I feel like some writers have been reading my blog. Ha! Today it is Cal Thomas writing about the election. His article begins with thoughts about undecided voters--that being undecided at this point should be nearly impossible if you've been paying attention at all and that if you haven't you shouldn't vote. I won't include the whole article, since I just did that. But I will quote 4 paragraphs for you:
[on the last debate]
"Why didn't McCain challenge Obama's promise to cut taxes for the middle class? As Jack Kemp and Peter Ferrara wrote in Wednesday's Wall Stret Journal, 20 percent of the middle class pay only 4.4 percent of all federal income taxes, while the bottom 40 percent of earners pay no taxes at all.
To say that only "the rich" should pay more and that those who pay little or no taxes should get a check to make things "fair" is George McGovern redistributionism, even socialism. That economic model was soundly rejected in 1972 and in subsequent elections.
McCain should propose ways to allow more people to become rich. We should reject Obama's plan to penalize those who have worked hard to become well-off. That's real fairness.
Individual initiative, risk-taking, an entrepreneurial spirit and optimism are what built and sustained America through many challenges over the last 232 years. Government can't produce those qualities in any of us. We must produce and renew them in ourselves."
Mr. Thomas also questions why Tom Brokaw didn't ask tougher questions during the debate, including questions about Senator Obama's relationship with Bill Ayers. I've read some debate that Senator Obama's association with Bill Ayers is not close enough anymore to really be concerned about. Excuse me, but just having someone who is anti-America with a terrorist background (Ayers) think a candidate (Obama) is a good choice for our next president is red-flag enough for me.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
"Just the Facts. . ."
This article was in the Knoxville News Sentinel the morning after my last blog. As I read it, I thought, "Everyone needs to read this article." I'm not a huge fan of this paper, but this article gets my seal of approval.
Abraham Lincoln said, "You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time"
Unfortunately, the future of this country, as well as the fate of the western world, depends on how many people can be fooled on election day, just a few weeks from now.
Right now, the polls indicate that a whole lot of people are being fooled a whole lot of the time.
The current financial crisis has propelled Barack Obama back into a substantial lead over John McCain--which is astonishing in view of which man and which party had the most to do with bringing on the crisis.
It raises the question: "Do facts matter? Or is Obama's rhetoric and the media's spin enough to make facts irrelevant?"
Fact Number One: It was liberal Democrats, led by Sen. Christopher Dodd and US Rep Barney Frank, who for years--including the present year--denied that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taking big risks that could lead to a financial crisis.
It was Dodd, Frank and other liberal Democrats who for years refused requests from the Bush administration to set up an agency to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
It was liberal Democrats, again led by Dodd and Frank, who for years pushed for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to go even further in promoting subprime mortgage loans, which are at the heart of today's financial crisis.
Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the president. So did Bush's secretary of the Treasury, five years ago.
Yet, today, what are we hearing? That is was the Bush administration's "right-wing ideology" of "deregulation" that set the stage for the financial crisis. Do facts matter?
We also hear that it is the free market that is to blame. But the facts show that it was the government that pressured financial institutions in general to lend to subprime borrowers, with such things as the Community Reinvestment Act and, later, threats of legal action by then-Attorney General Janet Reno if the feds did not like the statistics on who was getting loans and who wasn't.
Is that the free market? Or do facts matter?
Then there is the question of being against the greed of CEOs and for "the people." Franklin Raines made $90 million while he was head of Fannie Mae and mismanaging that institution into crisis.
Who in Congress defended Raines? Liberal Democrats, including Maxine Waters and the Congressional Black Caucus, at least one of who referred to the "lynching" of Raines, as if it was racist to hold him to the same standard as white CEOs.
Even after he was deposed as head of Fannie Mae, Raines was consulted this year by the Obama campaign for his advice on housing.
The tie between Obama and Raines is not all one-way. Obama has been the second-largest recepient of Fannie Mae's financial contributions, right after Dodd.
But ties between Obama and Raines? Not if you read the mainstream media.
Facts don't matter much politically if they are not reported.
The media are not alone in keeping the facts from the public. Republicans, for reasons unknown, don't seem to know what to counterattack. They deserve to lose.
But the country does not deserve to be put in the hands of a glib and cocky know-it-all who has accomplished absolutely nothing beyond the advancement of his own career with rhetoric and who has for years allied himself with a succession of people who have openly expressed their hatred of America."
If you're thinking this article is just racism, let me point out that the author himself is black. If you would like to know more about the terrorist association or the pastor/mentor who causes great concern, research Bill Ayers and Jeremiah Wright. If you are wondering why you've never heard anything about the dangerous side of Senator Obama, I encourage you to get away from the mainstream media. On CNN tune into Glenn Beck and on FoxNews tune into Hannity & Colmes and the O'Reilly Factor. You may amazed at what you haven't heard.
"Do facts matter in presidential race?" By Thomas Sowell
Abraham Lincoln said, "You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time"
Unfortunately, the future of this country, as well as the fate of the western world, depends on how many people can be fooled on election day, just a few weeks from now.
Right now, the polls indicate that a whole lot of people are being fooled a whole lot of the time.
The current financial crisis has propelled Barack Obama back into a substantial lead over John McCain--which is astonishing in view of which man and which party had the most to do with bringing on the crisis.
It raises the question: "Do facts matter? Or is Obama's rhetoric and the media's spin enough to make facts irrelevant?"
Fact Number One: It was liberal Democrats, led by Sen. Christopher Dodd and US Rep Barney Frank, who for years--including the present year--denied that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taking big risks that could lead to a financial crisis.
It was Dodd, Frank and other liberal Democrats who for years refused requests from the Bush administration to set up an agency to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
It was liberal Democrats, again led by Dodd and Frank, who for years pushed for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to go even further in promoting subprime mortgage loans, which are at the heart of today's financial crisis.
Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the president. So did Bush's secretary of the Treasury, five years ago.
Yet, today, what are we hearing? That is was the Bush administration's "right-wing ideology" of "deregulation" that set the stage for the financial crisis. Do facts matter?
We also hear that it is the free market that is to blame. But the facts show that it was the government that pressured financial institutions in general to lend to subprime borrowers, with such things as the Community Reinvestment Act and, later, threats of legal action by then-Attorney General Janet Reno if the feds did not like the statistics on who was getting loans and who wasn't.
Is that the free market? Or do facts matter?
Then there is the question of being against the greed of CEOs and for "the people." Franklin Raines made $90 million while he was head of Fannie Mae and mismanaging that institution into crisis.
Who in Congress defended Raines? Liberal Democrats, including Maxine Waters and the Congressional Black Caucus, at least one of who referred to the "lynching" of Raines, as if it was racist to hold him to the same standard as white CEOs.
Even after he was deposed as head of Fannie Mae, Raines was consulted this year by the Obama campaign for his advice on housing.
The tie between Obama and Raines is not all one-way. Obama has been the second-largest recepient of Fannie Mae's financial contributions, right after Dodd.
But ties between Obama and Raines? Not if you read the mainstream media.
Facts don't matter much politically if they are not reported.
The media are not alone in keeping the facts from the public. Republicans, for reasons unknown, don't seem to know what to counterattack. They deserve to lose.
But the country does not deserve to be put in the hands of a glib and cocky know-it-all who has accomplished absolutely nothing beyond the advancement of his own career with rhetoric and who has for years allied himself with a succession of people who have openly expressed their hatred of America."
If you're thinking this article is just racism, let me point out that the author himself is black. If you would like to know more about the terrorist association or the pastor/mentor who causes great concern, research Bill Ayers and Jeremiah Wright. If you are wondering why you've never heard anything about the dangerous side of Senator Obama, I encourage you to get away from the mainstream media. On CNN tune into Glenn Beck and on FoxNews tune into Hannity & Colmes and the O'Reilly Factor. You may amazed at what you haven't heard.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
More Election Thoughts
I keep hearing these arguments to vote for Senator Obama: 1) "McCain's one heart attack away from death." 2) "Palin's one heartbeat away from the presidency." Both arguments imply we don't know how long Senator McCain will live, so we shouldn't elect him. Did I miss something?? Is Senator Obama immortal? Is he immune to all cancer, all disease? Does he never get sick? Do accidents not harm him? If so, he should be in a comic book, not the White House.
This election gives me a feeling that isn't really anxiety or fear. It's a call to pray for this country like never before. Obviously Americans want change; but do we realize that responsibility belongs to us as well as the leadership? I look at signs promoting "Obama for Change" and wonder if people realize just how much change there would be? A change from the ideas of the American dream (I'll work hard for that) to borderline socialism (the government will provide it for me)--a move away from being responsible for yourself. I'm so tired of watching people put their hope in a man as if he's more than a man. You could say he's a man successfully climbing the political career ladder and shaking things up on the way. . . or you could see him as a man who hasn't stayed in one place long enough to have the accomplishments to back his words, a man trying to fix everything, including what isn't broken. I didn't set out to write an anti-Obama blog. I just challenge us all to make a decision not based on age, charisma or flashy words.
My prayers are not "please let McCain win," though I do pray for him, Governor Palin and President Bush. My prayer is for people to make a decision that is for the good of America and that no matter what happens on November 4th, American people will support America, not tear it down--that Christians will be bold in their lives and live the difference we need.
I guess the election just baffles me. The things we apparently cling to are surprising. 'McCain's too old and Palin's too young'--people seem to cling to that. 'Obama has relationships with known domestic terrorists, has advisors in his campaign that were part of the economic fall, has sat in the congregation of a man who is anti-American and not afraid to curse it (I mean, shout it) from the pulpit, has no military experience, has spent most of his national political career campaigning and not working. . . '--people just seem to think that those aren't fair arguments. Call me crazy, but it concerns me.
'Undecided voters'. . . a term I don't understand. With the gazillion of news channels (rough estimate :), talk radio, and the internet, there is no reason to not be informed. And to vote uninformed is just irresponsible. You may be reading this and thinking that I take this all too seriously. To you I would say, "This is serious, this is real, this is history in the making. Don't take it lightly."
This election gives me a feeling that isn't really anxiety or fear. It's a call to pray for this country like never before. Obviously Americans want change; but do we realize that responsibility belongs to us as well as the leadership? I look at signs promoting "Obama for Change" and wonder if people realize just how much change there would be? A change from the ideas of the American dream (I'll work hard for that) to borderline socialism (the government will provide it for me)--a move away from being responsible for yourself. I'm so tired of watching people put their hope in a man as if he's more than a man. You could say he's a man successfully climbing the political career ladder and shaking things up on the way. . . or you could see him as a man who hasn't stayed in one place long enough to have the accomplishments to back his words, a man trying to fix everything, including what isn't broken. I didn't set out to write an anti-Obama blog. I just challenge us all to make a decision not based on age, charisma or flashy words.
My prayers are not "please let McCain win," though I do pray for him, Governor Palin and President Bush. My prayer is for people to make a decision that is for the good of America and that no matter what happens on November 4th, American people will support America, not tear it down--that Christians will be bold in their lives and live the difference we need.
I guess the election just baffles me. The things we apparently cling to are surprising. 'McCain's too old and Palin's too young'--people seem to cling to that. 'Obama has relationships with known domestic terrorists, has advisors in his campaign that were part of the economic fall, has sat in the congregation of a man who is anti-American and not afraid to curse it (I mean, shout it) from the pulpit, has no military experience, has spent most of his national political career campaigning and not working. . . '--people just seem to think that those aren't fair arguments. Call me crazy, but it concerns me.
'Undecided voters'. . . a term I don't understand. With the gazillion of news channels (rough estimate :), talk radio, and the internet, there is no reason to not be informed. And to vote uninformed is just irresponsible. You may be reading this and thinking that I take this all too seriously. To you I would say, "This is serious, this is real, this is history in the making. Don't take it lightly."
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
interesting...
I am a multi-tasker. Mostly because I find I run out of hours in the day. Monday I knew I wouldn't have much time at home, but I had quite a bit to get done. I try to cook one night a week and then I have those "leftovers" for lunch at work. I also love hardboiled eggs. So Monday I decided I could just throw some chicken on the stove and some eggs on to boil before I jumped in the shower. No problem there. I checked everything when I got out of the shower and all was good. So I decided while the cooking finished up I'd do some work on the computer. That's where I multi-tasked too long. Did you know eggs could explode?
Thanks to my Yoke team (yea for UT students!!) , I'm learning my way around the UT campus. I was at the BCM today making posters with a yokefolk. I was thinking how good it felt to be on a college campus, sitting outside, listening to the band practice, getting to know a new friend. And then I realized I was sitting in gum.
I don't get to watch a lot of tv. Usually the tv is on FoxNews, but I really like America's Got Talent. My favorite this year, hands down, is "Nothin' but Stringz," the violin guys. Amazing! I have decided, though, that I would like to see synchronized swimming next season. Seriously. Why not?
Thanks for sharing in my randomness!
Thanks to my Yoke team (yea for UT students!!) , I'm learning my way around the UT campus. I was at the BCM today making posters with a yokefolk. I was thinking how good it felt to be on a college campus, sitting outside, listening to the band practice, getting to know a new friend. And then I realized I was sitting in gum.
I don't get to watch a lot of tv. Usually the tv is on FoxNews, but I really like America's Got Talent. My favorite this year, hands down, is "Nothin' but Stringz," the violin guys. Amazing! I have decided, though, that I would like to see synchronized swimming next season. Seriously. Why not?
Thanks for sharing in my randomness!
Friday, September 12, 2008
surprise!
There's something I've thought about blogging about for a while. I haven't because it's kind of personal and I really don't know who all reads this. But I guess I'll go ahead and do it. . .
This will surprise you (cough, cough) but I'm single. Not just 'unmarried-single,' but 'haven't-been-on-a-date-in-um-ever-single.' (Let me go ahead and answer the questions you have at this point: Yes, I have been asked out. No, they were not guys I needed to be dating. Yes, you can politely turn down a date--otherwise guys wouldn't ask for your answer.) I'm not looking for a date here. I'm just going to point out some of the good and bad of being single.
The Good. . .
*I can make decisions by myself. *I decide how to spend my money. *I can sit in a quiet home and read or cook or whatever I want to do. *I use my time how I think is best for me.
The Bad. . .
*I have to make decisions by myself. (Well, I do have a friend or two that I bug, I mean, consult.) *I have to figure out how to use my money by myself. *Asking questions about insurance or retirement options at work usually gets the same response: 'I can't help you. My husband takes care of that.' *I spend a lot of time by myself. *I don't have cute pictures of myself with someone at the beach . . . or at a 600 year old palace in Korea (that's a hypothetical point. :) *Some sales just don't apply: entertainment or dining bogo? Let's be practical. . . why do I need 2 tickets or 2 dinners? *And, the big one, no long walks on the beach. Ha!
Actually, the first night we were on vacation was my mom's birthday and all she really wanted to do was walk on the beach with my dad. (They're so cute.) So they walked the beach and a few other couples walked the beach and I . . . I sat with my brother. He said out loud what I was thinking. "Maybe next year." And so it begins. "Maybe next year. . . maybe next Christmas or New Year's or Valentine's . . .maybe at the next friend's wedding (in 29 days by the way) . . . maybe my next birthday (in 77 days!).
My life is not empty in the least, and I absolutely don't think I need a relationship just to have a relationship. It's just that there's a time when you assume you will have someone to share things with and it's not a guarantee.
This will surprise you (cough, cough) but I'm single. Not just 'unmarried-single,' but 'haven't-been-on-a-date-in-um-ever-single.' (Let me go ahead and answer the questions you have at this point: Yes, I have been asked out. No, they were not guys I needed to be dating. Yes, you can politely turn down a date--otherwise guys wouldn't ask for your answer.) I'm not looking for a date here. I'm just going to point out some of the good and bad of being single.
The Good. . .
*I can make decisions by myself. *I decide how to spend my money. *I can sit in a quiet home and read or cook or whatever I want to do. *I use my time how I think is best for me.
The Bad. . .
*I have to make decisions by myself. (Well, I do have a friend or two that I bug, I mean, consult.) *I have to figure out how to use my money by myself. *Asking questions about insurance or retirement options at work usually gets the same response: 'I can't help you. My husband takes care of that.' *I spend a lot of time by myself. *I don't have cute pictures of myself with someone at the beach . . . or at a 600 year old palace in Korea (that's a hypothetical point. :) *Some sales just don't apply: entertainment or dining bogo? Let's be practical. . . why do I need 2 tickets or 2 dinners? *And, the big one, no long walks on the beach. Ha!
Actually, the first night we were on vacation was my mom's birthday and all she really wanted to do was walk on the beach with my dad. (They're so cute.) So they walked the beach and a few other couples walked the beach and I . . . I sat with my brother. He said out loud what I was thinking. "Maybe next year." And so it begins. "Maybe next year. . . maybe next Christmas or New Year's or Valentine's . . .maybe at the next friend's wedding (in 29 days by the way) . . . maybe my next birthday (in 77 days!).
My life is not empty in the least, and I absolutely don't think I need a relationship just to have a relationship. It's just that there's a time when you assume you will have someone to share things with and it's not a guarantee.
Winds and Waves
Written about an hour ago. . .
I'm sitting on the beach and it's amazing. The water is not so close in now, but the wind has really picked up. The sand is flying at me like little darts. It's slightly painful to be on the beach today, but no one is leaving. The waves are still incredibly powerful; so much that I'm watching something I had not seen before yesterday. The waves are "angry," as one employee said, and are bringing in a foam to the beach. When the tide goes out, the foam stays on the beach and the wind throws it down the beach until the sun dries it up. It looks like chunks of dirty snow racing each other down the beach. I know we are out of Ike's way, but I keep thinking "Man! This wind! These waves!" It's such a reminder--"Even the wind and waves obey Him."
Last night's sunset, too, was incredible. The waves were beating, but the sky above was calm and colorful. The God who creataed is also in control.
I'm sitting on the beach and it's amazing. The water is not so close in now, but the wind has really picked up. The sand is flying at me like little darts. It's slightly painful to be on the beach today, but no one is leaving. The waves are still incredibly powerful; so much that I'm watching something I had not seen before yesterday. The waves are "angry," as one employee said, and are bringing in a foam to the beach. When the tide goes out, the foam stays on the beach and the wind throws it down the beach until the sun dries it up. It looks like chunks of dirty snow racing each other down the beach. I know we are out of Ike's way, but I keep thinking "Man! This wind! These waves!" It's such a reminder--"Even the wind and waves obey Him."
Last night's sunset, too, was incredible. The waves were beating, but the sky above was calm and colorful. The God who creataed is also in control.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Ike
I don't really know how to describe last night. We went to the beach late. The double red flags were up--no swimming, whatsoever. I saw people walking on the beach and wondered why they weren't walking closer to the ocean. And then I realized that they were walking in the ocean. The ocean was just that much closer, the waves that much higher, the wind that much faster. I decided to walk out to the water's edge, but it was surreal. I walked out to where the water had been and the water wasn't coming to me. I thought about walking out a little further, but something felt a bit dangerous. I think it was because there was no distinction between beach and ocean, no drop off into the ocean, just a flat shore with water. I stood there thinking maybe I needed to walk in a little further. And then, where there had been shore in front of me, there was water all around me, twenty feet behind me. Eric said it was like standing in the middle of the ocean. It was so quick it was scary. There was nothing and then there was water all around. It was amazing, awesome and awful all at the same time. If you went to PCB with West Lonsdale, imagine our canopy on the beach being in the surf. It was amazing, but really made you realize the power of the ocean--and its Creator.
This morning I turned on the weather channel before going to the beach. Looking at the "picture" of Ike, we may be getting his fingernail, that's all. We have a wind advisory and warnings for coastal flooding and surf. When I got to the beach this morning, it was roped off. Now you only had to stand on the bottom step of the bridge to beach to put your feet in the tide. It's amazing. People are just standing on the bridge watching the water. I wondered if the people who are here year-round think we're crazy. . .then we noticed resort employees watching the water with us. It's just amazing. It's like someone told the ocean it no longer needs to stay in it's boundary. I have some great pictures that I'll post when we get home. (I've got to start traveling with my laptop!!) For now, we're going to go drive to other beaches and take more pictures.
This morning I turned on the weather channel before going to the beach. Looking at the "picture" of Ike, we may be getting his fingernail, that's all. We have a wind advisory and warnings for coastal flooding and surf. When I got to the beach this morning, it was roped off. Now you only had to stand on the bottom step of the bridge to beach to put your feet in the tide. It's amazing. People are just standing on the bridge watching the water. I wondered if the people who are here year-round think we're crazy. . .then we noticed resort employees watching the water with us. It's just amazing. It's like someone told the ocean it no longer needs to stay in it's boundary. I have some great pictures that I'll post when we get home. (I've got to start traveling with my laptop!!) For now, we're going to go drive to other beaches and take more pictures.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I'm on vacation!!
Since the Korea trip, when I'm out of town and don't blog about it I feel like I'm forgetting to do something. So here's a little vacation blogging...
My parents, brother and me drove down here Saturday. We made it a quicker trip than in the past--maybe because my dad didn't think we really needed to stop for lunch. So we got here, checked in, and headed straight to . . . Applebee's. (Mom's meal was free; not for her birthday, but because her well done steak came to the table bleeding. . . twice.) After Applebee's, we went to the beach. It was after sunset, so the only light was the moon and the party at the beachside pool. It was pretty neat to walk down to the ocean because it was so dark, but you could still hear the slow-dancing music in the background, like the ocean had a soundtrack.
Sunday we did our grocery shopping and cooking for the week, hung out at the pool and again went to the beach at night.
Monday me, mom and dad walked to the beach before breakfast. We hung out by the pool and went back to the beach that night.
Yesterday morning mom and dad went walking and I went to the pool. I loved it! I was the only person there, so I swam laps until I thought I might pass out. I just didn't want to give up "the-pool-is-all-mine" time! :) After second-breakfast (I eat when I get up and with the family when we get back from morning walking/swimming) me, mom and dad went to the beach for the afternoon. We didn't swim in the ocean though. Last year I accidentally swam with a ray and I've been a little cautious since. Yesterday walking on the beach you could just stop and watch the jellyfish float in and the crabs walking under the tide. (Dad: "How big are the crabs?" Me: "Dinner size.") It was a great walk, but didn't do much to make me want to jump in.
We went "home" for a late lunch and went back to the beach for sunset. Then we went to the pool when it was dark. It was amazing. If you floated on your back and tilted your head back, you could see lights reflecting in the water, the palm trees, the moon and the stars all at the same time. Or you could just look up and watch the stars. Mom said it was like being inside a snow globe. (Mom, by the way, had on regular clothes, not a swimsuit, but Dad talked her in anyway. Oh, and the pool was closed. :)
This morning (Wednesday) I had been swimming laps and Mom came and joined me. A man complimented us on our swimming. He said he liked watching us swim because we made it look easy. What a compliment. Granted, he had been on the other side of the pool teaching a middle-aged woman in arm floaties how to swim. But still, I'll take that compliment. :)
So that's our vacation so far. Add in my dad walking 5 miles or so before everyone gets up, the tv left on FoxNews, my brother's gameboy, and the three books my mom is trying to read at the same time, and you've got a picture of our vacation. (Side note: I am a nerd. I always read a lot on this trip. But my current book makes my nerdiness official: "Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism." Ha!)
More later. . .
My parents, brother and me drove down here Saturday. We made it a quicker trip than in the past--maybe because my dad didn't think we really needed to stop for lunch. So we got here, checked in, and headed straight to . . . Applebee's. (Mom's meal was free; not for her birthday, but because her well done steak came to the table bleeding. . . twice.) After Applebee's, we went to the beach. It was after sunset, so the only light was the moon and the party at the beachside pool. It was pretty neat to walk down to the ocean because it was so dark, but you could still hear the slow-dancing music in the background, like the ocean had a soundtrack.
Sunday we did our grocery shopping and cooking for the week, hung out at the pool and again went to the beach at night.
Monday me, mom and dad walked to the beach before breakfast. We hung out by the pool and went back to the beach that night.
Yesterday morning mom and dad went walking and I went to the pool. I loved it! I was the only person there, so I swam laps until I thought I might pass out. I just didn't want to give up "the-pool-is-all-mine" time! :) After second-breakfast (I eat when I get up and with the family when we get back from morning walking/swimming) me, mom and dad went to the beach for the afternoon. We didn't swim in the ocean though. Last year I accidentally swam with a ray and I've been a little cautious since. Yesterday walking on the beach you could just stop and watch the jellyfish float in and the crabs walking under the tide. (Dad: "How big are the crabs?" Me: "Dinner size.") It was a great walk, but didn't do much to make me want to jump in.
We went "home" for a late lunch and went back to the beach for sunset. Then we went to the pool when it was dark. It was amazing. If you floated on your back and tilted your head back, you could see lights reflecting in the water, the palm trees, the moon and the stars all at the same time. Or you could just look up and watch the stars. Mom said it was like being inside a snow globe. (Mom, by the way, had on regular clothes, not a swimsuit, but Dad talked her in anyway. Oh, and the pool was closed. :)
This morning (Wednesday) I had been swimming laps and Mom came and joined me. A man complimented us on our swimming. He said he liked watching us swim because we made it look easy. What a compliment. Granted, he had been on the other side of the pool teaching a middle-aged woman in arm floaties how to swim. But still, I'll take that compliment. :)
So that's our vacation so far. Add in my dad walking 5 miles or so before everyone gets up, the tv left on FoxNews, my brother's gameboy, and the three books my mom is trying to read at the same time, and you've got a picture of our vacation. (Side note: I am a nerd. I always read a lot on this trip. But my current book makes my nerdiness official: "Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism." Ha!)
More later. . .
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Time to Stand
WARNING: This blog requires audience participation.
Step 1: Read the Blog
Step 2: Watch the Videos
Step 3: Take a Stand
1. My Blog. . .
Mike Huckabee may have said it best when he said that America's presidency is not meant to be a symbolic position. My fear, too, is that we do not realize the significance of this election. It's not about making history, but about being a part of a decision that will shape our country. Every election is significant; this one will determine the course of our country.
I was recently asked by a co-worker to be careful when talking about the election because there are people who don't agree with me. If you know me at all, you know I'm not picking political fights or shouting my views. The thought behind this request seemed to be that, as a Christian, I should not outwardly show support for something others don't agree with or show disapproval for something others do agree with--that I should try to not set myself apart. And that just goes against everything I know about being a Christian. We have the responsibility to take a stand; if that sets us apart, so be it.
"If my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from
heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the
prayers offered in this place." 2 Chronicles 7:14-15
"It doesn't matter who is elected in November if the people of God are content to not speak up and not step up. It's not enough to elect a leader; God's people need to pray and take a stand. It's time to live out loud." (Summary of notes, Sunday morning)
2. Their videos. .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Kh-xzerjE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9izhjnaLa3M&feature=related
3. Your turn. . .
Friday, August 29, 2008
Election News
The election is on my mind. . . looks like it's going to be on my blog as well. Last night I could hardly sleep, partly in disbelief of the DNC crowd's near worship of Obama and partly in anticipation of McCain's announcement today.
Driving to work today the sunrise was amazing. I just kept looking at the sky thinking "No matter what happens in the next three months, God is still in control."
I asked my mom to call me with the announcement as soon as she heard. My phone was set to silent and I looked down to see my mom's number pop up on the screen right as one of my customers said "They just made an announcement. Do you want to know?"
Throughout the day I talked to my mom to find out what was being said on the news and to learn more about Sarah Palin. And the words I've used most since then have been "I'm so excited. I'm so excited!" Here's one reason why: I think a lot of people plan to vote for Obama not because of his record or policy, but so they can have a vote in history-in-the-making. And now history-in-the-making is on both sides. Now it comes back to what the candidates stand for and who is qualified to lead our country. The playing field is even. Let election season begin!
Driving to work today the sunrise was amazing. I just kept looking at the sky thinking "No matter what happens in the next three months, God is still in control."
I asked my mom to call me with the announcement as soon as she heard. My phone was set to silent and I looked down to see my mom's number pop up on the screen right as one of my customers said "They just made an announcement. Do you want to know?"
Throughout the day I talked to my mom to find out what was being said on the news and to learn more about Sarah Palin. And the words I've used most since then have been "I'm so excited. I'm so excited!" Here's one reason why: I think a lot of people plan to vote for Obama not because of his record or policy, but so they can have a vote in history-in-the-making. And now history-in-the-making is on both sides. Now it comes back to what the candidates stand for and who is qualified to lead our country. The playing field is even. Let election season begin!
Election Q & A
Q: How do you feel about Obama?
A: I have nothing against him, unless you count his views on abortion, the death penalty, and gay marriage (to name a few), his inexperience and lack of military service, or the way he can talk all night and never really answer a question. It still blows my mind that we even consider people with no military experience for the position of commander-in-chief. We would never hire a principal who was never a teacher or a coach who was never a player. Why lower the standard for the most important job in the country?
Q: Don't you want a black president?
A: I think it would be amazing. However, the first black president still needs to be the right president and Obama is not that man.
Q: So do you think McCain is perfect?
A: Of course not. No one is perfect, so there is no perfect candidate. But will I sleep better knowing that John McCain--and not Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton--is making the decisions that affect my country and its security? ABSOLUTELY.
A: I have nothing against him, unless you count his views on abortion, the death penalty, and gay marriage (to name a few), his inexperience and lack of military service, or the way he can talk all night and never really answer a question. It still blows my mind that we even consider people with no military experience for the position of commander-in-chief. We would never hire a principal who was never a teacher or a coach who was never a player. Why lower the standard for the most important job in the country?
Q: Don't you want a black president?
A: I think it would be amazing. However, the first black president still needs to be the right president and Obama is not that man.
Q: So do you think McCain is perfect?
A: Of course not. No one is perfect, so there is no perfect candidate. But will I sleep better knowing that John McCain--and not Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton--is making the decisions that affect my country and its security? ABSOLUTELY.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Hmm..
There are quite a few things that I enjoy but let get squeezed out of my schedule. Occasionally I rediscover those interests, but I usually let them go again. Writing is one of those things. I think I've always enjoyed it, but never realized it, even when I received recognition for it. (I always made good grades in English and writing, but who ever says they like English class? :) Remember starting the day with Channel One? In seventh grade (I think) there was an essay contest for female athletes sponsored by Channel One and Reebok. I wasn't the grand prize winner, but I did well enough that Reebok sent me a pair of shoes and I think my name came across the Channel One screen. During my senior year my English class was assigned to write a poem. There were no restrictions or themes we had to use--we just had to write. After the assignment, our teacher encouraged us to send our poems as entries to be considered for publishing in Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans. We did it without much thought, and then. . . mine was chosen! (You didn't know you had a published author among you, did you? ha! My mom, of course, bought about 10 copies, so if you don't believe me. . . I have proof.) I went to college on full scholarship. The final stage of the scholarship application? A timed writing that actually used that poem as an outline. We didn't know the topic of the writing until we got to the classroom to write. When I got there and realized I had already worked through this idea and was ready to write. . . well, God's plan is amazing, huh?
My family has come to me for help in wording their writing on applications and in letters and such, but I hadn't really seen writing as a part of my future until we got to Korea. Korea was an amazing experience, but still difficult. I think blogging about our days helped me keep some balance. At first I didn't know if anyone by my mom was reading the updates. . . and then I started getting comments from people I never would have guessed would be reading my little blog. My mom emailed me updates and told me that my blog had even been read as part of WMU. I looked forward to each chance to write and received so much positive feedback that I really began to consider writing as something that could be in my future.
I didn't have to wait long. I thought Todd wanted to include devotions in the student book for camp and I had some ideas. I finally mentioned to him that I wanted to give it a shot and he let me go for it. A week and a half later I had five devotions that were used by two youth groups and a group of adult student ministry volunteers at a camp in Panama City.
I'm asking God for more opportunitites. I never pictured myself as a writer, but I can see how things in my past could be leading me that way. And if that's part of the plan the opportunities will come and I want to be ready to take them.
My family has come to me for help in wording their writing on applications and in letters and such, but I hadn't really seen writing as a part of my future until we got to Korea. Korea was an amazing experience, but still difficult. I think blogging about our days helped me keep some balance. At first I didn't know if anyone by my mom was reading the updates. . . and then I started getting comments from people I never would have guessed would be reading my little blog. My mom emailed me updates and told me that my blog had even been read as part of WMU. I looked forward to each chance to write and received so much positive feedback that I really began to consider writing as something that could be in my future.
I didn't have to wait long. I thought Todd wanted to include devotions in the student book for camp and I had some ideas. I finally mentioned to him that I wanted to give it a shot and he let me go for it. A week and a half later I had five devotions that were used by two youth groups and a group of adult student ministry volunteers at a camp in Panama City.
I'm asking God for more opportunitites. I never pictured myself as a writer, but I can see how things in my past could be leading me that way. And if that's part of the plan the opportunities will come and I want to be ready to take them.
"Prisoners of Hope"
I just finished reading Prisoners of Hope about aid workers Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry's imprisonment by the Taliban in Fall 2001. Imagine being held on unknown charges in Afghanistan as September 11 unfolds. I read a lot at work, (it's okay where I work--I'm not just slacking :), and people always ask if my book is good. When they asked about this one I would just say "it's intense." (By the way Impact Students, the book is still available if you decide you want to read it.) Heather says a lot about the insecurities she felt being unable to communicate with her family and not knowing what was about to happen. I appreciated her honesty that while she knew God was faithful, she didn't always feel it. At one point while others were worried about her, she said really all she needed was to feel security for just a moment, for someone to understand that she didn't feel secure, and then she could go on.
I related to that, even though it was a much smaller scale. Our last night in Korea I was upset but couldn't explain it. I think Heather explained it for me. I didn't control the schedule, the activities, the anything, and even though I loved being in Seoul I felt like I was lost in a strange place. On my own I wouldn't be able to get anywhere or call anyone. My security really was in being with my group. Thursday when Kellie and I were seperated from the other nine of our team, I handled it well. . . for a while. I felt too vulnerable not knowing where everyone else was or where we were going. None of these details were a secret to our hosts, but I didn't want to be out in the city away from the only people I knew. I was frustrated that no one but Kellie seemed to think I had had any reason to be less than happy. After dinner when we were told to ride in the same vehicles back to church (Kellie & me in a car, the rest of the group divided in 2 vans) I was just mad. I didn't want to be seperated again. To me it seemed like an obvious bad idea, but others felt we should do what our hosts asked. Todd offered for him and Leeanne to take mine and Kellie's seats but the seats weren't the issue. No matter who rode in the car, someone would be seperated from the group. I flet that so intensely that I thought it should have been obvious to everyone. It wasn't and here's how I explained it: "No, I'm not riding there". . . "No, you're not riding there". . . "grr". . . some tears. . . ."no!" Very eloquent, huh?
So when Heather described feeling that the group thought she was just stubborn on some issues and that she couldn't control her insecurities, I got it. And I wouldn't call her unfaithful. She followed her faith all the way to Afghanistan and prison. She saw God do the impossible and still struggled with those feelings. So maybe I was just being normal. I'll be going back to Korea next year. I'm very excited to go back, but I will prepare differently. I've already begun checking into a cellular provider with international roaming and I plan to have my laptop with me. I guess I need to know that instant communication is there, even if I don't use it. I'm looking forward to another opportunity to work with Calvary Church, but I also see next year as my chance to redeem myself--to take better care of me so I can be more effective and enjoy more of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
I related to that, even though it was a much smaller scale. Our last night in Korea I was upset but couldn't explain it. I think Heather explained it for me. I didn't control the schedule, the activities, the anything, and even though I loved being in Seoul I felt like I was lost in a strange place. On my own I wouldn't be able to get anywhere or call anyone. My security really was in being with my group. Thursday when Kellie and I were seperated from the other nine of our team, I handled it well. . . for a while. I felt too vulnerable not knowing where everyone else was or where we were going. None of these details were a secret to our hosts, but I didn't want to be out in the city away from the only people I knew. I was frustrated that no one but Kellie seemed to think I had had any reason to be less than happy. After dinner when we were told to ride in the same vehicles back to church (Kellie & me in a car, the rest of the group divided in 2 vans) I was just mad. I didn't want to be seperated again. To me it seemed like an obvious bad idea, but others felt we should do what our hosts asked. Todd offered for him and Leeanne to take mine and Kellie's seats but the seats weren't the issue. No matter who rode in the car, someone would be seperated from the group. I flet that so intensely that I thought it should have been obvious to everyone. It wasn't and here's how I explained it: "No, I'm not riding there". . . "No, you're not riding there". . . "grr". . . some tears. . . ."no!" Very eloquent, huh?
So when Heather described feeling that the group thought she was just stubborn on some issues and that she couldn't control her insecurities, I got it. And I wouldn't call her unfaithful. She followed her faith all the way to Afghanistan and prison. She saw God do the impossible and still struggled with those feelings. So maybe I was just being normal. I'll be going back to Korea next year. I'm very excited to go back, but I will prepare differently. I've already begun checking into a cellular provider with international roaming and I plan to have my laptop with me. I guess I need to know that instant communication is there, even if I don't use it. I'm looking forward to another opportunity to work with Calvary Church, but I also see next year as my chance to redeem myself--to take better care of me so I can be more effective and enjoy more of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I'm back
You may have noticed I haven't been blogging lately. I have no reason except that summer is almost over and things are getting back to 'normal.' New blogs are on the way, but until then, here are two things I just find funny:
1. The Olympics are sponsored by Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Budweiser. Somehow I don't see any of that on the athletes' tables.
2. Leeanne and I began this little saying last summer and were serious about it. Over a year later, it's just funny now: "We should do that...when things calm down." ha!!
1. The Olympics are sponsored by Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Budweiser. Somehow I don't see any of that on the athletes' tables.
2. Leeanne and I began this little saying last summer and were serious about it. Over a year later, it's just funny now: "We should do that...when things calm down." ha!!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Fourth of July
"And we've become really good friends. . .
And if anyone, anyone, tries to hurt one of my new friends,
I would take them out.
I would make them suffer so much that they'd
wish they were never born.
And if they ran, I would hunt them down. Thank you, Kathy."
--Gracie Hart, "Miss Congeniality"
These may be the words of Miss Gracie Lou Freebush, but they capture my feelings for the church in Seoul. On our last day in Korea I bought a book about the DMZ and the Korean War. I learned that more than the north attacking the south, the north attacked Seoul. Communism went to great lengths to capture the city that is now dear to me. But Seoul does not operate under communism. . . because the south was supported by another military--ours. I'm grateful the US took a stand. The people we met there don't see us as the country that gets in other people's business or the country that picks fights. Instead, they have a respect for America. I hope Korea is able to one day reunify under democracy. But if Seoul were ever in danger, I hope America would again take a stand. I know eleven people who will.
"I really do want world peace. . ." and sometimes you have to fight for it.
Happy birthday America!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sunday Morning
"Jesus paid it all
All to Him owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow."
A man from my church is in the hospital. Sunday morning Todd led a time of prayer for him. As most of our church prayed together at the alter it sounded like one long sniffle as together we cried and prayed for this incredible man. I don't know Gene very well, but his daughters and granddaughters are very special to me. As we prayed I thought a lot about his family. We went back to our seats and Kevin led us in "Jesus Paid it All." I started thinking about how much Gene reminds me of my dad. They are both stroke survivors and they face some of the same challenges. And then we got to verse four. . .
"And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete
'Jesus died my soul to save'
My lips shall still repeat."
. . .and it hit me. One day all their struggles and fears will be over. Things that are hard for them now won't be an issue because they will be absolutely complete. I'd like to keep them both around for a long time, but I know that one day heaven will have something extra special in store for them both.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Pictures -- Friday
Sarang and Hanul
Sarang and me
driving up to the DMZ
lunch at the DMZ, coke and noodles
Todd, Leeanne and Isaac at the observatory;this is as close to the wall as I could take a picture
guard station on the river
Incheon International Airport
Flying over Aleutian Islands
Flying over Japan
Flying over Tokyo
Atlanta Airport
Chick-Fil-A and sweet tea!!
waiting to take off from Atlanta
back in Knoxville!!
guard station on the river
Incheon International Airport Flying over Aleutian IslandsFlying over Japan
Flying over Tokyo Atlanta AirportChick-Fil-A and sweet tea!!
waiting to take off from Atlanta back in Knoxville!!Pictures -- Thursday
Talking to Robin and Ashley in the cafe
Yellow team practicing for presentation time
Parents watching team presentation (songs)
Sarang (right) and her best friend
Luke and Leah at the palace
Aaron
Todd
Front of the palace
Changing of the guard
Changing of the guard
Samantha
Kellie, Luke, Leah and Todd
Leeanne's a celebrity!
me
in the shopping area
the shops we visited are on either side of this street
Outback!!Pictures -- Wednesday Evening
Inside Voido Full Gospel Church, the largest Christian church in the world
Leah & Kellie
Imax Theater in 63 Square
Pastor and Mrs. Won, Jane and Vera
Dinner on the 59th floor at "Walking on the Clouds"
French Pastry
there are snails in there. . .
Main course
Dessert
Aquarium at 63 Square
Isaac, me and Samantha at Sky Deck, 60th floor
View of downtown Seoul from Sky Deck
Samantha at 63 Square
Main course Dessert Aquarium at 63 Square Isaac, me and Samantha at Sky Deck, 60th floor View of downtown Seoul from Sky DeckSamantha at 63 SquarePictures -- Wednesday
Anthony talking to Alyson
Kellie and Robert talking to Jill
the Cafe
English Village Day 3: the younger kids
Aaron and Luke
Kellie
Sarang
Todd teaching
Kellie teaching "I am the Music Man"
Yellow team
Gray Team
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