Wednesday, October 15, 2014

This and That

I'm troubled and confused again, but maybe I'm confused all the time! I've been seeing some things online about how we just need to put a bullet in the heads of Muslims. Normally I would just pass this by, but, when I see agreeing comments, from Christian pastors, it bothers me. That seems to directly contradict the commandment of "Thou shalt not kill". Others may argue "an eye for an eye" would allow it. That's what is troubling and confusing. If we try to exterminate, for lack of a better word or term, all Muslims, doesn't this make us just as bad as they are? I'm afraid that the radical arm of Christians will become just as violent as the radical arm of the Muslims. Something to dwell on and pray about

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When I was filling our medicine containers the other day, I noticed how colorful my medications are. In my morning slot I have a peach colored one, a blue one, a white one, a pink one, and a purple one. In my night slot I have a peach colored one, a white one, a blue one, 2 pink ones, and a red one. Bill's meds are not as colorful. His are mostly beige and muted peach and purple, with one exception, a bright orange one. At least I can tell by color what each of them is for.

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I will be very glad when the election is over next month. I recently had a phone call asking if the incumbent senator's and a candidate for governor stance on the healthcare act has affected my opinion of the 2 candidates. Both of these candidates are for the healthcare act. Since I haven't been adversely affected by the new healthcare, and I have followed one of these candidates for several years, I answered honestly that their stance has not affected my opinion of them. The questioner then stated that I was still going to vote for them in that case. How could she assume that? The question posed was "Has the fact that Sen. ____________and ___________ support of Obamacare affected your opinion of them?" That answer was no, and there was no follow-up question concerning my vote for/against them. My answer could have easily meant that I already knew their stance and was not going to vote for them anyway. Just proves that statistics can be skewed to prove your point.

Since the healthcare act was passed, many are saying that it should be repealed and they have some ideas of how healthcare should be handled. But, when pressed, won't tell us how they think it should work. Which is worse, wanting to get rid of something just because you don't like it, or telling people you have a plan but won't elaborate on it?

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Had a debate online last night with a young man who is very opposed to anything government run. He stated that the problems with Medicare were a direct result of the healthcare act. When I pointed out that the 2 insurances my husband has paid for about all of his $2 million in medical bills except for about $5000, and that of the $900/month in medications, we only pay about $40, all he could say was that he was glad it worked out for us but didn't for others. He could supply no facts to support his statements. While he is entitled to his opinion, if something is going to be stated as fact, shouldn't you be able to provide the facts proving your point? Seems to be that's what's wrong with many today. They state their opinion, but then get angry if you ask for proof, and when given proof for the opposing view, start name-calling and get even angrier. Americans are very angry, but are we angry at the right people or situation, or are we angry because we believe in opinions of others that have nothing to substantiate the opinion?

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These are just some of thoughts going through my head this morning.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Sadness, Confusion and Pride

It's been quite a while since I've posted anything here. But, as I said in the beginning, there was no set schedule.

Sadness

In the last three weeks there have been 6 deaths of people I knew. A cousin passed away from breast cancer. She was younger than me and I hadn't seen her for several years, but it's still sad. It makes you think about your own mortality.

I also learned of the death of a dear lady. She was a kidney transplant from the same place as Bill's heart transplant, but more importantly, she also lived in our area. I remember her calling me while we were in Florida waiting for Bill's transplant. She was also there for her annual check-up.

As I was talking to a friend about her passing, we found that one of my clients, and college classmate, had passed. She was my age. We didn't have any classes together that I remember, but she was in the group of us that always sat in the student center before class. She always had a funny joke or story to tell.

As I was looking for these obituaries in the newspaper, I saw one for a woman that I had worked with many, many years ago. I hadn't seen her since I left the travel business, but as soon as I saw her name the memory was there.

I had been seeing some comments on Facebook about a person passing and I wondered if I knew her. My sister told me last night that it was another cousin. This one was older and also had cancer. But the cancer was not the cause of death. I also hadn't seen this cousin in years.

The final passing was also yesterday. A dear lady from church passed away and I think this one hurts more than the others. She was the pianist when Bill and I first started attending the church. When she found out that I could play, she resigned from playing and would only substitute for me. She always had a smile for everyone. She hadn't been able to attend services for quite a while, but she will still be missed.

If you are wondering about all of these people that I hadn't seen in years, it's because I left the area 40 years ago and only returned periodically.

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Confusion

With all of the news coverage of the basketball owner and his remarks, and now the other sports mogul's remarks, I am confused by our country. As far as the basketball owner, I don't think the punishment fits the crime. To have a huge fine, and be told that he can't own the team anymore, or attend any basketball functions seems to have gone a little overboard. I also thought the same thing with the Paula Deen controversary, especially since's hers happened so many years ago. I'm also confused by how the recordings got released to the press. Both parties said they didn't release them, but they are the only ones who had them.

As to the remarks made by Mark Cuban, he just stated how his mind works when encountering certain types of people. His remarks were not specifically racist as the media and others have tried to portray them. I too have crossed the street when meeting certain types of people, whether black or white. And that's what's confusing me. He didn't single out a single race. He just brought to light what appearances can convey to others.

My confusion stems from this...why can't people voice an opinion if it doesn't agree with someone elses's opinion? That's one of the things that has made this country great. Yes, some opinions can be hateful and hurtful, but they are just what that person thinks. I remember when the Oklahoma bombing happened and one of the radio announcers referred to the "towel heads" that had done this terrible thing. I wonder if they were ashamed or apologetic when it came to light that this was done by "good ole American boys".

I could go on and on about this, but won't. Maybe this will be a discussion for another day.

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Pride

We spent some time with a couple of the grandchildren this week-end. These are 2 we don't see often. As we were sitting down to eat, the oldest one, 9, asked who was going to pray and his little sister, 6, raised her hand. Usually it's up to Pa to pray, and this little one had told me once that she would bow her head, but she wouldn't close her eyes. These 2 also don't attend church on any regular basis, but they have been attending a tutoring program run by a local church. At any rate, after everyone had filled their plates she told all of us to bow our hears and close our eyes and she proceeded to pray the standard children's prayer. It just goes to show that you never know what they are listening to. The older one of these two is going to church camp this year for the first time. His 2 cousins are also going to the same camp, 1 as a camper and the other as a counselor.

And, speaking of the one going as a counselor, she ran the children's church services a couple of weeks ago in the absence of the children's pastor. No, she did not preach, but she made sure that each section had everything they needed. She also ran the sound for the song service. This may not seem like much...until you realize she's only 15 years old! Her sister, the other camper, is on the dance team for the children's services.

I'm very proud of these 2 in their church work and proud of the other 2 for starting to participate. We'll just continue to pray for all of them.

So, there's my post for this time. In time the sadness will dim, maybe the confusion will go away, and I will always be proud of my grandchildren.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Haven't written anything for awhile, but haven't had any burning thoughts in my head.

I read an essay this morning about President Obama. It was written by a "patriot" about why President Obama is so angry and unpatriotic. Most of it struck me as drivel, but what struck me most was any "patriot" name could be substituted. And by "patriot" I mean conservative, Republican, Tea Party.

I don't consider myself of either party. I'm more liberal than some, more conservative than others. But I am a patriot. I love this country and it saddens me that nothing is getting done by Congress and the president. There are so many things that need done, changed, addressed in this country that are more important than voting to repeal the healthcare act. Yes, there are flaws in the act, so fix them and leave the good parts intact. I'm seeing the insurance companies doing things and blaming the healthcare act, when what they are doing is only being done now because they can get away with it and justify it under the new act.

It also bothers me that Christians seem to forget that Jesus took care of the less fortunate and encouraged us to do the same. We as Christians are not "holier than thou". So, do we do as the Bible tells us, or do we do the opposite of those we don't agree with.

Members of Congress seem to have forgotten that "we the people" put them where they are. I feel like they have lost touch with the people and will only do what the party wants. And, if the party line is not followed to the letter, their own party will turn against them.

What has happened to us, as a people, as Christians, as a nation?

Again, these are just my thoughts and opinions. And unlike some, I AM entitled to my opinion, just as you are entitled to yours. We can agree to disagree and still have a civil discussion.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Year End Reflections

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!

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?

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!

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!