Sunday, January 29, 2006
Greetings from Utah!
Yeah, you read that right. Utah! I've run off to my own personal Shangri La. My own personal Mecca. My place of refuge and renewal. I got here on Friday and I'll be here until Wednesday morning. Then I'll go back home all refreshed and recharged. I'm getting pampered and spoiled rotten. Oh, and guess who's here? Robert Redford! And we actually walked past each other and said "Hi." He must be taking a break from Sundance. Pretty cool even though I've previously referred to him as a well-tanned piece of leather, or something like that. I'd look up the exact quote, but I'm on borrowed computer time. Anyway, I've had a few massages so far and will have a couple more before my stay is over. I'll be back!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
You say it's your birthday...
It's my birthday too yeah!
They say it’s your birthday.
We’re gonna have a good time.
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you.
Yes we’re going to party party
Yes we’re going to party party
Yes we’re going to party party.
I would like you to dance – Birthday
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance – Birthday
I would like you to dance – Birthday dance
You say it’s your birthday.
It’s my birthday too – yeah.
You say it’s your birthday.
We’re gonna have a good time.
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you.
I'm 38 today! I'm not one of those people who is ashamed to reveal my age. I'm happy for every birthday that comes because you just never can take life for granted. Here's to many, many more to come!
They say it’s your birthday.
We’re gonna have a good time.
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you.
Yes we’re going to party party
Yes we’re going to party party
Yes we’re going to party party.
I would like you to dance – Birthday
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance – Birthday
I would like you to dance – Birthday dance
You say it’s your birthday.
It’s my birthday too – yeah.
You say it’s your birthday.
We’re gonna have a good time.
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you.
I'm 38 today! I'm not one of those people who is ashamed to reveal my age. I'm happy for every birthday that comes because you just never can take life for granted. Here's to many, many more to come!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
An American Love Story
Last night I watched one of the best history shows I've ever seen, and to show just what a sap I am I'll admit that I cried at the end. It was on the PBS series, American Experience. John & Abigail Adams: The Original Power Couple covers the lives of John and Abigail in the context of the formation of our country. The PBS website has some of their amazing correspondence which covers everything from love, politics, colonial life, and the revolution. Abigail endured very long absences while John traveled on his political business. For years at a time the only contact they had was through their letters. As I watched I wondered how many couples today would be able to endure that and keep their love and marriages alive. We just don't appreciate or understand the hardships and sacrifices that our Founding Fathers and their families bore to ensure the emergence and survival of our new nation.
The show also revealed the strong influence that Adams had on our beginnings and how he wasn't given due credit for all he did. Others of the time such as Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson garnered all the fame and adulation instead. However, Adams persevered in his efforts, and perhaps only now are historians giving him his due. It was kind of odd that a few hours before watching this show (and I didn't know it was coming on at this time) I was telling David that I believe that in a hundred year's time a certain one of today's leaders will be looked upon with much kinder and appreciative eyes. There are parallels between the tumultuous times of the pre-revolution and Revolutionary War and what our country is experiencing now. We forget that back then only a few men were the driving force of our progress and that it wasn't usually unanimously supported. The times were hateful and contentious, just as much as today. Some of the same things that were said of Adams have been said of our current president. If it hadn't been for such strong, and largely unpopular yet persistent, men as Adams our country might never have emerged. Adams was the primary architect of our Constitution. Likewise, I believe that without strong-willed and even strong-handed leadership now our future might suffer in ways that we can't now imagine. Leadership and power and hard times are cyclical. We have a such a short history to look to, but we can still see those patterns.
The show also covered the long relationship between Adams and Jefferson. They were at times adversaries, but in their later years they returned to a true friendship. For those who didn't know or had forgotten some of the magical aspects of our nation's formation the show pointed out instances that sound like purely mythical creations. One was the stormy day in which Adams convinced colonial leaders to declare independence. It was as if he drew the power of nature or God into his speech. He then asked Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. And the most amazing is that both Adams and Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, to the sounds of cannons and Independence Day celebrations. Does that not give you chills?
Of course, my puny description of this show does not do it justice. If you ever get a chance to watch it, do it! It makes history interesting and memorable. It was every bit as good as any theatrical movie, and it made me cry because I was overwhelmed by the love story of the Adams and the incredible strength of our foundation.
The show also revealed the strong influence that Adams had on our beginnings and how he wasn't given due credit for all he did. Others of the time such as Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson garnered all the fame and adulation instead. However, Adams persevered in his efforts, and perhaps only now are historians giving him his due. It was kind of odd that a few hours before watching this show (and I didn't know it was coming on at this time) I was telling David that I believe that in a hundred year's time a certain one of today's leaders will be looked upon with much kinder and appreciative eyes. There are parallels between the tumultuous times of the pre-revolution and Revolutionary War and what our country is experiencing now. We forget that back then only a few men were the driving force of our progress and that it wasn't usually unanimously supported. The times were hateful and contentious, just as much as today. Some of the same things that were said of Adams have been said of our current president. If it hadn't been for such strong, and largely unpopular yet persistent, men as Adams our country might never have emerged. Adams was the primary architect of our Constitution. Likewise, I believe that without strong-willed and even strong-handed leadership now our future might suffer in ways that we can't now imagine. Leadership and power and hard times are cyclical. We have a such a short history to look to, but we can still see those patterns.
The show also covered the long relationship between Adams and Jefferson. They were at times adversaries, but in their later years they returned to a true friendship. For those who didn't know or had forgotten some of the magical aspects of our nation's formation the show pointed out instances that sound like purely mythical creations. One was the stormy day in which Adams convinced colonial leaders to declare independence. It was as if he drew the power of nature or God into his speech. He then asked Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. And the most amazing is that both Adams and Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, to the sounds of cannons and Independence Day celebrations. Does that not give you chills?
Of course, my puny description of this show does not do it justice. If you ever get a chance to watch it, do it! It makes history interesting and memorable. It was every bit as good as any theatrical movie, and it made me cry because I was overwhelmed by the love story of the Adams and the incredible strength of our foundation.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Top 10 Trivia
Ten Top Trivia Tips about Rae Ann!
- Half a cup of Rae Ann contains only seventeen calories.
- Rae Ann can be very poisonous if injected intravenously!
- If you lie on your back with your legs stretched it is impossible to sink in Rae Ann.
- If you blow out all the candles on Rae Ann with one breath, your wish will come true!
- Without Rae Ann, we would have to pollinate apple trees by hand.
- Rae Ann can eat up to four kilograms of insects in a single night.
- Reindeer like to eat Rae Ann!
- Rae Ann has a memory span of three seconds.
- Rae Ann is actually a mammal, not a fish!
- Rae Ann was first discovered by Alexander the Great in India, and introduced to Europe on his return!
#3 and 4 sound kind of kinky. And #8 is about right.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Ten Years Gone
(lyrics by Page/Plant)
Then as it was, then again it will be
An' though the course may change sometimes
Rivers always reach the sea
Blind stars of fortune, each have several rays
On the wings of maybe, down in birds of prey
Kind of makes me feel sometimes, didn't have to grow
But as the eagle leaves the nest, it's got so far to go
Ten years ago today my oldest child was born. His transition into this world was not an easy one for either of us. In the small morning hours labor began as typically as you could expect. Contractions, timing, deciding it was time. After arriving at the hospital and getting examined and approved for staying they hooked me up to the monitors and so began the wait. Not too long after that my water broke while I was lying in bed waiting for the real action to start. Then the hard contractions started and in went the epidural. Labor progressed normally and then it was time to push... for three hours. Just imagine doing crunches for three hours with a 10 pound basketball on your belly. It didn't help that my nurse spent at least half of that time taking personal phone calls. It was a very busy day in labor and delivery so I guess there weren't enough nurses to go around. There were 19 or 20 babies born while we were there. Anyway, they finally decided that he wasn't coming out that way. DUH! So rush, rush get to the operating room for the c-section. They typically do those with very high doses of epidural anesthesia, so much that it causes uncontrollable trembling in the upper body. I'm not sure what is worse, that or feeling people digging around and shifting your guts. And poor little baby had the biggest conehead that you can imagine from all that hard but futile pushing. He even had a sore and bruise where his head kept getting rammed into my pelvic bone. He was a very cranky baby. Can you blame him? I bet he had the world's worst headache for days!
Through the eyes an' I sparkle, Senses growing keen
Taste your love along the way, See your feathers preen
Kind of makes me feel sometimes, Didn't have to grow
We are eagles of one nest, The nest is in our soul
My oldest is my little Renaissance Man. He's an artist, musician, and scientist. He's a lot like me, but better. He was speaking in complete sentences at 18 months. His drawing ability has amazed everyone from the time that he has been able to hold a pencil. And I have taken him to supplemental art classes since he was 6. He always wants to know how and why. How do things work? Why? Why, why, why? From an early age he's been an intellectual challenge for me. We never baby-talked. He wasn't amused or satisfied by that. Our relationship often felt strained in a subtle way, like he was frustrated with his childness and I was frustrated with his maturity. But the older he gets the easier it for us to relate and to communicate the big thoughts that we share, and we are very close. And just last fall he taught himself to play the piano. He taught himself Beethoven's "Fur Elise" in one day just from listening to it. That's when I decided that he needed proper lessons. But despite all of those things he's still a normal kid, a normal boy who likes to ride bikes and skateboards and play light sabers with his friends. He's my firstborn. I love him more than life. And how time flies when you're having fun!
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
Then as it was, then again it will be
An' though the course may change sometimes
Rivers always reach the sea
Blind stars of fortune, each have several rays
On the wings of maybe, down in birds of prey
Kind of makes me feel sometimes, didn't have to grow
But as the eagle leaves the nest, it's got so far to go
Ten years ago today my oldest child was born. His transition into this world was not an easy one for either of us. In the small morning hours labor began as typically as you could expect. Contractions, timing, deciding it was time. After arriving at the hospital and getting examined and approved for staying they hooked me up to the monitors and so began the wait. Not too long after that my water broke while I was lying in bed waiting for the real action to start. Then the hard contractions started and in went the epidural. Labor progressed normally and then it was time to push... for three hours. Just imagine doing crunches for three hours with a 10 pound basketball on your belly. It didn't help that my nurse spent at least half of that time taking personal phone calls. It was a very busy day in labor and delivery so I guess there weren't enough nurses to go around. There were 19 or 20 babies born while we were there. Anyway, they finally decided that he wasn't coming out that way. DUH! So rush, rush get to the operating room for the c-section. They typically do those with very high doses of epidural anesthesia, so much that it causes uncontrollable trembling in the upper body. I'm not sure what is worse, that or feeling people digging around and shifting your guts. And poor little baby had the biggest conehead that you can imagine from all that hard but futile pushing. He even had a sore and bruise where his head kept getting rammed into my pelvic bone. He was a very cranky baby. Can you blame him? I bet he had the world's worst headache for days!
Through the eyes an' I sparkle, Senses growing keen
Taste your love along the way, See your feathers preen
Kind of makes me feel sometimes, Didn't have to grow
We are eagles of one nest, The nest is in our soul
My oldest is my little Renaissance Man. He's an artist, musician, and scientist. He's a lot like me, but better. He was speaking in complete sentences at 18 months. His drawing ability has amazed everyone from the time that he has been able to hold a pencil. And I have taken him to supplemental art classes since he was 6. He always wants to know how and why. How do things work? Why? Why, why, why? From an early age he's been an intellectual challenge for me. We never baby-talked. He wasn't amused or satisfied by that. Our relationship often felt strained in a subtle way, like he was frustrated with his childness and I was frustrated with his maturity. But the older he gets the easier it for us to relate and to communicate the big thoughts that we share, and we are very close. And just last fall he taught himself to play the piano. He taught himself Beethoven's "Fur Elise" in one day just from listening to it. That's when I decided that he needed proper lessons. But despite all of those things he's still a normal kid, a normal boy who likes to ride bikes and skateboards and play light sabers with his friends. He's my firstborn. I love him more than life. And how time flies when you're having fun!
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Deep Fried What?
Here's the list of the 8 worst foods you can eat as reported by Slashfood:
1. Deep fried Snickers or Mars bars. EW! I'm from the South and deep fried anything is usually pretty good, but what kind of freak deep fries a candybar?
2. Shelf stable “creamers”. Another ew. I'm not into 'fake' or 'simulated' foodstuff. Give me real milk or cream or nothing. Same for butter. I don't eat margarine or fake butter.
3. Pasteurized, processed cheese food. Well, I do let my kids eat that stuff because real cheese is sometimes an acquired taste.
4. Burger King Chicken Fries. Never tried them. I don't like Burger King.
5. Instant ramen noodles. I've had my share of those in the old college days. In fact just reading about them sort of makes me want some.
6. Movie theater popcorn. Yummy! You can't go to the movies without getting that popcorn. Fortunately, I don't get to go to the movies very often.
7. McDonald’s Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddle. Never tried that either. If I get breakfast at McD's I'll get the Egg McMuffin.
8. Super sized soft drinks. I don't drink soft drinks. But I will sometimes get a large sweet tea which is probably almost as bad.
So what would you add to that list? I was thinking of something, but I forgot it. If I remember I'll post it in the comments.
1. Deep fried Snickers or Mars bars. EW! I'm from the South and deep fried anything is usually pretty good, but what kind of freak deep fries a candybar?
2. Shelf stable “creamers”. Another ew. I'm not into 'fake' or 'simulated' foodstuff. Give me real milk or cream or nothing. Same for butter. I don't eat margarine or fake butter.
3. Pasteurized, processed cheese food. Well, I do let my kids eat that stuff because real cheese is sometimes an acquired taste.
4. Burger King Chicken Fries. Never tried them. I don't like Burger King.
5. Instant ramen noodles. I've had my share of those in the old college days. In fact just reading about them sort of makes me want some.
6. Movie theater popcorn. Yummy! You can't go to the movies without getting that popcorn. Fortunately, I don't get to go to the movies very often.
7. McDonald’s Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddle. Never tried that either. If I get breakfast at McD's I'll get the Egg McMuffin.
8. Super sized soft drinks. I don't drink soft drinks. But I will sometimes get a large sweet tea which is probably almost as bad.
So what would you add to that list? I was thinking of something, but I forgot it. If I remember I'll post it in the comments.
From the mailbag...
Viciousmomma,
What's with all this God crap lately? I came here to read about a Hoe.
Disappointed Reader
Disappointed Reader,
Go with the flow dude, go with the flow.
Viciousmomma aka Rae Ann
Dear Rae Ann,
Who do you think you are questioning Pat Robertson and I?
Joel Olsteen
Joel,
First off, it's "questioning Pat Robertson and me." And you two aren't the only ones who suffer the occasional delusions of grandeur. ;-)
Rae Ann
Rae Ann,
Is this job thing for real?
Possible Applicant
Possible Applicant,
It's as real as anything else in cyberspace. All applicants are welcome.
Rae Ann
Rae Ann,
Why aren't you replying to all comments?
Feeling Left Out
Feeling Left Out,
I'm so sorry. Blogger wasn't emailing the comments so I wasn't alerted that there were any. That, and I've been pretty busy and sick. Don't feel left out. I cherish every reader and commenter.
Rae Ann
Hey Hoe,
I think your blog is really lame. But if you joined in the Half-Nekkid Thursday thing it would be better.
Looking For Nudity
Looking For Nudity,
Lame or not it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. And although I have nothing against Half-Nekkid Thursday, my joining ain't gonna happen. I'm not clever enough to come up with smart stuff (like rainypete) and I'm not hot enough like kat.
Rae Ann
What's with all this God crap lately? I came here to read about a Hoe.
Disappointed Reader
Disappointed Reader,
Go with the flow dude, go with the flow.
Viciousmomma aka Rae Ann
Dear Rae Ann,
Who do you think you are questioning Pat Robertson and I?
Joel Olsteen
Joel,
First off, it's "questioning Pat Robertson and me." And you two aren't the only ones who suffer the occasional delusions of grandeur. ;-)
Rae Ann
Rae Ann,
Is this job thing for real?
Possible Applicant
Possible Applicant,
It's as real as anything else in cyberspace. All applicants are welcome.
Rae Ann
Rae Ann,
Why aren't you replying to all comments?
Feeling Left Out
Feeling Left Out,
I'm so sorry. Blogger wasn't emailing the comments so I wasn't alerted that there were any. That, and I've been pretty busy and sick. Don't feel left out. I cherish every reader and commenter.
Rae Ann
Hey Hoe,
I think your blog is really lame. But if you joined in the Half-Nekkid Thursday thing it would be better.
Looking For Nudity
Looking For Nudity,
Lame or not it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. And although I have nothing against Half-Nekkid Thursday, my joining ain't gonna happen. I'm not clever enough to come up with smart stuff (like rainypete) and I'm not hot enough like kat.
Rae Ann
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Today's Sermonette...
This will partly be delivered in the Old Country Baptist Style which means it will have lots of tangents and might totally go off its original track and never get back to it.
I just read a random blogger's profile. He identified himself as "Jewish, atheist." Okay, I don't mean this to offend anyone, but how can someone seriously call himself a Jewish atheist? Now, I know that 'Jewish' describes an ethnic group and not only a religion. But you have to admit that calling yourself a 'Jewish atheist' is an awful lot like calling yourself something like a Catholic witch. The two words just don't belong together. Now that I've offended several ethnic groups (as have many old country Baptist sermons I've heard in my life) I'll go on to my next idea.
Ray Nagin is at it again, but this time he's taking a page out of Pat Robertson's play book. He is aligning himself with such religious zealots as Robertson and Michael Markcavage of Repent America by saying that Katrina was God's Wrath. But he says that instead of God punishing the city for its corruption God is mad at all of America for invading Iraq. Oh, boy. He goes on to say that God is upset with black people for not taking care of themselves and that New Orleans will again be a 'chocolate' city.
Hmmm, how well would we tolerate the mayor of a predominantly white city saying that God wants that city to be majority white? Not too well I think. However, I don't think that Nagin's heart is completely in the wrong place. I think he ultimately would like for blacks to be more supportive of each other so that they would have strength in unity to help solve their conflicts within their communities. But I'm always trying to find the positive in things and I might just be wrong.
Sometimes when I'm flipping through the channels on TV I'll watch a little of the Christian stations if they are airing a church service. I like to hear what the sermons are about. I've noticed that most of them lately have been Old Testament based and often about God's Wrath. I'm kind of tired of that. I'd like to hear some good sermons on the New Testament, except for Revelations which gets thrown into these Old Testament sermons. What ever happened to the sermons of my Lutheran upbringing that took something that Jesus said or did and applied it to our modern life? Is that not sensational enough these days? Is that not enough to keep people's attention?
I'd like for Nagin, among others, to read this passage from the New Testament. I think it says much that needs to be heard...
So why do I think this is relevant? Well, I think it means that people must be very careful about proclaiming that they know what God is thinking or what God's intentions are. Discernment comes from the Spirit, not "human wisdom." I think Nagin, as well as everyone else (myself included), should keep this in mind when spouting off about what we think God wants or why something happens. Before they speak and say that they know the mind of God they should be sure that what they say really does come from the Spirit and not from their own ideas, prejudices, and conclusions.
And by saying all of this I'm in no way suggesting that I understand God better than anyone else. Far from it. I'm no Bible scholar. I can't even name the books of the Bible by memory. And honestly, the way I found the scripture above was by 'randomly' selecting a Book to read on http://bible.cc/. It was the first one that I clicked. Funny how that worked out. Odd coincidence or guidance from above? I don't know. Do I really need to know? Maybe not. But I am tempted to think that perhaps this is part of my 'calling' as a lowly hoe. The hoe is used to dig and loosen the soil so that the weeds and rocks and other chaff is easier to remove.
And another thing that comes to mind is the way that all these TV evangelists present themselves. There's an awful lot of vanity there in the guise of 'glorifying God.' But who am I to question whether $1000 suits and immaculate hair and makeup and multi-million dollar settings aren't what God wants from these people? But I have to admit that it bothers me. That and the way that they all seem to sell their books, offering all their 'God-given wisdom' at a price. I know that people have to support their families and that it is the American way to make a buck, but I have serious issues with people who sell the word of God, or at least their understanding of it. I really believe that if someone has been enlightened by God with some wonderful wisdom then they should be giving it away. I don't recall reading anywhere in the Bible that Jesus charged a fee for people to hear him speak. I'd like to ask someone like Joel Olsteen if it's really biblically based for him to profit from the word of God. Sure, God promises that he'll provide, but Jesus also said, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!" (WEB) Mark 10:23, Luke 18:24. And another, Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (WEB) Matthew 19:21. Even if a portion of Olsteen's profits go to charity it seems that might not be enough.
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
I just read a random blogger's profile. He identified himself as "Jewish, atheist." Okay, I don't mean this to offend anyone, but how can someone seriously call himself a Jewish atheist? Now, I know that 'Jewish' describes an ethnic group and not only a religion. But you have to admit that calling yourself a 'Jewish atheist' is an awful lot like calling yourself something like a Catholic witch. The two words just don't belong together. Now that I've offended several ethnic groups (as have many old country Baptist sermons I've heard in my life) I'll go on to my next idea.
Ray Nagin is at it again, but this time he's taking a page out of Pat Robertson's play book. He is aligning himself with such religious zealots as Robertson and Michael Markcavage of Repent America by saying that Katrina was God's Wrath. But he says that instead of God punishing the city for its corruption God is mad at all of America for invading Iraq. Oh, boy. He goes on to say that God is upset with black people for not taking care of themselves and that New Orleans will again be a 'chocolate' city.
"It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans- the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," the mayor said. "This city will be a majority African American city. It's the way God wants it to be. You can't have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn't be New Orleans."
Hmmm, how well would we tolerate the mayor of a predominantly white city saying that God wants that city to be majority white? Not too well I think. However, I don't think that Nagin's heart is completely in the wrong place. I think he ultimately would like for blacks to be more supportive of each other so that they would have strength in unity to help solve their conflicts within their communities. But I'm always trying to find the positive in things and I might just be wrong.
Sometimes when I'm flipping through the channels on TV I'll watch a little of the Christian stations if they are airing a church service. I like to hear what the sermons are about. I've noticed that most of them lately have been Old Testament based and often about God's Wrath. I'm kind of tired of that. I'd like to hear some good sermons on the New Testament, except for Revelations which gets thrown into these Old Testament sermons. What ever happened to the sermons of my Lutheran upbringing that took something that Jesus said or did and applied it to our modern life? Is that not sensational enough these days? Is that not enough to keep people's attention?
I'd like for Nagin, among others, to read this passage from the New Testament. I think it says much that needs to be heard...
1 Corinthians 2 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"—
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
So why do I think this is relevant? Well, I think it means that people must be very careful about proclaiming that they know what God is thinking or what God's intentions are. Discernment comes from the Spirit, not "human wisdom." I think Nagin, as well as everyone else (myself included), should keep this in mind when spouting off about what we think God wants or why something happens. Before they speak and say that they know the mind of God they should be sure that what they say really does come from the Spirit and not from their own ideas, prejudices, and conclusions.
And by saying all of this I'm in no way suggesting that I understand God better than anyone else. Far from it. I'm no Bible scholar. I can't even name the books of the Bible by memory. And honestly, the way I found the scripture above was by 'randomly' selecting a Book to read on http://bible.cc/. It was the first one that I clicked. Funny how that worked out. Odd coincidence or guidance from above? I don't know. Do I really need to know? Maybe not. But I am tempted to think that perhaps this is part of my 'calling' as a lowly hoe. The hoe is used to dig and loosen the soil so that the weeds and rocks and other chaff is easier to remove.
And another thing that comes to mind is the way that all these TV evangelists present themselves. There's an awful lot of vanity there in the guise of 'glorifying God.' But who am I to question whether $1000 suits and immaculate hair and makeup and multi-million dollar settings aren't what God wants from these people? But I have to admit that it bothers me. That and the way that they all seem to sell their books, offering all their 'God-given wisdom' at a price. I know that people have to support their families and that it is the American way to make a buck, but I have serious issues with people who sell the word of God, or at least their understanding of it. I really believe that if someone has been enlightened by God with some wonderful wisdom then they should be giving it away. I don't recall reading anywhere in the Bible that Jesus charged a fee for people to hear him speak. I'd like to ask someone like Joel Olsteen if it's really biblically based for him to profit from the word of God. Sure, God promises that he'll provide, but Jesus also said, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!" (WEB) Mark 10:23, Luke 18:24. And another, Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (WEB) Matthew 19:21. Even if a portion of Olsteen's profits go to charity it seems that might not be enough.
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Application Question #1
Anyone can answer even if you aren't applying to be my boss.
This is a multi-part question:
1. What is your favorite James Bond movie and why?
2. Which Bond do you prefer- Connery, Moore, What's-His-Name, or Bronsnan? Or that one guy who did only one Bond movie? And why?
3. If you were James Bond describe your current femme fatale. What is her name? What is her appeal? What is her danger? What is her demise? (Feel free to be as descriptive as you need to be. I like details.)
4. Which Bond Movie Theme is your favorite? And why?
5. And finally, which Bond movie do you think is the absolute worst one? And why?
(Apologies if we have already discussed any of these subjects here in the past. I'm getting old and my memory isn't what it used to be.)
This is a multi-part question:
1. What is your favorite James Bond movie and why?
2. Which Bond do you prefer- Connery, Moore, What's-His-Name, or Bronsnan? Or that one guy who did only one Bond movie? And why?
3. If you were James Bond describe your current femme fatale. What is her name? What is her appeal? What is her danger? What is her demise? (Feel free to be as descriptive as you need to be. I like details.)
4. Which Bond Movie Theme is your favorite? And why?
5. And finally, which Bond movie do you think is the absolute worst one? And why?
(Apologies if we have already discussed any of these subjects here in the past. I'm getting old and my memory isn't what it used to be.)
Political Correctness Out of Control
David just called a while ago to tell me about something he heard on the radio. He listens to NewsTalk while he's driving between jobs and keeps me informed of interesting tidbits he hears on there. Today they were talking about how the term Redneck is no longer politically correct. I asked him what is the new politically correct term. He said that we are now to be called and to call ourselves Appalachian Americans. LOL Doesn't that sound fancy? But we think that's just ridiculous. I'm not offended by the term Redneck, or even Hillbilly for that matter. I'm proud of my heritage. I can trace my lineage all the way back to pre-Revolution. And that means the American Revolution, you know, back in 1776 when we declared our Independence from England. I'm an All-American Girl and proud of it. (I'm not implying that you have to be able to trace your history back that far to be 'All-American'. A naturalized citizen is All-American too in my view.)
And we also think that many people around here will be offended by this new term because they will think that people are making fun of them. Rednecks are pretty simple people, and by 'simple' I don't mean dumb. We think of ourselves primarily as Americans, just plain Americans. We don't feel the need to attach some distinguishing adjective to our American-ness. And I think we'll continue to call ourselves Rednecks or Hillbillies just like many black people (African Americans if you must, though most all of them weren't actually born in Africa) still use the "n" word with each other. I don't like the "n" word and don't use it, but who am I to tell black people that they can't use it? I hope that 'Redneck' won't go the way of the "n" word and become totally controversial.
When I call myself a Redneck I am saying that I come from a rural background, as opposed to an urban one. I grew up watching the Beverly Hillbillies and laughing at it because it struck a nerve of truth. Certainly, it was exaggerated to the hilarious extreme, but there was an element of reality to their simple view of life and their ingenuity in functioning in 'high society.' Granny actually reminded me a little of one of my grandmothers, though we never, ever ate 'possum. It's funny to note here though, that in Tennessee a few years ago the State Legislature passed a law (TCA Section 70-4-115) that allows people to pick up roadkill for their personal use and consumption. This has been the butt of many jokes, but for the practical Redneck it makes perfect sense to be able to take a dead deer off the road and use it instead of letting it stay there and waste. I've never picked up roadkill myself and don't plan to, but I can't say that I would never do it.
I suppose I'm treading on delicate territory here, but I'm not one to avoid touchy subjects. From my viewpoint it looks like there is a kind of Redneck Renaissance trying to assert itself by taking more pride in our rural heritage and expressing our comfort with that. We aren't ashamed of our Redneckness as some in our parents' generation might have been. They seemed to want to forget their origins and move away from their roots. My own mother was pretty uncomfortable with her rural background. She saw it as a weakness of some sort. I think she'd be a little horrified at my own claim of being a Redneck.
What we have begun to accept now is that there are many varieties of Rednecks. There are the trailer park Rednecks. And there are the farming Rednecks. And there are the more sophisticated Rednecks. And there are the highly educated Rednecks. And there are even Nouveaux Rednecks (previously more urban or suburban people who move out to the country) kind of like the Nouveaux Riches. There are good Rednecks, and there are bad Rednecks, just like any other group.
For a great article about Redneck heritage read this archived story from Parade Magazine. And WBIRTV has The Heartland Series that celebrates our heritage and spotlights local artisans, traditions, etc. It is a wonderful, award-winning series that has been produced for 20 years.
And we also think that many people around here will be offended by this new term because they will think that people are making fun of them. Rednecks are pretty simple people, and by 'simple' I don't mean dumb. We think of ourselves primarily as Americans, just plain Americans. We don't feel the need to attach some distinguishing adjective to our American-ness. And I think we'll continue to call ourselves Rednecks or Hillbillies just like many black people (African Americans if you must, though most all of them weren't actually born in Africa) still use the "n" word with each other. I don't like the "n" word and don't use it, but who am I to tell black people that they can't use it? I hope that 'Redneck' won't go the way of the "n" word and become totally controversial.
When I call myself a Redneck I am saying that I come from a rural background, as opposed to an urban one. I grew up watching the Beverly Hillbillies and laughing at it because it struck a nerve of truth. Certainly, it was exaggerated to the hilarious extreme, but there was an element of reality to their simple view of life and their ingenuity in functioning in 'high society.' Granny actually reminded me a little of one of my grandmothers, though we never, ever ate 'possum. It's funny to note here though, that in Tennessee a few years ago the State Legislature passed a law (TCA Section 70-4-115) that allows people to pick up roadkill for their personal use and consumption. This has been the butt of many jokes, but for the practical Redneck it makes perfect sense to be able to take a dead deer off the road and use it instead of letting it stay there and waste. I've never picked up roadkill myself and don't plan to, but I can't say that I would never do it.
I suppose I'm treading on delicate territory here, but I'm not one to avoid touchy subjects. From my viewpoint it looks like there is a kind of Redneck Renaissance trying to assert itself by taking more pride in our rural heritage and expressing our comfort with that. We aren't ashamed of our Redneckness as some in our parents' generation might have been. They seemed to want to forget their origins and move away from their roots. My own mother was pretty uncomfortable with her rural background. She saw it as a weakness of some sort. I think she'd be a little horrified at my own claim of being a Redneck.
What we have begun to accept now is that there are many varieties of Rednecks. There are the trailer park Rednecks. And there are the farming Rednecks. And there are the more sophisticated Rednecks. And there are the highly educated Rednecks. And there are even Nouveaux Rednecks (previously more urban or suburban people who move out to the country) kind of like the Nouveaux Riches. There are good Rednecks, and there are bad Rednecks, just like any other group.
For a great article about Redneck heritage read this archived story from Parade Magazine. And WBIRTV has The Heartland Series that celebrates our heritage and spotlights local artisans, traditions, etc. It is a wonderful, award-winning series that has been produced for 20 years.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Position Available
Well, since my search for a Personal/Administrative Assistant has turned up empty (because the candidate offered the job didn't take it), I've decided to change it to a different position. Everyone is encouraged to apply. So what is this job anyway?
Be My Boss!
See, David is actually my 'boss', but as you can imagine having that employee/boss relationship with your spouse can be tricky sometimes. And to be honest, I'm not that good of an employee which makes his job harder than it should be. So I think it might be good if I had someone else that I have to be accountable to in regards to my work.
Here's a brief job description:
As my boss your responsibilities would be to make sure that I'm getting my work done in a timely fashion. Accuracy isn't usually a problem for me so you wouldn't have to go over the completed work to check for that. If it's done then it's generally done right. It's just getting it started that's the problem. Maybe I better title for this position could be 'coach', and that's up to negotiation.
The qualifications and benefits will remain much the same as for the previous job.
Please leave any questions here and I'll answer them as best I can. Leave a comment indicating whether or not you're interested in applying. The same applicants for the other position may apply for this one (including the one who was offered the previous position). You may also leave comments with suggestions for 'sweetening the pot' (making the positition more attractive to potential applicants). I will take all comments into consideration.
The interviews will commence as soon as there are candidates.
Be My Boss!
See, David is actually my 'boss', but as you can imagine having that employee/boss relationship with your spouse can be tricky sometimes. And to be honest, I'm not that good of an employee which makes his job harder than it should be. So I think it might be good if I had someone else that I have to be accountable to in regards to my work.
Here's a brief job description:
As my boss your responsibilities would be to make sure that I'm getting my work done in a timely fashion. Accuracy isn't usually a problem for me so you wouldn't have to go over the completed work to check for that. If it's done then it's generally done right. It's just getting it started that's the problem. Maybe I better title for this position could be 'coach', and that's up to negotiation.
The qualifications and benefits will remain much the same as for the previous job.
Please leave any questions here and I'll answer them as best I can. Leave a comment indicating whether or not you're interested in applying. The same applicants for the other position may apply for this one (including the one who was offered the previous position). You may also leave comments with suggestions for 'sweetening the pot' (making the positition more attractive to potential applicants). I will take all comments into consideration.
The interviews will commence as soon as there are candidates.
Things that keep me from blogging...
1. Daily Confession. I have to read all the daily confessions and talk back to them if I feel so inclined.
2. Kids and school stuff.
3. Housework.
4. Busted scanner and no way to connect digital camera to computer.
5. Centipede.
6. Office work and responsibilities. (this one is low on the list because I'm such a slacker)
7. Slowness in reading and writing.
8. Lack of inspiration for good posts.
I'm sorry to all the bloggers that I usually read. I'm having trouble getting my shit together these days. Don't give up on me!
2. Kids and school stuff.
3. Housework.
4. Busted scanner and no way to connect digital camera to computer.
5. Centipede.
6. Office work and responsibilities. (this one is low on the list because I'm such a slacker)
7. Slowness in reading and writing.
8. Lack of inspiration for good posts.
I'm sorry to all the bloggers that I usually read. I'm having trouble getting my shit together these days. Don't give up on me!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Stream of (Un)Consciousness
It's been a while since I've allowed myself to sit here and let my thoughts flow. I've been so busy lately with things that have kept me away from the computer. This is a good thing in some ways, but I don't like not having enough time for blogging. Was that a double negative? Whatever. Just a bump in the road. Sentence fragments. Yeah, well...
I think Alito is hot. I like him. He's easier for me to look at and listen to than Roberts was. I couldn't get into watching the Roberts confirmation stuff. He looked too plastic or something. But even though Alito is rather 'common' looking I find myself attracted to something about him. Hmmm, if he gets on the Supreme Court there's another reason for me to want that gig too. LOL
Seriously though, this morning in the kitchen I heard on Fox that there was a survey about the Supreme Court that asked people to name 8 of the current Justices. The results were 0% statistically. So I tried to name them, and the kids asked what I was talking about. I could only think of 5 (remember this is less than an hour from waking up) and explained what it was. Then my almost 10 year old asked me if the Supreme Court ruled a certain way, even if it seemed against the law, was it still considered true? I said, well, yeah pretty much because the Supreme Court generally has the last word. I told them that I wanted to be on the Supreme Court.
"But Momma I thought you wanted to be a cop."
WHAT? "No, I never said I wanted to be a cop. But I did say that I wished I could give people tickets for driving bad."
"Then why do you want to be on the Supreme Court?"
What is this, a confirmation hearing? "Uh, because they have the last word." LOL
I think Alito is hot. I like him. He's easier for me to look at and listen to than Roberts was. I couldn't get into watching the Roberts confirmation stuff. He looked too plastic or something. But even though Alito is rather 'common' looking I find myself attracted to something about him. Hmmm, if he gets on the Supreme Court there's another reason for me to want that gig too. LOL
Seriously though, this morning in the kitchen I heard on Fox that there was a survey about the Supreme Court that asked people to name 8 of the current Justices. The results were 0% statistically. So I tried to name them, and the kids asked what I was talking about. I could only think of 5 (remember this is less than an hour from waking up) and explained what it was. Then my almost 10 year old asked me if the Supreme Court ruled a certain way, even if it seemed against the law, was it still considered true? I said, well, yeah pretty much because the Supreme Court generally has the last word. I told them that I wanted to be on the Supreme Court.
"But Momma I thought you wanted to be a cop."
WHAT? "No, I never said I wanted to be a cop. But I did say that I wished I could give people tickets for driving bad."
"Then why do you want to be on the Supreme Court?"
What is this, a confirmation hearing? "Uh, because they have the last word." LOL
Monday, January 09, 2006
More About "Daniel"
I just can't leave well enough alone. But I just want to do a follow-up on the Book of Daniel TV show. I watched it and enjoyed it. It just showed that the clergy is just like any other profession... there are dysfunctional families in all professions. The issues and problems with the church officials was dead on... we all know that the church isn't free of political issues of power and corruption. The example that particularly struck me was when the bishop said something to the effect of, "Now, Daniel, don't go quoting the Bible to me. I've got a doctorate in theology from Yale(?)..." It illustrated that organized churches are just as susceptible to corruption and other human frailties as any other organization. There are shows about crooked cops, lawyers, and doctors. Why not church officials? No, maybe many people don't want to see that or hear about it, but ignoring it or hiding it away doesn't mean that it's not there. I think it's a good thing to expose that the church has problems. And if they can't laugh at themselves then they have even bigger problems.
And the Jesus character was the Jesus that the priest has his own personal relationship with. Isn't that what we all are supposed to have? Who am I to judge another's relationship with Jesus? Who am I to say that Jesus doesn't visit with someone else and offer a quiet kind of moral support that encourages that person to choose the right way of handling a situation (whether the person makes that right choice or not)? And who am I to say that Jesus can't see the humor in our human condition? You know, I'm the last person in the world to describe myself as a 'good' Christian, but I like to think that I have my own personal relationship with the Divine. I'd love for Jesus to visit with me the way that he visits with Daniel in the show. He is full of love and forgiveness. That's the Jesus I know.
Anyway, I do plan to continue watching the show when I have time. If it ever gets to a point of being offensive or overly silly for me then I'll quit watching. But for people to call for stations to not air it and deny other's the right of choice, well, to me that's just wrong. For some reason the word pharisaical comes to mind.
However, I did notice that most of the commercials that ran here during the show were of the .org variety, meaning non-profit and more public service announcements. There were also lots of spots previewing other NBC programs. I'm sure the local station here lost a lot of advertising revenue during that time which makes their decision to air the show that much more brave and admirable. But in this case thank God for Freedom of Speech!
And the Jesus character was the Jesus that the priest has his own personal relationship with. Isn't that what we all are supposed to have? Who am I to judge another's relationship with Jesus? Who am I to say that Jesus doesn't visit with someone else and offer a quiet kind of moral support that encourages that person to choose the right way of handling a situation (whether the person makes that right choice or not)? And who am I to say that Jesus can't see the humor in our human condition? You know, I'm the last person in the world to describe myself as a 'good' Christian, but I like to think that I have my own personal relationship with the Divine. I'd love for Jesus to visit with me the way that he visits with Daniel in the show. He is full of love and forgiveness. That's the Jesus I know.
Anyway, I do plan to continue watching the show when I have time. If it ever gets to a point of being offensive or overly silly for me then I'll quit watching. But for people to call for stations to not air it and deny other's the right of choice, well, to me that's just wrong. For some reason the word pharisaical comes to mind.
However, I did notice that most of the commercials that ran here during the show were of the .org variety, meaning non-profit and more public service announcements. There were also lots of spots previewing other NBC programs. I'm sure the local station here lost a lot of advertising revenue during that time which makes their decision to air the show that much more brave and admirable. But in this case thank God for Freedom of Speech!
Friday, January 06, 2006
False Prophets
Revelation 16:13
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. (KJV)
Well, sure, everyone else has mentioned it so I might as well too. Pat Robertson has declared that God punished Sharon by stroke. Much the same as when he said that the attack of 9-11 was God's punishment, and didn't he say that about New Orleans too? Honestly, I haven't paid too much attention to what he says on a daily basis so I don't know if he makes these kinds of statements all the time or if he only does it about major events. If Sharon miraculously recovers from all of this then Robertson will probably declare him the Antichrist (since he's so intent on defining these as the "End Days").
Revelation 13:3
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. (KJV)
Okay, I am NOT saying that Sharon is the beast. I'm just imagining what might be going on in a crazy man's head, the crazy man being Pat Robertson. And in case it's not clearly indicated, if you click the title it will take you to a brief description of false prophets.
And Another Thing...
There is a new NBC show that airs tonight that is causing an uproar. The Book of Daniel has been criticized by conservative religious groups who are asking their local NBC affiliates to not air the show. Our local NBC station announced yesterday that they would air the show. You can read their statement by clicking the previous sentence, but I am including it here also:
WBIR-TV's statement on NBC program, "The Book of Daniel"
A statement from WBIR-TV General Manager, Jeff Lee
I completely agree with their decision. It really irks me that some of the same people who bitch and moan about Christ being taken out of Christmas are the same ones who attack the freedom of speech and expression of a show like this. Sorry, but they are being hypocrites. And that hypocrisy is one of the things that hampers their cause. It makes them look really dumb and selfish in wanting to censor this show. I'm not talking about all Christians here, just the ones who get all worked up over a TV show. This show is NOT an attack on Christianity. It's a fictional story of a priest's challenges and how his faith works, or doesn't work, in helping him. I will be better able to decide if it ridicules religion after I've watched. But I suspect that it does not ridicule religion as much as it is a story of human failures and challenges and triumphs.
And I do plan to watch the show because I enjoy TV shows and movies with religious themes, even if they aren't exactly theologically or biblically 'correct'. I loved the show Joan of Arcadia and hated to see it cancelled.
To echo the sentiments of Jeff Lee, if you don't like it don't watch it. But please, don't try to take away the choices of those who might want to watch it.
WBIR-TV's statement on NBC program, "The Book of Daniel"
A statement from WBIR-TV General Manager, Jeff Lee
Thank you for your expression of concern and interest in the program, "The Book of Daniel." We have heard from many of you.
We at WBIR find ourselves in a no-win situation. Regardless of our decision, some of our viewers will be upset. We don't like upsetting even one viewer.
"The Book of Daniel" is a TV program: that's all.
We think you should make up your own mind as to whether or not to watch any TV program.
We know that you have many choices of what you can watch, and that decision should be yours alone. You know best what's right for your household.
We are not debating whether "The Book of Daniel" is a good or bad program; that is for you to decide.
WBIR will air "The Book of Daniel." We will air warnings that the program is not for everyone.
The decision to watch it or not to watch it is entirely yours.
Thank you for listening, and we hope you understand WBIR's decision.
I completely agree with their decision. It really irks me that some of the same people who bitch and moan about Christ being taken out of Christmas are the same ones who attack the freedom of speech and expression of a show like this. Sorry, but they are being hypocrites. And that hypocrisy is one of the things that hampers their cause. It makes them look really dumb and selfish in wanting to censor this show. I'm not talking about all Christians here, just the ones who get all worked up over a TV show. This show is NOT an attack on Christianity. It's a fictional story of a priest's challenges and how his faith works, or doesn't work, in helping him. I will be better able to decide if it ridicules religion after I've watched. But I suspect that it does not ridicule religion as much as it is a story of human failures and challenges and triumphs.
And I do plan to watch the show because I enjoy TV shows and movies with religious themes, even if they aren't exactly theologically or biblically 'correct'. I loved the show Joan of Arcadia and hated to see it cancelled.
To echo the sentiments of Jeff Lee, if you don't like it don't watch it. But please, don't try to take away the choices of those who might want to watch it.
One down, one to go...
Okay, technical difficulty 1 has been repaired. My cable modem was messed up all day yesterday, and the repairman fixed it this morning.
Centipede attack is ongoing, but I have managed to contain all the creepy crawlies in one large box....
No, that isn't a picture of my particular large box, but it does look exactly like it. Santa brought me this nifty thing that not only contains all those bugs but also allows me to shoot them. When I was a kid in the 1980s I used to have to put many quarters into similar boxes to practice shooting bugs, but now I can do it anytime I want! And no need to feed it quarters! Ah, what a great trip down memory lane. And I wonder if this counts as aerobic exercise because it sure does increase my heart rate.
I'll post pictures of my box and all my high scores as soon as I get a new cord for my digital camera. The puppies chewed up the other cord. Not that my scores are anything to brag about though. So far I'm up to a little over 37,000. But that's a far cry from the all time record high score, 7,111,111. That score was reached by some guy who has the time to play 8 hours at a time. Yeah, I've been scarce in the blogosphere lately, but I assure you that I've not been playing Centipede for very long stretches. I don't have that luxury, or the stamina. lol
Centipede attack is ongoing, but I have managed to contain all the creepy crawlies in one large box....
No, that isn't a picture of my particular large box, but it does look exactly like it. Santa brought me this nifty thing that not only contains all those bugs but also allows me to shoot them. When I was a kid in the 1980s I used to have to put many quarters into similar boxes to practice shooting bugs, but now I can do it anytime I want! And no need to feed it quarters! Ah, what a great trip down memory lane. And I wonder if this counts as aerobic exercise because it sure does increase my heart rate.
I'll post pictures of my box and all my high scores as soon as I get a new cord for my digital camera. The puppies chewed up the other cord. Not that my scores are anything to brag about though. So far I'm up to a little over 37,000. But that's a far cry from the all time record high score, 7,111,111. That score was reached by some guy who has the time to play 8 hours at a time. Yeah, I've been scarce in the blogosphere lately, but I assure you that I've not been playing Centipede for very long stretches. I don't have that luxury, or the stamina. lol
Please Stand By...
Experiencing technical difficulties...
Also under attack...
Giant centipedes, spiders, fleas, scorpions.... trying to contain them in one box... nasty little buggers...
Please stand by....
Also under attack...
Giant centipedes, spiders, fleas, scorpions.... trying to contain them in one box... nasty little buggers...
Please stand by....
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