Where I am today...

At just the right time I got this in my email box this morning:

“Jesus Christ is stronger!”

“Ready for some good news? . . .

Jesus Christ is stronger!

Stronger than my fears about the future or my shame over a past that cannot be altered though I wish so much I could do some things differently.

Stronger than my tired prayers with well-worn phrases and weary pleas.

Stronger than my need to know now, and have the trial terminated.

Stronger than the enemy of my soul who would discourage me with my own failings and disillusion me with the faults of others.

Such a simple truth—Jesus Christ is Stronger. ‘Stronger than what,’ you ask?

Stronger than whatever would cause you doubt or discouragement today.”

—James McDonald, “Jesus Christ is Stronger”
(HT: Tim Challies)

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Sharing the Wealth

Shane and I are going to try this for a week and see how it goes:


Redistribution of Wealth

Published at 12pm on 10/27/08

An Inside the Beltway Forward …
In a local restaurant my server had on a “Obama 08″ tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference–just imagine the coincidence.
When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need–the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.
I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I’ve decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more.
I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

You can find more insight on politics at www.wsmith.org. William is a good friend of ours who lives in Washington D.C. with his wife, Diamond, and his 1 year old son, Will. His blog is very good and provides some different perspectives on what it is to be a conservative.

Let the Bidding Begin

I made 3 kinds of cookies over the weekend and they are ready to be shipped to you. Bidding starts @ $20 per dozen. Go over to Landra Lynn's blog and you can see how this will work. The bidding starts @ 8 am Arizona time and ends at 9 pm Arizona time. These are the 3 kinds of cookies I have to send to you:

Sharpe Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Oatmeal Raisin Cake Mix Cookies

NieNie Cookie Sale

So I met this lady through her blog a couple of months ago, her name is Stephanie Nielson and you can find her here.  Her love for her family and for the role that God put her in as wife and mother are encouraging in this world where so many women consider these roles as detrimental to society.  Anyway, about 3 weeks ago, she and her husband were in an airplane crash and 80% of her body is burned.  Her husband, Christian, has suffered burns to 30% of his body.  They are both in the hospital and her children are living with her sister.  The love of the blogging community has been so overwhelming.  2 weeks ago there was NieNie Day where a lot of auctions took place...seems as if they raised $100,000 so far for their medical bills.  Well I have decided to help in the Cookie Sale that will take place on September 22nd.  Check out the list of cookies that will be available over here.  I have plans to make oatmeal cookies, Sharpe chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter blossoms!  Go and bid or sign up to sell your cookies...believe me, these people will buy them!  

Guess what??? It's FRIDAY!!!

The Republican VP

So what does everyone think about Sarah Palin? This election is very interesting to me for some reason. I have voted in 2 previous presidential elections but this one seems to stand out. I wonder if it is because my husband has encouraged me to understand what I'm voting for or if it is because I realize that the taxes coming out of my check every week seem to be growing and I'm afraid of what is to come. A week ago today, was the first time I had heard of Sarah Palin but immediately I started doing my research. I am not a big proponent for women in politics basically b/c I know how emotional I can be and do I really want that governing the United States? Anyway...all that to say, I like her. I think she is great. I respect her and what she has done for Alaska. I thought her speech on Wednesday night was phenomenal. Just wanted to see if anyone else has an opinion about her?

Some personal reasons I like Sarah Palin:

1. She is pro-life and proved it...not once, but twice. She was told her son had downs syndrome and in a world where parents are almost always encouraged to abort their baby when this is found out, they did not. And then when it was announced that her 17 year old daughter was pregnant, they did not hide her or keep it a secret or encourage her to have an abortion...they told the world and supported their daughter.

2. She has a big family. You don't see that much these days

It sounds like Alaska is flourishing because of work that she has done on their behalf. I like the idea of drilling for oil in Alaska. I had a suite mate in college who was from Alaska (Hey Kimber!!!) and she was always a proponent for drilling oil. Side note: Did you know that people in Alaska get a dividend every year for living there? You have to be a resident and all those from birth to death get a dividend. How cool is that? Anyone else want to move there? Shane and I are looking into it! Ha ha!

Update:  I read a GREAT post here about Sarah Palin and being the VP.  I'm so thankful for wise counsel on the subject.  

Living Vicariously

Since becoming a "blogger" I have found myself living vicariously through blogs. A lot of times I don't have the time or the money to do things so I'm finding it fun to go on these adventures through the blogworld. Most of these people I have never met, but I feel like I know them. Some I read are a challenge to me, some make me pray for their situation. Does anyone else do that or is it just me? Thought I would share some of my adventures lately:

I experienced a youth lock-in...wow...glad I don't have to go through that again:

This is a balloon launch in Utah that I went to in honor of Christian and Stephanie Neilson:

I have also met a new little one, MJ Bradshaw:

I have made this cute garland to use for decorations for birthdays or parties:

I have been to South Asia and actually ridden (is that a word?) on this elephant:

These are 2 precious families that I am praying for because of knowing them through their blogs: Magdalena and then the family of Asher Chappell:



So where have you been lately?