As 2013 winds, most people reflect over the past year, reviewing ups and downs, and making plans and vows to change what can be changed for the better. As a rule, I don't make resolutions because I never keep them. But, like a lot of others, I do look back over the past year.
We entered a new phase of life again this year, one not revolving around hospitals and doctors. Yes, we still have doctor visits, but we are back in our own home. From a 2200 sq ft house to a 900 sq ft condo and then back to the house was quite a change. The condo was so easy to keep up with, especially with crazy schedules, but there was really no place to be alone, and if there was company, it was quite crowded. It's easier to find a place alone in the house, but it's also so much harder to keep up. I guess that's the good with the bad.
We lost a daughter-in-law (legally anyway) and gained another. We also gained 2 great granddaughters. We've spent time with children and grandchildren and friends that we missed so much while we were gone. There is more family that we haven't seen, but a year is really a short period of time.
We've both learned to just live and let be. Sometimes it's hard not to control things all the time. But, others do need to complete things on their own, for their own good. That doesn't make it any easier, but at least the concept is understood.
While Bill's health has stabilized, mine seems to have gotten worse. I don't know if it is everything catching up with me, or what, but I seem to have been sick more lately and can't shake things off as easily. This really disturbs me, especially since Bill still isn't able to care for himself as far as his medications go. So, this is something that will have to be addressed in the next year.
Still, we've been blessed to still have each other and our families, our financial life is secure, and we have wonderful friends.
Looking forward to next year, we will get a new grandchild and Bill will be 2 years out from his transplant.
So, looking back we have been blessed, and we look forward with anticipation of the blessings yet to come. Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Can Liberals Be Christians?
I've been reading about the controversy concerning Phil Robertson and A&E. I don't just read the articles and blogs, I also read the comments and, while some are ridiculous and very funny, others are hateful, bordering on dangerous. So, here's my take on the situation.
I read the GQ article and Mr. Robertson did not say anything hateful about homosexuals. He paraphrased a passage in the Bible that condemns homosexual behavior along with other sins. I looked up the scripture and, he didn't paraphrase by much. It would depend on which version of the Bible you were using.
Conservatives have jumped on the bandwagon supporting him, but, in my opinion, for the wrong reason. His right to free speech was not violated, as this right protects us from the government for speaking our opinions. Yes, he has the right to say what he said. They are also blaming the "liberal media" for ramming the gay community's agenda down everyone's throat. While I believe A&E made an error in judgment with his suspension, he is an employee of the network, and there may be something in the contract that prohibits this. But, since A&E knew that the family is a Christian family and believes what the Bible says, I find this hard to believe.
I am a right-leaning liberal. I'm also a Christian. Many people think that the 2 are exclusive of each other. Liberals can't be Christian because they condone homosexuality, abortion, etc. Christians can't be liberals because they abhor homosexuality, abortion, etc. It's a cache 22.
As a Christian, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and I have accepted Him as my personal savior. I was saved in a revival at the local Baptist church when I was 10 years old, but I'm not a Baptist. That may be the topic for another posting later.
I believe that, as Christians, we are to love one another, take care of the poor, and help those less fortunate than ourselves. The Bible also tells us that we are to respect the leaders of our government, because God has allowed them to be placed in the position they are in. We are also to adhere to the laws of the land, as well as the laws of God. The Bible also tells us to hate the sin but love the sinner.
So, if I follow the Bible's teaching, if I'm to help those less fortunate than me and take care of the poor, that makes me a liberal. I don't condone homosexuality, yet I don't hate homosexuals. There are some in my extended family, and I have gay friends. Their lifestyle doesn't affect me. And, while I don't advocate abortion, I do think a woman should have the right to decide what's best for her.
Both conservatives and liberals resort to name calling and damning others for not agreeing with their argument. Isn't that what makes this country great, that we can agree to disagree and still get along with each other?
I read the GQ article and Mr. Robertson did not say anything hateful about homosexuals. He paraphrased a passage in the Bible that condemns homosexual behavior along with other sins. I looked up the scripture and, he didn't paraphrase by much. It would depend on which version of the Bible you were using.
Conservatives have jumped on the bandwagon supporting him, but, in my opinion, for the wrong reason. His right to free speech was not violated, as this right protects us from the government for speaking our opinions. Yes, he has the right to say what he said. They are also blaming the "liberal media" for ramming the gay community's agenda down everyone's throat. While I believe A&E made an error in judgment with his suspension, he is an employee of the network, and there may be something in the contract that prohibits this. But, since A&E knew that the family is a Christian family and believes what the Bible says, I find this hard to believe.
I am a right-leaning liberal. I'm also a Christian. Many people think that the 2 are exclusive of each other. Liberals can't be Christian because they condone homosexuality, abortion, etc. Christians can't be liberals because they abhor homosexuality, abortion, etc. It's a cache 22.
As a Christian, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and I have accepted Him as my personal savior. I was saved in a revival at the local Baptist church when I was 10 years old, but I'm not a Baptist. That may be the topic for another posting later.
I believe that, as Christians, we are to love one another, take care of the poor, and help those less fortunate than ourselves. The Bible also tells us that we are to respect the leaders of our government, because God has allowed them to be placed in the position they are in. We are also to adhere to the laws of the land, as well as the laws of God. The Bible also tells us to hate the sin but love the sinner.
So, if I follow the Bible's teaching, if I'm to help those less fortunate than me and take care of the poor, that makes me a liberal. I don't condone homosexuality, yet I don't hate homosexuals. There are some in my extended family, and I have gay friends. Their lifestyle doesn't affect me. And, while I don't advocate abortion, I do think a woman should have the right to decide what's best for her.
Both conservatives and liberals resort to name calling and damning others for not agreeing with their argument. Isn't that what makes this country great, that we can agree to disagree and still get along with each other?
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