waste my hard earned money on himself.
Real class on the other hand is a way of dressing so that you look your best. It's individualistic and will play down your body's negatives and highlight your body's positives. Looking like a bum will cause you to act and study like a bum. Looking like a well dressed high achiever will help you psychologically strive to do better. Duh!
Our children should be taught to strive for wisdom, intelligence, class and an independence that refuses to let CEO's determine how to spend their paychecks. Instead we are raising children that are like stupid little sheep being lead around by actors, designers and reality stars who don't have enough talent to fight their way out of a paper bag. We allow them to teach our children to be angry, selfish and lazy. They spend more time thinking about sex than their own future and don't see that they are trading real success for fleeting attention.
4. Parents are not teaching their children common sense. Children instead are allowed to act as if nothing matters but their desires - and they don't have the ability to put the entire picture together. For example, because some high school drop out rapper (I think I'm an artist but I'm really not) doesn't have the intelligence to pick out clothes that fit - our teens blindly follow his lead. Don't they realize that no intelligent person is going to take them seriously when they can't even figure out their body size? What employer is going to hire someone that can only use one hand because the other one has to hold his pants up? Who wants to hire someone that doesn't have the intelligence to understand and purchase a belt so both hands can work?
5. Manners are an extremely important educational tool. Manners teach discipline. Discipline determines your ability to follow through a project, to sit still and listen, to understand consequences and problem solving - manners are vital to your child's success in school. Show me a child that can't say Please, thank you or I'm sorry - and I'll show you a child that has some type of problem in school.
I've actually talked with teens who insisted they had to follow the fad of bad clothes, greasy unkempt hair, bad language, poor manners and bad grades. They fussed with me about how important it was to fit in, be accepted and try to be popular. It's so sad when years later they knock on my door to see if I can provide answers for their lives. At 30 they cry on my shoulder and wish they had their youth back. "I'm working a dead end job because I was too stupid to use my school time wisely. I've wasted my life and now that I have a child it's even harder to try to repair the damage I've done. What am I going to do now? Why didn't my parents love me enough to say no?"
Sad...so sad....:(
I'm one of those terrible tough parents who required my children to think about their actions and their futures. One by one each child has thanked me for forcing them to stay on the road to success. A parents paycheck often doesn't arrive until a child is 30 or even 40.
Education does not have a one cannon fix. If we want our society to do better and our children to actually learn - we better look at the social issues that are impacting our children. We need to change the entire focus of this new generation in order to make a real impact on their future success.
I'm currently reading The Essential 55 by Ron Clark. I encourage all parents to take a look at this book. It will give you a great place to start your child on the road to education and success.
God loves you,
Debbie
As a Mommy Detective - and hopefully a relatively smart individual - I understand that our lives are complicated. That means that our actions are often based on an array of circumstances and variables. We respond to our world because of the hundreds of interactions in our lives. Something that happened in grammar school is compounded by a host of other issues that build on the first. As the problem forms layers, the original issue is masked. As issue upon issue develops, we begin to respond to our world in a negative way. Like the layers of an onion, it's hard to tell where one layer ends and the next begins. It's important to always remember however, that no action is ever based on one circumstance. We are complicated creatures.
We are constantly being changed by our environment and our relationships. We find insight and change because of something we read, hear or view. Most problems can't be solved by changing one situation or interaction in our lives. Most problems are caused by and must be solved with multiple changes.
For that reason, I get upset when some new author or professional wants to announce to the world that if we changed just one thing - crime would go away, children would be smarter and the economy would grow.
In order to cause real change, we must look at all the issues - not just one. For example, I watched Michelle Rhee on Fox news this morning (at least until the power went out). To give her credit, she is a very smart person and knows a lot about education. She is extremely upset about teachers vs. the reading and math scores of children across this nation.
I agree that some people choose teaching just for the benefits, money and summer vacations. But, I also think there are a lot of teachers who are dedicated to their jobs and will do anything necessary to promote the success of their students. Ms. Rhee agrees with that statement.
While you can't ignore bad teaching - you can't put the entire blame in that one area. There are other reasons our children are not succeeding in school. Ms. Rhee also agrees but continues to come back to the one area of ineffective teachers. Consider the following....
1. Parents are not involved in their child's education. They turn their child over to a school and hope for the best. With both parents working, time scheduled for every sporting event possible, music and art lessons and multiple chances to socialize - there's no time left for Mom and Dad to get involved in the Academics of their child?
2. Parents, media and social groups do not promote the desire to be smart. I hate movies like Dumb and Dumber, all reality shows and most radio talk shows. They promote the underlying theme that it's more acceptable to be angry, stupid, out of control and a sexual pervert. They look down on the hard working kid who makes straight A's, wants a virtuous relationship, hopes to marry for love...not just sexual attraction... and plans to work to make this world better. Instead their vocabulary is incredibly small and the only way they can express their feelings is with cuss words. (Unfortunately too many parents are infected with this stupidity disease) They don't promote character but instead center solely on money and things. Their self-esteem is not based on intelligence, wisdom or solid relationships so they strive for fleeting moments of praise based on looks or anger rather than on real worth. They think it's smarter to take the easy road to fame rather than the dedicated road to a life of honor. They would rather act like an idiot for the camera than be smart in designing a good life. Fun for them is anything that gets attention instead of gaining proper attention for doing something worthwhile. And then we wonder why children are depressed or having a hard time fitting in..duh!
With these mentally destroying subversive actions being promoted 24/7 by the media and outside sources to our children - it's a wonder any child chooses the path of knowledge and wisdom. Most parents allow their children to idolize dysfunctional stars rather than promote a healthy self-esteem. Without good role models...why would a teen want to study?
3. Socially our children are being taught to strive for the "stun gun" rather than for intelligence. The "stun gun" approach is anything that you choose to stun those around you - and take their attention away from judging your capabilities. Instead of striving to be recognized for their abilities most children would rather have the fleeting praise for some outfit, piercing or bad behavior. When we allow our children to go for the stun gun approach, we eliminate their desire for worthy based praise. When we eliminate personal competition, we eliminate the drive to achieve higher goals.
4. It amazes me that parents allow their children to "skip" over the logic of life. For example, we allow them to follow fads and think it's an expression of who they are. Baloney! Fads drive children to be one of the crowd....to fit in....to be the same....to walk like zombies and leave their looks in the hands of greedy designers. There is a difference between "class" and "fad". Fads usually don't make you look good. Fads are based on greed. When a person has more than enough clothes to look his best - designers come out with some new "fad" hoping to force you into spending more money. Fads are never about making you look good. Fads are about dipping into your pocket. Thank God for the parent or child that says - "I'd rather have control over how I look and save my money so I can buy a new car. I'm not going to spend my money on clothes that aren't flattering so some actor mogul can waste my hard earned money on himself.
Real class on the other hand is a way of dressing so that you look your best. It's individualistic and will play down your body's negatives and highlight your body's positives. Looking like a bum will cause you to act and study like a bum. Looking like a well dressed high achiever will help you psychologically strive to do better. Duh!
Our children should be taught to strive for wisdom, intelligence, class and an independence that refuses to let CEO's determine how to spend their paychecks. Instead we are raising children that are like stupid little sheep being lead around by actors, designers and reality stars who don't have enough talent to fight their way out of a paper bag. We allow them to teach our children to be angry, selfish and lazy. They spend more time thinking about sex than their own future and don't see that they are trading real success for fleeting attention.
4. Parents are not teaching their children common sense. Children instead are allowed to act as if nothing matters but their desires - and they don't have the ability to put the entire picture together. For example, because some high school drop out rapper (I think I'm an artist but I'm really not) doesn't have the intelligence to pick out clothes that fit - our teens blindly follow his lead. Don't they realize that no intelligent person is going to take them seriously when they can't even figure out their body size? What employer is going to hire someone that can only use one hand because the other one has to hold his pants up? Who wants to hire someone that doesn't have the intelligence to understand and purchase a belt so both hands can work?
5. Manners are an extremely important educational tool. Manners teach discipline. Discipline determines your ability to follow through a project, to sit still and listen, to understand consequences and problem solving - manners are vital to your child's success in school. Show me a child that can't say Please, thank you or I'm sorry - and I'll show you a child that has some type of problem in school.
I've actually talked with teens who insisted they had to follow the fad of bad clothes, greasy unkempt hair, bad language, poor manners and bad grades. They fussed with me about how important it was to fit in, be accepted and try to be popular. It's so sad when years later they knock on my door to see if I can provide answers for their lives. At 30 they cry on my shoulder and wish they had their youth back. "I'm working a dead end job because I was too stupid to use my school time wisely. I've wasted my life and now that I have a child it's even harder to try to repair the damage I've done. What am I going to do now? Why didn't my parents love me enough to say no?"
Sad...so sad....:(
I'm one of those terrible tough parents who required my children to think about their actions and their futures. One by one each child has thanked me for forcing them to stay on the road to success. A parents paycheck often doesn't arrive until a child is 30 or even 40.
Education does not have a one cannon fix. If we want our society to do better and our children to actually learn - we better look at the social issues that are impacting our children. We need to change the entire focus of this new generation in order to make a real impact on their future success.
I'm currently reading The Essential 55 by Ron Clark. I encourage all parents to take a look at this book. It will give you a great place to start your child on the road to education and success.
God loves you,
Debbie
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