Ok, so not really that soon, but I love just thinking about the Holiday season approaching. My favorite time of year is the weekend before Thanksgiving all the way through the month of December. In fact, I build up the Christmas experience so much that I usually go through a mild depression after New Year's day. I love the decorations, the shopping, the food, the music, the family, the Savior. Since I usually have my gifts purchased by Oct 1, I really get to enjoy the season with my family and friends. Christmas and Thanksgiving are a special time for my family and I'll love doing more this year with our Church family as we have so many dear friends in our town.
It's tough living in the southwest during the fall because there isn't a change of seasons to mark the way to Christmas. I've often said southern California has two seasons: "Summer" and "not Summer". Arizona has two seasons as well: "what summer is everywhere else" and "you have got to be kidding me".
In my vain attempt to get in some kind of a mood for fall, I've changed my bedroom linens, put out new fall-colored table linens, and changed my fake plants to dried leaves and flowers. If nothing else, it's at least something new to look at as I try to convince myself it won't always be 100 degrees outside!
I hope I've inspired you to think a little about the holidays, I can't wait.
Seasons Greetings!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
...In a Hand-Basket
As recently as this week, the California legislature has once again forced their own idea of morality on the unsuspecting residents who enroll their young children in public schools. A little back ground on what recently happened in the schools in my native state and gained media attention. In 2004, a graduate student gave a questionnaire about sexual awareness to a class of 2nd grade 7-year-olds without the knowledge of the parents. The test had been presented to the district without the sex questions, they were added back later by the test preparer. The parents were not informed of the change in the test, a young student informed his parents of the questions. The one question that was released to the media was something like "Has anyone ever touched your private area and if so, did you like the way it felt?" The justification for this line of questioning was to identify possible sexual abuse in the students. At the time, there was much uproar in the media about the questions, but to my knowledge, no action was taken against the student who authored the test or the district for allowing it to be presented to the children.
Now, there are two senate bills in California that would mandate teachers include the sexual orientation of persons in history in addition to their instruction. Why should those with children in other states be concerned? Many of the textbook manufacturers who write books for California will have to change their literature and they will supply those books to other states. Also, where California goes, so goes the nation.
SUMMARY: SB 1437 expressly prohibits textbooks, instructional materials, and school-sponsored activities from “reflecting adversely” on transsexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality. Instructional materials could not only say “a husband and wife,” but must include “two wives who are married lesbians.” Sex education assemblies would have to include information on sex changes (to avoid “reflecting adversely”).
“Instruction in social sciences shall include the early history of California and an age-appropriate study of the role and contributions of both men and women, black Americans, American Indians, Mexicans, Asians, Pacific Island people, and other ethnic groups, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, to the economic, political, and social development of California and the United States of America, with particular emphasis on portraying the role of these groups in contemporary society.”
-- SB 1437, Sec. 1.
Since when did sexual orientation (or whatever the p.c. term is now) become applicable to American history? But wait, there's more! If this wasn't bad enough, SB1441 requires the same instruction be extended to PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS including elementary, secondary, upper, college and university schools if they are receiving any state funding.
SUMMARY: SB 1441 requires recipients of California government funds to promote transsexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality.
I encourage you to read further on both issues on the web site Campaign for Children and Families. On their web site, I found a National Opt-out Letter to send to our school district. The letter is specifically graphic in the information my child is not to receive without my written approval. I also gave a copy to the school where my daughter attends and I included a cordial cover letter that informs the school I would like to make other arrangements for my daughter when these issues arise. It is irresponsible and unwise for me to delegate the sexual education and awareness of my children to our public schools at the discretion of their teachers and accept what they deem "age-appropriate". I will have to stand before God and be accountable for their instruction and I intend to keep His teaching foremost in their lives. Please leave me a comment if you would like a copy of the letter I gave to our principal.
Why would I continue to keep my children in public school, why not pull them out and home-school them? This issue does not dissuade my confidence in the ability of trained and dedicated professionals to educate my children. There are dynamic class and social functions that my children can only access through the public school and my ability to influence and educate other families is also a concern. Now is the time for parents who are "on the fence" to stand up and change the things they don't want taught or presented to their children, who are my neighbors and friends. This current struggle strengthens my conviction to be increasingly involved and ever present at the school. If my children were not attending public school, I would not have a vested interest in the education of impressionable young minds and I would not be personally involved at the school. After only two weeks, I am already on a first-name basis with the teacher, registrar, secretary and principal at our elementary school and have joined the PTA.
Still think this can't happen to your child because you don't live in CA? As reported on Fox News, a first grader in North Carolina came home with a picture book, King and King, from her school library. It's a story about a prince who marries his true love, another prince. The students parents expressed their concern regarding the contents for a six-year-olds reading, but the school principal, who views the matter as an issue of diversity, said what is "inappropriate" to one family may be "totally acceptable" to another. American culture has already become more tolerant of homosexual behavior, even the term "same sex marriage" removes the stigma the unchurched have with homosexuality. Unless you live on a mountaintop in Tennessee with no TV, radio or internet, then the influence of Hollywood, the media, and social situations will trickle-down to us all. What a state our country is in. Americans are in a unique position to change what we don't like the government doing with our tax dollars in public schools or anywhere. I hope more parents will be as outraged as I am if they are adequately informed and will take necessary legal action. I can't believe this is even an issue... sex education to kindergartners. This is not okay.
Authors note - It has taken me three days to finish this post. Every time I started writing I got so mad I couldn't type.
Now, there are two senate bills in California that would mandate teachers include the sexual orientation of persons in history in addition to their instruction. Why should those with children in other states be concerned? Many of the textbook manufacturers who write books for California will have to change their literature and they will supply those books to other states. Also, where California goes, so goes the nation.
SUMMARY: SB 1437 expressly prohibits textbooks, instructional materials, and school-sponsored activities from “reflecting adversely” on transsexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality. Instructional materials could not only say “a husband and wife,” but must include “two wives who are married lesbians.” Sex education assemblies would have to include information on sex changes (to avoid “reflecting adversely”).
“Instruction in social sciences shall include the early history of California and an age-appropriate study of the role and contributions of both men and women, black Americans, American Indians, Mexicans, Asians, Pacific Island people, and other ethnic groups, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, to the economic, political, and social development of California and the United States of America, with particular emphasis on portraying the role of these groups in contemporary society.”
-- SB 1437, Sec. 1.
Since when did sexual orientation (or whatever the p.c. term is now) become applicable to American history? But wait, there's more! If this wasn't bad enough, SB1441 requires the same instruction be extended to PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS including elementary, secondary, upper, college and university schools if they are receiving any state funding.
SUMMARY: SB 1441 requires recipients of California government funds to promote transsexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality.
I encourage you to read further on both issues on the web site Campaign for Children and Families. On their web site, I found a National Opt-out Letter to send to our school district. The letter is specifically graphic in the information my child is not to receive without my written approval. I also gave a copy to the school where my daughter attends and I included a cordial cover letter that informs the school I would like to make other arrangements for my daughter when these issues arise. It is irresponsible and unwise for me to delegate the sexual education and awareness of my children to our public schools at the discretion of their teachers and accept what they deem "age-appropriate". I will have to stand before God and be accountable for their instruction and I intend to keep His teaching foremost in their lives. Please leave me a comment if you would like a copy of the letter I gave to our principal.
Why would I continue to keep my children in public school, why not pull them out and home-school them? This issue does not dissuade my confidence in the ability of trained and dedicated professionals to educate my children. There are dynamic class and social functions that my children can only access through the public school and my ability to influence and educate other families is also a concern. Now is the time for parents who are "on the fence" to stand up and change the things they don't want taught or presented to their children, who are my neighbors and friends. This current struggle strengthens my conviction to be increasingly involved and ever present at the school. If my children were not attending public school, I would not have a vested interest in the education of impressionable young minds and I would not be personally involved at the school. After only two weeks, I am already on a first-name basis with the teacher, registrar, secretary and principal at our elementary school and have joined the PTA.
Still think this can't happen to your child because you don't live in CA? As reported on Fox News, a first grader in North Carolina came home with a picture book, King and King, from her school library. It's a story about a prince who marries his true love, another prince. The students parents expressed their concern regarding the contents for a six-year-olds reading, but the school principal, who views the matter as an issue of diversity, said what is "inappropriate" to one family may be "totally acceptable" to another. American culture has already become more tolerant of homosexual behavior, even the term "same sex marriage" removes the stigma the unchurched have with homosexuality. Unless you live on a mountaintop in Tennessee with no TV, radio or internet, then the influence of Hollywood, the media, and social situations will trickle-down to us all. What a state our country is in. Americans are in a unique position to change what we don't like the government doing with our tax dollars in public schools or anywhere. I hope more parents will be as outraged as I am if they are adequately informed and will take necessary legal action. I can't believe this is even an issue... sex education to kindergartners. This is not okay.
Authors note - It has taken me three days to finish this post. Every time I started writing I got so mad I couldn't type.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Back to School!
Whew! The summer is over, but not the weather... we are still in the fire furnace that is the Phoenix metro! We have been enjoying the evening thunderstorms, they cool it off for the kids to play outside in the rain and prepare for their baths. While we are getting ready for back to school for the kids, we are wishing they wouldn't grow up so fast!
Today was our oldests first day of 1st grade and her first full day at school. She was so excited for her first day, she woke up at 6:00 am and said, "Mommy, wake up, I'm going to be late for school!" I was really looking forward to sleeping another hour, but we got up and went to school, on time. I was worried she would be apprehensive about staying there after being home all summer, but I took her picture at her new desk and she smiled at me and said, "Bye Mom, see you after school!" What a big girl, way too soon for poor mommy! A big "thank you" to all those who prayed for her eye. God carried her little head to just the right spot when she fell. Praise Him, she has no damage to her eye! It is so much better than it was, and she hasn't been self-conscious about how it looks.
Our son had a fever yesterday, so he missed his first day of school for precautionary measures. He went to "Meet the Teacher" on Saturday and loved all the play-doh, play kitchen foods, cell phones (they have REAL ones!), and the big playground. He is so excited, his teachers are great, and he even has a friend from Church in his class! The day before his sister's accident, he was stung by a scorpion. We called poison control and they said as long as he didn't have an allergic reaction, there was no need for concern. He went right to bed and woke up the next morning as good as new. Things are usually good for this boy, he's a roll-with-the-punches kind of kid.
I had my appointment with Dr Altman today to talk about my chronic strep issues. I really liked him, and was very comfortable with our discussion. He was straight-forward about my three options, being; wait and see if I have another infection, have severe antibiotic treatment, or a tonsillectomy. He said he did not want to do the surgery, as there are more complications with adult elective surgery (I think adults just complain more), and it's possible I might never get another infection. However, his parting words were "Just call me if you want them out, I'll do it for you." So, the ball is in my court... if I do get another strep infection, I will have the surgery. Thank you all for your prayers, and continue to pray for our family, we love you all so much!
Today was our oldests first day of 1st grade and her first full day at school. She was so excited for her first day, she woke up at 6:00 am and said, "Mommy, wake up, I'm going to be late for school!" I was really looking forward to sleeping another hour, but we got up and went to school, on time. I was worried she would be apprehensive about staying there after being home all summer, but I took her picture at her new desk and she smiled at me and said, "Bye Mom, see you after school!" What a big girl, way too soon for poor mommy! A big "thank you" to all those who prayed for her eye. God carried her little head to just the right spot when she fell. Praise Him, she has no damage to her eye! It is so much better than it was, and she hasn't been self-conscious about how it looks.
Our son had a fever yesterday, so he missed his first day of school for precautionary measures. He went to "Meet the Teacher" on Saturday and loved all the play-doh, play kitchen foods, cell phones (they have REAL ones!), and the big playground. He is so excited, his teachers are great, and he even has a friend from Church in his class! The day before his sister's accident, he was stung by a scorpion. We called poison control and they said as long as he didn't have an allergic reaction, there was no need for concern. He went right to bed and woke up the next morning as good as new. Things are usually good for this boy, he's a roll-with-the-punches kind of kid.
I had my appointment with Dr Altman today to talk about my chronic strep issues. I really liked him, and was very comfortable with our discussion. He was straight-forward about my three options, being; wait and see if I have another infection, have severe antibiotic treatment, or a tonsillectomy. He said he did not want to do the surgery, as there are more complications with adult elective surgery (I think adults just complain more), and it's possible I might never get another infection. However, his parting words were "Just call me if you want them out, I'll do it for you." So, the ball is in my court... if I do get another strep infection, I will have the surgery. Thank you all for your prayers, and continue to pray for our family, we love you all so much!
Friday, July 21, 2006
What's Wrong With Me?
I'm coveting prayers right now, as I've been diagnosed with a throat infection again. This is my fourth since moving to Arizona last year, and before that I hadn't had one since being a teen (many years ago). I have continual sinusitis, aggravated by acute allergies which may be triggering an infection, but my GP doesn't know why I keep getting Strep. I have an appointment with an Ear Nose and Throat Dr. for a consultation, but the first appt. they could get for me was August 14. I am praying the Dr. will have a diagnosis, whether I am a Strep carrier or someone else in my immediate family is, and will have an effective course of treatment. I know God is in control of my physical body as well as my spiritual health and I know He is with me, all is in His hands.
Please pray for me and Dr. Altman as I seek his help.
Please pray for me and Dr. Altman as I seek his help.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Here Comes Summer!
Well, in Arizona summer has been here for a month already, although not officially until mid June! We turned our a/c on a couple of weeks ago and won't turn it off again until sometime in October. Yikes! I have a summer schedule for the kids so they won't drive me crazy asking "what are we doing today?"
Here's our plan, so far:
Monday: Shopping/Errands
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Arts & Crafts
Thursday: Water Park (yes, Anthem has it's own)!!!
Friday: Gymnastics (at home)
Since my kids love Walmart, it's not too bad going shopping with the two older ones while baby J is taking her nap. With Dan working from home, I don't always have to take all three kids when I run my errands, and that's really nice! I do have to use bribery to keep them happy while shopping, but fortunately they are easily persuaded with 25 cents for gum!
We kicked off our summer vacation with a quick trip to Cali to see our friends over Memorial Day weekend. Everyone looked great, and we had a lot of great food (thanks Ken and Dianne!) As much fun as we had, and we wanted to stay longer, it was easy to see what motivated us to move out of the L.A. metropolis, the TRAFFIC! Dan and I both noticed how many cars there are all over the place all the time. In our little Anthem, we only leave town once a week at most. When summer comes, the snowbirds fly away and our population decreases by a third which greatly affects the traffic. Since we live on the same side of town as Walmart, we rarely drive more than 50 miles each week. It sure makes gas prices a lot less painful when you only fill up once a month!
We were able to visit our old church and it felt... different. We've been so blessed to get involved at our new Church in our ministries, but it made our visit to SH seem just that, a visit. I shouldn't have been surprised that I didn't feel like I was "at home" while we were there. So many people prayed for us to have a good transition to AZ, and I know that prayer has been fulfilled. We are so blessed to have our new Chursh feel like our home and we love it.
As for the water park, we haven't gone yet this season. I'm going to buy a new swim suit today and I've been psyching myself out for two days to go shopping. I'll try on every suit in Rob May until I find one I can live with. Being almost 40 and bearing 3 kids has given me some strict swim suit requirements. Hopefully I can find something under $150, but I'm not holding my breath! Ahh, the things you do for your kids.
Here's our plan, so far:
Monday: Shopping/Errands
Tuesday: Library
Wednesday: Arts & Crafts
Thursday: Water Park (yes, Anthem has it's own)!!!
Friday: Gymnastics (at home)
Since my kids love Walmart, it's not too bad going shopping with the two older ones while baby J is taking her nap. With Dan working from home, I don't always have to take all three kids when I run my errands, and that's really nice! I do have to use bribery to keep them happy while shopping, but fortunately they are easily persuaded with 25 cents for gum!
We kicked off our summer vacation with a quick trip to Cali to see our friends over Memorial Day weekend. Everyone looked great, and we had a lot of great food (thanks Ken and Dianne!) As much fun as we had, and we wanted to stay longer, it was easy to see what motivated us to move out of the L.A. metropolis, the TRAFFIC! Dan and I both noticed how many cars there are all over the place all the time. In our little Anthem, we only leave town once a week at most. When summer comes, the snowbirds fly away and our population decreases by a third which greatly affects the traffic. Since we live on the same side of town as Walmart, we rarely drive more than 50 miles each week. It sure makes gas prices a lot less painful when you only fill up once a month!
We were able to visit our old church and it felt... different. We've been so blessed to get involved at our new Church in our ministries, but it made our visit to SH seem just that, a visit. I shouldn't have been surprised that I didn't feel like I was "at home" while we were there. So many people prayed for us to have a good transition to AZ, and I know that prayer has been fulfilled. We are so blessed to have our new Chursh feel like our home and we love it.
As for the water park, we haven't gone yet this season. I'm going to buy a new swim suit today and I've been psyching myself out for two days to go shopping. I'll try on every suit in Rob May until I find one I can live with. Being almost 40 and bearing 3 kids has given me some strict swim suit requirements. Hopefully I can find something under $150, but I'm not holding my breath! Ahh, the things you do for your kids.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Taking Back Our Homes
Our family recently received the Imprimis newsletter for the month of April. Although Dan said he has read several issues, this was the first one I had seen. It is a publication of Hillsdale College in Michigan, founded by the Freewill Baptists in the mid 19th century. I don't know how we got on their mailing list, but I was impressed by the article, Taking Back Our Homes, and its author, Rebecca Hagelin. It reminded me that while my children are in my home and under my care, God has given me the responsibility for what they see, hear and experience.
I invite you to read and let me know your thoughts.
I invite you to read and let me know your thoughts.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Seeds are Planted in Rwanda
My father-in-law Sam Shewmaker, is planning to return to the mission field in Rwanda in a few years. When I found out about his desire to return to a country that has suffered so much pain and strife, (I might post my feelings on the Rwandan genocide at another time, but it is VERY difficult for me to express), I asked why this particular country was selected. Sam, as the voice of Christ, said because they need the love of God the most. Wow! What a selfless attitude he has for the gospel of Christ! As difficult as it is for me personally to see them go back to Africa, I can not ignore the steps God is so clearly placing for Sam and Nancy to return, specifically to Rwanda. They have recently moved from Searcy AR to Fort Worth and were only a couple of hours from OCU where Sam was asked to deliver an address to the Rwandan President, First Lady and Ambassador to the US.
This is what he said.
Your Excellency, President Kagame and Madame Kagame
Ambassador Nsenga
President and Mrs. Oneal
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Students
Mwaramutse nyose
Karibuni sana mu Amerika
Your Excellency, we wish to express thanks to you and your people for honoring us by a
visit to this campus today. Murakoze!
As a son of Africa myself, it is a special pleasure for me personally to witness the
beginnings of a relationship between this Christian University and the Nation of Rwanda.
Your Excellency, as a citizen of the United States of America, I would like to express, on
behalf of many of my fellow-Americans, and indeed on my own behalf, a belated, though
deeply felt apology, that the government of the United States did not come to the aid of
the people of Rwanda in their darkest hour. This fact is a stain on our national honor for
which we are deeply sorry.
Some of us have visited your beautiful country and have met some of your beautiful
people. While we have been moved to deep grief for the tragedy of Rwanda, we do not
pity the people of Rwanda, because they are not a pitiable people. We see them as a
resilient people who are growing in their hope every day. Your Excellency, we believe that
this is in large part due to your effective leadership. We believe that God has put you and
your government in this position of leadership in Rwanda "for such a time as this."
Many of us present here today represent a fellowship of Christian congregations known as
Churches of Christ. As followers of Jesus Christ both in belief and in action, it is our
desire to partner with Rwandans in the planting of churches that, in a holistic way, will
become communities of healing that meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of
the people.
It is our desire to work in solidarity alongside your people to achieve the goals of your
national Vision 2020, in whatever fields, be they in the field of spiritual development and
the planting of churches, the fields of education, of training in business, information
technology, in primary health care training, or in strategies to assist families to break out
of the cycle of poverty. We look forward to a harmonious working relationship with
Rwanda that expresses Christ's spirit of compassion and service.
In closing, let me say on behalf of Churches of Christ, that we wish you, the government
and the people of Rwanda great success and the bountiful blessings of God on your path
to national unity, prosperity and well-being.
May God always abide in Rwanda. Imana Ikurinde.
This is what he said.
Your Excellency, President Kagame and Madame Kagame
Ambassador Nsenga
President and Mrs. Oneal
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Students
Mwaramutse nyose
Karibuni sana mu Amerika
Your Excellency, we wish to express thanks to you and your people for honoring us by a
visit to this campus today. Murakoze!
As a son of Africa myself, it is a special pleasure for me personally to witness the
beginnings of a relationship between this Christian University and the Nation of Rwanda.
Your Excellency, as a citizen of the United States of America, I would like to express, on
behalf of many of my fellow-Americans, and indeed on my own behalf, a belated, though
deeply felt apology, that the government of the United States did not come to the aid of
the people of Rwanda in their darkest hour. This fact is a stain on our national honor for
which we are deeply sorry.
Some of us have visited your beautiful country and have met some of your beautiful
people. While we have been moved to deep grief for the tragedy of Rwanda, we do not
pity the people of Rwanda, because they are not a pitiable people. We see them as a
resilient people who are growing in their hope every day. Your Excellency, we believe that
this is in large part due to your effective leadership. We believe that God has put you and
your government in this position of leadership in Rwanda "for such a time as this."
Many of us present here today represent a fellowship of Christian congregations known as
Churches of Christ. As followers of Jesus Christ both in belief and in action, it is our
desire to partner with Rwandans in the planting of churches that, in a holistic way, will
become communities of healing that meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of
the people.
It is our desire to work in solidarity alongside your people to achieve the goals of your
national Vision 2020, in whatever fields, be they in the field of spiritual development and
the planting of churches, the fields of education, of training in business, information
technology, in primary health care training, or in strategies to assist families to break out
of the cycle of poverty. We look forward to a harmonious working relationship with
Rwanda that expresses Christ's spirit of compassion and service.
In closing, let me say on behalf of Churches of Christ, that we wish you, the government
and the people of Rwanda great success and the bountiful blessings of God on your path
to national unity, prosperity and well-being.
May God always abide in Rwanda. Imana Ikurinde.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
I Love Ann!
Ok, I added Ann Coulter's web link to my page because I really love what she has to say. Dan said I had better be careful who I tell that I liker her, someone could get offended. Although some people might need to read with a grain of salt, I like how conservative she is and she doesn't care who she offends! I'm certainly not comparing her to Jesus, but He wasn't politically correct either. In our current world of not wanting to step on toes, she tells it like it is in a way that people need to hear and I predict she will continue to have a growing audience.
Enjoy!
p.s. Although Ann's current article "It's Hard Out Here for a Pump" is good, I was particularly fond of the following posts:
-Lie Down With Strippers Wake-up With Pleas
-Brown is the New Black
-Revenge of the Queers
You can access these articles, and a host of others, on her Archives tab at the left of her home page. Happy reading, salt shaker in hand.
Enjoy!
p.s. Although Ann's current article "It's Hard Out Here for a Pump" is good, I was particularly fond of the following posts:
-Lie Down With Strippers Wake-up With Pleas
-Brown is the New Black
-Revenge of the Queers
You can access these articles, and a host of others, on her Archives tab at the left of her home page. Happy reading, salt shaker in hand.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Four Friends
Yesterday our pastor delivered a message about Jesus healing the paralytic taken from Mark chapter 2. He made the observation that the men that were with the paralytic were his friends. I had never thought about that. It was probably true, who else would carry a paralyzed man across town, dig a hole in the roof, and lower him to Jesus. These men had probably been with him a long time and were not "fair weather friends". They knew if their friend saw Jesus he would be healed and their faith is what Jesus saw (Mark 2:5) and he healed the man. I thought a lot about that yesterday, that the faith of the friends is why Jesus healed him. Our Connection group talked about four friends in our own lives that would drop everything to help us. I was the last one in our group to speak so I was able to hear the comments of the others. There were a couple of people in our group who were disappointed they could only name one or two friends that they would call for help. When it was my turn, I shared about when I fell down our stairs in Cali and broke both my ankles. I couldn't walk for six weeks so I was in a similar situation as the paralyzed man. Our son was a baby, our daughter was three and my mom lived and worked in Mass so she couldn't help me. My friend Laurie organized our church to have someone come every day when Dan left for work at 7:30 and stay until he came home at 6:30. Some volunteers could only come to help for a couple of hours, some brought dinner. It was very difficult for me to just lie there and let someone else clean my kitchen, do my laundry, feed my family, but what I learned is that those people weren't ministering to me because they were my friends (although they were) but because they were being Jesus' servants. Some of them were only acquaintances but they were members of my church and were therefore my friends. Other people who don't have the Church family don't have any way to cope with the hard times in this life so they become alcoholics, adulterers, they abuse their children and spouses or even commit suicide. When God established his church, he knew we would need other Christians to help us in times of need. When we share our vulnerabilities with other Christians we become closer friends and able to connect on a deeper level. When we minister to our brothers and sisters we are being Christ in their lives.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Dear Mr President
This letter sums up my feelings on the immigration issue well... I don't know it's origin, but I found most of the points hit the nail on the head!
Dear President Bush:
I'm planning a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
You see, I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration laws and all that, and I'm sure they handle those things down there the same way you do here.
So, would you mind telling your buddy El Presidente Vicente Fox that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting all of the following:
1. Free medical care for myself and my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms must be printed in English.
4. I want my children to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools must include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on a flagpole at least as high as the Mexican flag, if not higher.
7. Please plan to feed my kids both breakfast and lunch at school, free of charge. And make sure it's nutritious.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, nor will I make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case any Mexican police officers do not get the memo from El Presidente Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the American flag in my yard, put American flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic American celebration every July 4th. I do not expect, nor will I appreciate, any complaints or comments from Mexicans.
12. Make sure jobs that pay cash without extracting taxes are available, because I plan to send large portions of that money back to my relatives in America, and cash expedites the process.
13. Please expect, and calmly tolerate, frequent angry demonstrations disruptive to the local economy should anybody ever complain about the strain I might be placing on the Mexican economy.
I know this is an easy request, because you already do ALL these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico under the same conditions. I'm sure El Presidente Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely. I'm sure he's always been friendly and generous to those who evade Mexican law when entering Mexico.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Dear President Bush:
I'm planning a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
You see, I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration laws and all that, and I'm sure they handle those things down there the same way you do here.
So, would you mind telling your buddy El Presidente Vicente Fox that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting all of the following:
1. Free medical care for myself and my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms must be printed in English.
4. I want my children to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools must include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on a flagpole at least as high as the Mexican flag, if not higher.
7. Please plan to feed my kids both breakfast and lunch at school, free of charge. And make sure it's nutritious.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, nor will I make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case any Mexican police officers do not get the memo from El Presidente Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the American flag in my yard, put American flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic American celebration every July 4th. I do not expect, nor will I appreciate, any complaints or comments from Mexicans.
12. Make sure jobs that pay cash without extracting taxes are available, because I plan to send large portions of that money back to my relatives in America, and cash expedites the process.
13. Please expect, and calmly tolerate, frequent angry demonstrations disruptive to the local economy should anybody ever complain about the strain I might be placing on the Mexican economy.
I know this is an easy request, because you already do ALL these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico under the same conditions. I'm sure El Presidente Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely. I'm sure he's always been friendly and generous to those who evade Mexican law when entering Mexico.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
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