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?
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Pet Peeves and Other Things
1. PEOPLE WHO DON'T TAKE THEIR TURNS AT STOP SIGNS. It doesn't bother me as much if they go before they should, but the ones who haven't paid attention, or just want to be a nice guy, who don't go when they should drive me up the wall.
2. NO TURN SIGNALS OR SIGNALING WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU IS TURNING AND YOU ARE NOT. There is a little lever on the left side of your steering column. It goes up and down. When you use it, little arrows on your instrument panel flash showing which way you are turning. And, there are lights on the outside of your car that flash along with those inside. They tell other drivers that you are going to turn. You know you're turning, but other drivers can't read your mind! Also, you putting on your brakes lets the drivers behind you know that you are slowing down. By signaling that the car in front is turning is only confusing. The other drivers may think YOU are turning and decide to go around you, about the time you start to go again.
3. NOT DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT. I don't mind speeding much, unless it is in a residential area, because I tend to speed at times myself. But, if you can't drive the speed limit, you shouldn't be driving. That's just as dangerous as excessive speed.
Those are my top 3 pet peeves. As you can see they pertain to driving. I'm sure I have more things that drive me up the wall, but right now this is all I can think of.
People are always being reminded to check on elderly neighbors during stormy or dangerous weather. But, when do you become the elderly neighbor that needs to be checked on? Is there a magic age? And, who decides if someone is now the elderly one? Does that person decide they are elderly and tell their neighbors that they need to be checking on you? Or do the neighbors decide and send you an anonymous letter that you now fall into the elderly category and they will be taking turns checking on you?
If someone knows the answer to this question, please tell me before I lose anymore sleep!
2. NO TURN SIGNALS OR SIGNALING WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU IS TURNING AND YOU ARE NOT. There is a little lever on the left side of your steering column. It goes up and down. When you use it, little arrows on your instrument panel flash showing which way you are turning. And, there are lights on the outside of your car that flash along with those inside. They tell other drivers that you are going to turn. You know you're turning, but other drivers can't read your mind! Also, you putting on your brakes lets the drivers behind you know that you are slowing down. By signaling that the car in front is turning is only confusing. The other drivers may think YOU are turning and decide to go around you, about the time you start to go again.
3. NOT DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT. I don't mind speeding much, unless it is in a residential area, because I tend to speed at times myself. But, if you can't drive the speed limit, you shouldn't be driving. That's just as dangerous as excessive speed.
Those are my top 3 pet peeves. As you can see they pertain to driving. I'm sure I have more things that drive me up the wall, but right now this is all I can think of.
People are always being reminded to check on elderly neighbors during stormy or dangerous weather. But, when do you become the elderly neighbor that needs to be checked on? Is there a magic age? And, who decides if someone is now the elderly one? Does that person decide they are elderly and tell their neighbors that they need to be checking on you? Or do the neighbors decide and send you an anonymous letter that you now fall into the elderly category and they will be taking turns checking on you?
If someone knows the answer to this question, please tell me before I lose anymore sleep!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
The Time Changes...Every Day
Usually it is the spring time change that messes with everyone's internal clock. Not me...this time change has me upside down. Or at least that's what it seems like. Every morning since the change, I've been waking up at exactly 5:45. Of course, that's my old 6:45. Intellectually I know that. But, I don't want to get up at 5:45, or do I?
I had been thinking about this even before the time change. I LIKE getting up before dawn. It's like the day and I wake up together. I also get some quiet "me" time to read or check email or whatever I want to do. I also really only like getting up before dawn in the winter. I think it's the combination of dark and robe and slippers and heat blowing. It's just not the same in the summer, probably because I don't have a lightweight robe. Summer means slipping out with a cup of coffee to the front porch, or the patio. Winter means curling up with the coffee, all snuggly and warm.
My 9 year old granddaughter has been confused by the time change. Sunday morning she barreled out of bed to check the time on her daddy's phone because she thought she was late for church. She wasn't used to it being light when she got up. Her mom was explaining that the time changed and it would now be getting dark earlier. Her dad went into the technical explanation of earth's relation to the sun. She finally looked at both of them and said "The time changes every day, second by second"!
I have been more inclined to get started with whatever the days activity will be, even if it is just laundry day. But, if I'm all snuggly warm in my robe and slippers, curled up with my coffee, why am I ready to get moving earlier? As I said, this time change has me upside down!
I had been thinking about this even before the time change. I LIKE getting up before dawn. It's like the day and I wake up together. I also get some quiet "me" time to read or check email or whatever I want to do. I also really only like getting up before dawn in the winter. I think it's the combination of dark and robe and slippers and heat blowing. It's just not the same in the summer, probably because I don't have a lightweight robe. Summer means slipping out with a cup of coffee to the front porch, or the patio. Winter means curling up with the coffee, all snuggly and warm.
My 9 year old granddaughter has been confused by the time change. Sunday morning she barreled out of bed to check the time on her daddy's phone because she thought she was late for church. She wasn't used to it being light when she got up. Her mom was explaining that the time changed and it would now be getting dark earlier. Her dad went into the technical explanation of earth's relation to the sun. She finally looked at both of them and said "The time changes every day, second by second"!
I have been more inclined to get started with whatever the days activity will be, even if it is just laundry day. But, if I'm all snuggly warm in my robe and slippers, curled up with my coffee, why am I ready to get moving earlier? As I said, this time change has me upside down!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Grandchildren
While Bill and I have a combined 24 grandchildren, my oldest natural grandchild is a nearly 15 year old granddaughter. She's now a Freshman in high school and growing up way too fast.
I have always enjoyed talking with her, from the time she was just cooing and having "pretend" conversations to the "discovery" conversations. But, just this past summer, I have noticed that our conversations have taken a turn. We're now talking about "serious" things.
She wasn't feeling well this week and I picked her up early from school. As we were heading home she began talking about a class in school. This year the school is trying a new "tech" curriculum. Each of the students are given a MacBook to use. They were told to look something up, only to find that the site was blocked by the school. She said she understood the concept of blocking things so that students wouldn't be tempted to go to sites during class time. But, they shouldn't then be told to go to the sites for the information they needed! She also agreed that since this was a new program, there were probably bugs to be worked out for future years. We then discussed students needing to take responsibility for their actions and not going to the sites unless told to access it.
And, then, like a typical teenager, she wanted to know what we were going to eat for lunch! Ah, you gotta love 'em!
I have always enjoyed talking with her, from the time she was just cooing and having "pretend" conversations to the "discovery" conversations. But, just this past summer, I have noticed that our conversations have taken a turn. We're now talking about "serious" things.
She wasn't feeling well this week and I picked her up early from school. As we were heading home she began talking about a class in school. This year the school is trying a new "tech" curriculum. Each of the students are given a MacBook to use. They were told to look something up, only to find that the site was blocked by the school. She said she understood the concept of blocking things so that students wouldn't be tempted to go to sites during class time. But, they shouldn't then be told to go to the sites for the information they needed! She also agreed that since this was a new program, there were probably bugs to be worked out for future years. We then discussed students needing to take responsibility for their actions and not going to the sites unless told to access it.
And, then, like a typical teenager, she wanted to know what we were going to eat for lunch! Ah, you gotta love 'em!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Changing Seasons
I noticed this morning as I looked out of my bathroom window that the leaves have changed color. No, not the normal color changes of gold, orange and red that signal fall. They are still green for the most part, but a deeper green. That started me thinking about life seasons.
Spring has the pale green of new leaves, summer has the rich green of fullness of life, and now the ebbing summer, early fall deep green of a near completion life cycle. Soon these too will change color and start to fall, until the trees are all bare for the cold winter.
Now, you would think that in my 59 years of life, I would have noticed these things before. I had noticed the winter, spring, summer cycles, but had only paid attention to the fall colors of falling leaves. I had not noticed the deep greens that I saw this morning. Maybe God's telling me something. I have been so focused on Bill's medical problems these last 2 years that, now that he's doing so much better, I can start to focus on other aspects of life. The changing seasons may just be the start of it.
Spring has the pale green of new leaves, summer has the rich green of fullness of life, and now the ebbing summer, early fall deep green of a near completion life cycle. Soon these too will change color and start to fall, until the trees are all bare for the cold winter.
Now, you would think that in my 59 years of life, I would have noticed these things before. I had noticed the winter, spring, summer cycles, but had only paid attention to the fall colors of falling leaves. I had not noticed the deep greens that I saw this morning. Maybe God's telling me something. I have been so focused on Bill's medical problems these last 2 years that, now that he's doing so much better, I can start to focus on other aspects of life. The changing seasons may just be the start of it.
Musings
I've been pondering several things lately and decided to create this space. These are just my random thoughts on different subjects. I don't know how often something will be posted, or how long or short the posts will be. The subjects will most likely be different each time. Please feel free to comment on the posts, or follow. All I ask is that your comments be respectful and not filled with cursing or name calling. We can all express our opinions without being ugly. And, if we disagree on a subject, I would hope we could agree to disagree and move on to the next subject.
So, this is the reason for this blog. Hopefully it will make some people stop and think of different things and maybe consider another way of looking at things.
So, this is the reason for this blog. Hopefully it will make some people stop and think of different things and maybe consider another way of looking at things.
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