The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

Everyone needs a helping hand or paw, so lend one you've got four ;)

Mt. Hermon

As of tomorrow morning I am off to Mount Hermon California for their annual Christian Writer's conference. Blogs might be sporatic over the next few days.

I just ask for pray and the inspration of God through this challenging and excieting experience. In no time you might see my name on the bookstore shelves :)

Blessings

Wordless Wednesday

An Encouraging Tale

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole her ease. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss.

As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose annual holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come.

What's worse, Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered aloud. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?

"Good afternoon, can I help you?" The shop clerk's approach startled her.

"I...I need an arrangement, "stammered Sandra.

"For Thanksgiving?" "Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving Special?" asked the shop clerk. "I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"

"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, every-thing that could go wrong has gone wrong." Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

Then the door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, "Hi Barbara...let me get your order." She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows and long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped--there were no flowers. "Want this in a box?" asked the clerk.

Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers?! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

"Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said as she gently tapped her chest.

"Uhh," stammered Sandra, "that lady just left with, uhh... she just left with no flowers!"

"Right. I cut off the flowers. That's the Special... I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."

"Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that?" exclaimed Sandra.

"Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling very much like you feel today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery."

"That same year I had lost my husband, "continued the clerk," and for the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra. "I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for good things in life and never thought to ask Him why those good things happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."

Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?"

"No...I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from "thorny" times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks to Him for what that problem taught us."

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"

"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too... fresh."

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.

"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?" asked Sandra. "Nothing." said the clerk. "Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you'd like to read it first."

It read: "Dear God, I have never thanked you for my thorns. I have thanked you a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to you along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of your rainbow look much more brilliant."

-- Author Unknown

Praise Him for your roses; thank him for your thorns!

Clean HUMOR- The Pastor's Ass

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.

The local paper read: PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT

The Bishop was so up set with this kind of publicity that he ordered the pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.

The next day, the local paper headline read: BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey. The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.

The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day: NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.

The bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, so she sold it to a farmer for $10.

The next day the paper read: NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.

The next day the headlines read: NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE

The bishop was buried the next day.

The moral of the story is....being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery...and even shorten your life. So be yourself and enjoy life... Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer

The Greatness of God: in Creation

Notes on a sermon by Greg Matte 8-13-06

If creation is removed accountability is removed. (Romans 1:20-30)
-as long as God is creator and we are the created we are accountable to God, so if creation is removed Man is in control and accountable to no one because of our “human” standards.
- Creator removed, Deceiver Received
Ex) Advocated for the environment and saving the earth are often the greatest advocates for abortion.

The greatness of God has no equal in the universe OR our lives (Proverbs 21:1)
-N.A.S.A. estimates 10 to the 12th number of stars in the sky and God places each and knows their names.

We respond to the greatness of God is creation with awe and comfort

God is not too great to care; He is too great to fail (Isaiah 40:27-31)
-reputation is built in a moment steaming from character which is built in a lifetime of action and words
-true greatness is not being aloof, but being connected. (Check out the awesome definition for greatness in Webster’s dictionary) WOW!

God never grows tired and He understand the depths
-Kinds of Tired:
*Physical
*Fed up with (anger)
* Tired in the journey (discouragement)

Lack of deep understanding is the root of our weariness
-God never tires because he always understands
-We need to surrender the end of the story

God is Generous and reviving
-The past is safe cause we know we made it threw

God is Trustworthy
-due to the hope that comes to renew us to soar with God, run beside him and be strong in our walk.

God bless parents who drugged us!

AN EMAIL FORWARD I RECIEVED

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''

I replied: I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddingsand funerals.

I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill ofthe teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort ineverything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cocklebursout of dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help outsome poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, orchop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior ineverything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, orheroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, North America would be a better place.

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

-The nose knows: Dogs can smell a good person a mile away. Use your own instincts and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to choose those your rely on, confide in, and draw close to your heart.

NOVEL EXCERPT-Heart of Nicaea

The sweet taste of Minerva’s lips still lingered. Constantine pressed his horse faster. He shook away the tears rising in his chest and looked ahead; the long road to Bononia and his father. Constantine had not seen his father since his parent’s divorce, when he was sent to Nicomedia. The very place he was running from.

When the blue shades of dusk turned to the blackness of night Constantine slowed his mount. He held his right arm close to his chest with the linen bandages showed his crimson wounds. The pain blurred his thoughts and exhaustion crept over his eyes. He needed to change horses at the first post before resting. He tapped the ribs of his mount to move faster. Come morning Galerius’ would seek to capture him again. Urgency filled his mind. He couldn’t return to the courts of Nicomedia. His skills had caused jealousy and rumors to flood the courts, which landed him in the sandy pits of Galerius’ courtyard. He fought day and night for his life even though he was the son of an Augustus.

His head dipped as exhaustion once again attempted to slow his progress. The firelight of the first post wasn’t even in view. Why does sleep wish to claim me? Please Jupiter give me safety. Constantine prayed as his body fell to the ground in sleep.

“Hosius please slow our pace,” a woman’s voice pleaded in the torch light of a caravan.

“We must press on Minerva.”

“My son and I can not handle much more of this wagon,” Minerva said holding tight to her nine year old’s aching body.

“Let him ride with me,” a raspy voice whispered in the dark.

“No, Ralius.”

“He can ride with me for a while then,” Hosius offered slowing his mount along side the luscious wagon. Minerva gave her lover’s good friend a calculating gaze. There was something about Hosius that she didn’t trust any more. Mainly it was the presence of Ralius, a stranger to her, but one that had a firm hand on Hosius’ mind.

“When is the first rest post?” Minerva held her son closer at the offer of Hosius’ hand.

“Not for many miles.”

“Why didn’t we travel with Constantine?” She asked trying to shake the worry that surrounded her heart.

“He needed to escape quickly to his father. Galerius will be seeking him by morning light.”

“You are sure of this?”

“Minerva, you know how Galerius sought Constantine’s death. This is his chance to be free of the Augustus’ dangerous fancies.”

“But we’ve not been apart since his son’s birth.” Tears rose in her eyes as she looked at Crispus. Thick brown hair surrounded his head, and the traits of his father’s dimpled chin and chiseled face made her ache for Constantine even more.

“Drepanum will be a good place for the both of you. Constantine’s mother has asked Lactantius to tutor Crispus until you can join him in Gaul. He is a great mind.” Minerva sighed and stroked Crispus’ hair. She could feel both Hosius and Ralius watching her, but the only man’s eyes she wanted to see were Constantine’s.

“Lactantius will be a good man for you too, Hosius,” Ralius said once he and Hosius had pulled their horses away from Minerva’s wagon.

“How do you mean?”

“You will rise to bishop with his support. My master has great things for you in such a position.”

“My faith abounds with you near.”

“Every servant of my master will know a prosperous life.” A grin slithered across Ralius’ face as Hosius held claim to his words.

It was not long after midnight when the fires of the rest post came into view. Minerva held tight to Crispus resting in one cot, as the servants of Constantine’s house ate heartedly before succumbing to sleep.

“I will take first watch, Hosius.” Ralius stood away from the light watching everyone find their place.

“You must sleep, my friend.”

“My master does not require us to sleep.”

“I suppose the agents of God do not need rest.”

“I suppose not,” Ralius whispered.

Hosius sighed once inside the tents. They had done it. Years of planning finally allowed dear Constantine to be free of the whims of Galerius. A smile stretched across Hosius’ face at his success. He was responsible for Minerva being halfway to Drepanum, and tomorrow Constantine’s mother would be thanking him for her family’s safe travel. But as he sat on his cot his heart felt hollow. There not ten feet away was a beautiful woman, and a regal son. Why Constantine had never married Minerva confused him greatly. Tinges of jealousy rose in his chest. He wanted a family like Constantine’s; a loving woman, a gracious son, a powerful father and a religious mother. All things he had lacked. But God had called him to His service. Hardly a substitute, he mumbled with his head sinking into a lush pillow.

An unseasonable chill hung in the night, and come morning a fog seemed to hinder each breath.

“Momma, where are we going?” Minerva sighed trying to be rid of her anxious heart.

“We are going to stay with your grandmother,” Minerva said joining Crispus in the wagon.

“Why?”

“Because our old home is not safe for us any more.”

“Where is father to protect us?”

“He needed to run far away, but he did write a letter for you.” Minerva turned to her bundle and pulled out a scroll. Minerva’s fingers traced over her lover’s seal knowing the devotion placed in each word to her son. Crispus pulled the scroll from her hand longing to be near his father. She watched him read over each word several times before turning to her with a smile.

“He will send for us when it is safe,” Crispus said with a childish smile.

“Till then you will need to study hard to help him and your grandfather rule the northern countries.”

“Yes, that is true.” Crispus was encouraged by his father’s words. Minerva wished to see what Constantine had written, but she knew the pride of men was not for her eyes.

“Morning,” Ralius said riding next to the wagon just inches from Crispus. Minerva’s skin cringed at the ominous look she received from Ralius.

“Good morning,” Crispus greeted unaware of the racing of his mother’s heart.

“Would you care to ride a war horse, son?” Minerva’s voice caught in her throat at the question.

“Yes, please.” In one swoop Ralius pulled Crispus from the wagon into the saddle of his massive horse.

“Please…” Minerva started to dispute but Ralius had spurred his horse away from her.

“You shouldn’t worry about Ralius as you do,” Hosius said riding along side the wagon.

“Why do you give him so much trust?” Minerva’s eyes tried to keep track of her son in the early morning mist.

“He is an agent of my faith, Minerva. There is nothing to fear from him.”

“There is something about him that has me holding firm to my fear, Hosius.”

“He is with us as a manifestation of God’s protection.”

“If that is so I don’t know that I want your God’s help.” A chill ran down Minerva’s spine at the thought of Ralius as an agent of Hosius’ god.

Wordless Wednesday

Where have the Classics gone??

Over the past few Christmas’ I have been asking for a few literary classics. Like Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein, The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, Les Miserable’s, and others to add to my mini library.

I recently started The Three Musketeers, and then a thought crossed my mind. Will any of the novels of our age become ‘classics’? Can the novels of today be classics, since reading have become more of a chore than an enjoyable past-time?

The classics that are force feed to teens are books that pushed the envelope of literature. Taking the people of the day to new places, and new ways of thinking through their characters. They were creative and fresh, belonging to no genre. What books of today can say the same?
You might be able to list a few that you feel strongly about, but will they stand the test of time to become a ‘classic’, read in the classrooms? Has the book market been flooded with people on soap boxes, where we are unable to find the books to define our age?

Have movies, which require no imagination of the audience, diminished out ability to think and grow freely. Movies and TV shows have become our classics, and the written word has lost its power. Have you noticed that in the classroom, more teacher resort to movies than encouraging their students to read and develop thoughts and ideas of their own?

Our own laziness is drowning us. Our culture, our heath, our intelligence, our willingness to learn and challenge ourselves is lost by the way-side.

Can the human race survive this trend and the loss of books that challenge our hearts and minds. Are there books out there that force us to look outside of ourselves and take us to new places of the heart.

I sure hope so, and encourage you to take a trip into the pages of a classic and see what the technology age may be stealing away from us.

10 DAYS LEFT!!!!!!

I can’t believe it…only ten days before I’m off to Mount Hermon California!

My stint of unemployment couldn’t have come at a better time. A time to relax, a time to prepare, and a time to pray. It’s funny how God works everything out for good. Now I just have to remember that when I want to stay under my covers on a bad day.

It has been amazing to watch God prepare my heart and my words as I get ready to step out in the writing world. I know He has great things planned for this conference, even if I don’t come away with a book contract. ;)

But that is the goal. That will be my passion and my heart as my excitement and anxiety start to take over this calm demeanor I’ve developed over that last few weeks, which is VERY un-Valerie like.

I ask for continued prayers as they days rush by, and all the people going to Hermon get amped up. IT’S ALMOST HERE……

Is it time to pack my bag YET!!????!?!?!???!???!?!???

Launching Pad or Parking Lot?

Which would you say represents your walk with Christ? The sit and wait of a parking lot, or the passion and excitement of the launch pad?

Have you ever had an interview or a meeting to go to where you found yourself scared to get out of your car? So you sit there in you car waiting for the chance to get out of why you’re there. The rapture is about to happen or maybe they’ll call and cancel at the last minute, so you won’t have to get out of your car.

Probably something we can all relate to, but does it represent your faith too? Does fear rule your faith and hinder the passion and blessings God has for you?

Christianity can be a scary thing. The expectation of being perfect, and that every unbeliever is watching you. It’s pretty intimidating, BUT those are not the expectations of you but the expectations of God with you. God is the only one, who’s perfect, and we are still human, Christian or not, so mistakes and slip ups will happen. But it’s the faith and hope we find in God that separates us from everyone else. And this is something that is bigger than your sedan or suburban. So get of the car and out on the launch pad.

Now what does life entail on the launch pad. Does that mean I have to sell everything I own and rush off to the remotest spot in Africa or Indonesia? Well no, it means being ready to serve and be active in your faith.

When N.A.S.A. says they are going to have a launch, months upon months are spent in preparing before the shuttle even gets to the launch pad. Those preparations are for you to grow in your knowledge of God’s word and strengthen your prayer life and faith. Just thinking about launching into a lifestyle of love, forgiveness, kindness, self control is exciting, even if the ship never enters the final count down.

I encourage you to make your Christian walk like the N.A.S.A. space launch prep. You are meant to step our and serve the world in small or big ways so get out of the parking lot and embrace the passion and excitement of faith. This ain’t no spectator sport. J

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

St. Patty's Day

Now what Irish lass can pass the chance to post something about saint Patrick today :)

"Daily I expect murder, fraud, or captivity, but I fear none of these things because of the promises of heaven. I have cast myself into the hands of God almighty who rules everywhere."
-Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland

March 17, 461 (traditional date):Patrick, missionary to Ireland and that country's patron saint, dies. Irish raiders captured Patrick, a Romanized Briton, and enslaved him as a youth. He escaped to Gaul (modern France) but returned to Ireland after experiencing a vision calling him back to preach. Patrick enjoyed great success there as a missionary, and only the far south remained predominantly pagan when he died (see issue 60: How the Irish Were Saved).

HE… HE… HE… ‘The Husband Store”

A store that sells husbands has just opened in the Mall of America in Bloomington , where a woman may go to choose a husband.

Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates:
You may visit the store ONLY ONCE !

There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch. You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.

The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love theLord, love kids, and are extremely good looking. "Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads: Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead good looking and help with the housework."Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads: Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads: Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.
Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

Check this out!

A new blog roll has been added to this site.

Check out the other Christian Bloggers out there :)

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have
known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. -James Thurber

If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise. -Unknown

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein

Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!
-Anne Tyler

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein

The Experiments of ADEM- part 6

Their bodies ached and their skin tingled. The last several hours were spent being poked and prodded. The cold metal of teks had brushed across their skin, penetrated their organs, and had been pasted to their bodies. Now in their small cell not even the smell of sweet root porridge tempted them.

“Etah, do you know what mates are?” Rahan’s whispering voice asked struggling through her fear.

“No I don’t my friend,” she said trying to rub away the cramping feeling in her belly. Her mind tried to remember the rumors and fanciful tales spread among the slaves about the colonies from her youth, but she could not discern truth from her memories.

This place did not seem like noisy herd of people and the cries of babes. There were now tight quarters of men and women forced together for the spoiled creatures of Terranova. Nothing of what she had heard about the colonies resembled this place. It was cold, secluded, and void of hope.

“Come, Rahan. Let us eat. If tomorrow hold more of the events of today we will need strength.”

“Please my friend, let us sleep and escape this place.” Etah could see Rahan’s tears, and their dream world would be a refreshing escape. But they would be woken to this reality again, so they needed to eat.

“After.” Etah passed her dear friend her porridge with her own fears spurring her determination to escape the earth of Adem.

The warmth of the porridge swam about their stomach and lulled their minds to into the vibrant forms and colors of Layvas. A welcoming change from the darkness of their cell.
Neither of them spoke for a long while. They walked about the fields allowing the lush ground beneath them tickle their feet. The four legged, Jovra, watched them closely with his eyes longing to rid them of their fears. Layvas had never been a sad place, but the fear within was holding an odd shadow around them.

“Let us go swim and splash about. We need not bring the fears and concerns of our cell to this place,” Etah said trying to lift their spirits.

It took a few moments for Rahan to respond, but slowly as smile returned to her face. Laughter and playfulness filled their souls in the cool pools of Layvas.

“Etah,” Rahan began walking amongst the solid forms surrounding the waters. “What do you think this place is? Is it a memory of where our people come from?”

“I don’t know. If that where so why are we the only ones here? You saw how many other women there were before we were chosen by those Gobs. I had never seen so many of our kind.”

“I had never seen so many even in Terranova. But I am loosing hope, Etah. I want this place to be more than our dreams.”

Etah sighed at the hopelessness in Rahan’s voice. The unknown was before them when they wake, and every inch of her body trembled as she tried to comprehend the experiments that would come and the meaning of mate.

Wordless Wednesday

Boring School Bells

http://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/02/28/students.survey.reut/index.html

A survey of 81,000 students is 26 states; found that two-thirds of high school students are bored in the classrooms. Shocking numbers if you ask me, but why?

Is it because teachers don’t have the motivation to teach and make their subjects interesting. Are teachers pushed too much on standardized test scores revealing their success and not paid enough?

Or is it because a high school degree won’t get you very far? Cause once you get a high school degree, you need a college degree, and once you get a college degree you need a masters, PHD., or professional school to actually get a good job.

Or is it that teens come from a give it too me now, I deserve it, I don’t have to earn it culture. Why do they have to put effort into something they will be given if they keep their head about water long enough?

I think all of these play a part in the boredom of our teens. School is not seen as a privilege any more. Not by the government and not by it’s people. It is just something to do until the school bells ring and they can get on with their real lives. I heard someone say once that school should be made illegal in order to make kids want to go.

For better or worse that won’t happen, but it is the mentality we as voters and you as students and teachers need to adopt. The world holds so many things to learn and develop if we can step out of our selfishness and value learning.

Take the time to value yourself, value your future to make school an active choice, and an active opportunity to move forward. The way the school system is set up isn’t beneficial to its students, but you can’t make a change if you don’t know how to learn and motivate yourself forward.

Take a step out and make learning fun, interesting, and worth every minute. So that when the school bells ring no one makes a run for the door.

IN GOD WE TRUST!

James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement:

"We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said:

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ".

Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies.

The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said:

"Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers."

SPRING CLEANING

Guess what ladies and gentlemen, it’s MARCH!!! And what comes in March? SPRING, you got it.

I always find it humorous that when spring comes around we feel the need to shake off the old and get into the new. We clean out closets, actually do a thorough cleaning job, and work on the landscape in the yard, just to make everything as fresh as the season.

And why do we do this every spring or so? Well when it’s all done, and the clutter is gone we get this feeling of great achievement. But how long does it last? Maybe a month, a week, a day. The clutter will return, and we will look forward to the next time we spring clean, because of that same feeling.

But what about spring cleaning your heart?

Have you ever thought about digging through bad attitudes, pessimism, fears, doubts, and bitterness to start fresh with God? Most of the time I don’t even realize when I’m holding on to those dangerous feelings. And yes these and many others are dangerous cause the cause us to push away from our reliance on God. They are the awkward moments in a friendship/relationship that you don’t know which way this is going to go.

If you take the time to sit down and talk to God about what’s going on in your mind and heart, HE WILL LISTEN! Can you imagine what kind of feeling would come with that kind of spring cleaning?

I find it invigorating, convicting, inspiring, and a relief to work through those things holding my faith back. A chance to step forward hand in hand with God to be affective for his Kingdom, the goal of all our Christian walks.

Have you ever thought about it that way? The goal of your life as a Christian is to know God, worship God, and spread God’s word.

I encourage you to take the time to spring clean your heart, and evaluate your relationship with God. It will be a humbling experience, but the peace that comes with holding tight to Christ is better than when you’re house has experienced spring cleaning.

RandoM-E

JOHN GLENN (ON THE SENATE FLOOR)Mon, 26 Jan 2004 11:13

Some people still don't understand why military personnel
Do what they do for a living. This exchange betweenSenators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaumis worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressivei mpromptu speech, but it's also a good example of oneman's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living.

This IS a typical, though sad, example of whatsome who have never served think of the military.

Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn):"How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?"

Senator Glenn (D-Ohio):"I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program . It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank.""I ask you to go with me ... As I went the other day...To a veteran's hospital and meet those men ...With their mangled bodies in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job!You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and Orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee...And you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DADS didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this nation, and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job? What about you?"

For those who don't remember During WW II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney Representing the Communist Party in the USA. And now he's a Senator!

If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you are reading it in English thank a Veteran.

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

Every temptation comes with a price…..because some cats aren’t de-clawed. ;)

The Experiments of Adem part 5

In seconds liquid began to jet out sending each woman to their feet. Confusion filled the room until the affects of the liquid began to take affect. The liquid smelled of chemicals and singed the skin. Everyone began to scream and run about trying to find refuge from the scorching liquid. Many slipped and rolled in the pain that was coming at them from all sides.
The chaos continued for what seemed like hours. Once the liquid stopped the women were screeching at the door to be released. Finally a cold draft rushed in as one door opened. The women rushed out, but soon found themselves wanting to be locked in the chemical showers forever.

On the other side of the door they were greeted with a collar locked around their necks, and blue robes marking them as slaves once again.
“I think Pneu was right, Etah. The pit may not have been such a bad place,” Rahan whispered pulling her new clothes up to her shoulders.

The white walls that surrounded them was a welcomed relief from the red dirt of the pits, but as the women walked in single file behind another set of Gobs fear returned. Etah knew they were still too far beneath the surface to be in Terranova, but what purpose would they serve now. There were no slaves over the age of thirteen in Terranova, and no one over the age of eighteen in the pits, so where would they spend the rest of their days now?

The Gob came to a stop in a large cavern and Etah was amazed at what she saw. Hundreds of women, shaved and chained, filled the massive cavern. Etah had never seen so many of her own people. She had always thought their pit had been the only one.

Six Gobs in dress of their stations stood at one end of the cavern watching the women from an archway. Each mumbling amongst one another; the largest and oldest of the Gobs held a staff in his stubby arms. He struck his staff against stone at his feet. The piercing noise brought Etah and the other women’s hands to their ears until the echo dissipated.

“Line up,” the old Gob commanded causing the women to scurry into a poorly formed line. “Cife search them all.”
“Why do you get first choice Laebo?” One of the other Gobs asked offended that the prime choices would be taken from him.

“Because I am Master Matchmaker, and my experiments take precedent over your breeding. Go ahead Cife.” The Gob’s short apprentice slithered away from the herd and began to inspect the line. He turned each woman’s wrist where he could see it with his beady eyes.
“What do you think he’s looking for?” Rahan whispered.
“This perhaps.” Etah turned her wrist to show the triangular marking she had never been with out.
“What does it mean?”
“Quiet!” The large Laebo shouted causing is lackey to waddle in front of Rahan and Etah. His slimy hand reached out and took hold of Etah’s wrist. His beady eyes nearly popped out of his head at the sight of the tattoo.
“Laebo, she is here.”

“Bring her and the one next to her.” Laebo’s large frame slowly turned to return into the tunnels. The Gob in front of them latched chains on both Rahan and Etah’s collars, and began leading them to follow Laebo slow trudge.

Etah and Rahan seemed to take but one step every minute as they worked their way down the tunnels. For Etah it was hard to believe the colonies were real. She had thought the colonies a myth. Something the Gobs told them as a threat, not an actually place she would find herself.
“Ah, home sweet home,” Laebo belted out entering a room laced with blue light, and more teks than Etah had ever seen. “Chain them there Cife, and let me look at her.” Cife exchanged Rahan and Etah’s leashes for chains on the wall.

Laebo’s large slimy frame waddled over and he motioned for Etah to stand. She rose, her tall slender frame contrasting greatly from the Gob that stood in front of her. Laebo laughed as he looked at Etah’s wrist.
“It is interesting my child that I placed this tattoo on your wrist when you were born not far from here.”
“What are your plans for her Master?” Laebo’s lackey questioned.

“The experiment of a lifetime my apprentice. I spent my life developing her through years of selective breeding.”
“What makes her so special?”
“Have you not read my papers as I asked of you Cife?”
“There are so many my Master.”
“You will find that this slave is immune to disease. I hope to extract information from her breeding to find a way we Gobs can escape this earth caked prison.”

“But the earth of Adem gives us all we need.”
“Dear Cife, I once saw the bounty of the earth above us, and if we could escape the threat of disease then we could reap that treasure. Come let us gather the sample for testing.”
“Why do you need this other Gouti?” Cife pointed at Rahan’s fearful frame.
“Come now Cife. In all experiments there must be a control specimen. I am tired. Take the samples and place them in isolation until we can find them appropriate mates.”

Wordless Wednesday :)

I’m in a Box!

Who defines you the world, yourself, or God


If I were to ask you, who are you, what would be your answer? Would you pull out your driver’s license and read off your name, address, height, weight, date of birth and eye color? Or would you start to tell me about your family and your job?

Granted all these things tell me about parts of you, but it doesn’t tell me who you are. It is a troubling thing to try to define ourselves, because we often look to how the world wishes to place us in boxes to answer such a question.

It is humorous to jump on My Space or other blog websites and see the listings under ones profile. They want to know if you are single or married, if you have children or don’t have children, if you are educated or uneducated. These and many more are the labels we place on people, so that we may set them in a box, a stereotype, or a self made ideal of who this person may or may not be. It truly doesn’t seem fair, for these things are only a glimpse of who we are.

One box of the world cannot contain you, for you can be the doctor, the church-goer, and the mom or dad. But we often hold these individual titles so close to our hearts that when any of them change or are taken away we loose ourselves to the world. Doubt and depression sink in for we are hopeless without a box or title to define us. We struggle to regain ourselves to fit back in a box in order to feel valued in our society, but why when all these categories can be taken away.

Daily in the news, our neighborhood, and nuclear families we see things change. Laws and standards are changed with each passing year. Layoffs and lotteries change a person and those they care for. So why do we hold to these boxes to define ourselves? Why do we give these definitions so much value when we are told that “we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7).

I know this seems like a depressing thought, but it’s not if your heart is in God’s box. Yes I’ve just told you not to place yourself in a box, but the difference is you can define yourself in this box. You don’t have to divide your time between the doctor box, the church-goer box, and the parent box. Christianity can be you definition.

If I were to walk up to you on the street and say I am a Christian, you would already know so much about me. You would know about my integrity, the condition of my heart, that I spend time in God’s word, and follow the example and teachings of Christ. Granted I’m not perfect, but you would know the standards I hold myself too. The standards in which I live, work, play, and hope to stand before God and hear him say, “well done good and faithful servant.”(Matthew 25:21)

What an amazing thing to hold that banner high, and know that your profession, your service, and your family can be part of Christ. And no matter the changes in your job, marital status, family size, or income you know who you are. You can take comfort in the God that knew you from before you were conceived. The God that knows your heart, your talents, your passions, your needs and concerns. He values every part of you. For no matter how we might choose to change the definition of ourselves, God does not change.

So in some ways God is what art portrays him as, an old man. An old man stuck in his ways, stubborn, knowing his way is the best way. Wanting you to grow strong, remember his stories and his love for you. God wants to be your definition above all things, so that he can bless your heart and draw you close in his arms.

If I were to ask you now, who are you, what would be your answer? Would you shout at the top of your lungs that you are a child of God? Or does the box of Christianity seem scary and unattainable?

But there is good news. The ‘Box’ of Christianity does not hold perfect people. It holds those that know they mess up, know they are a sinful people, and know if they repent they will be forgiven. It’s not an unattainable box, just one that requires you to sacrifice the things of this world for the blessings God can provide. And trust me he can overflow the box.
© 2007

An Odd Couple of Couples

I wouldn’t believe this picture if I didn’t read the story myself. (Check our the story here)

A set of twin orangutans, Nia and Irma, and twin tigers, Dema and Manis, that were abandoned at birth have become inseparable playmates in Cisarua, Indonesia.

In nature these two creatures would never meet, and unfortunately instinct will kick in sooner or later, but wow what a testament to the ability to be friendly no matter where one comes from or what one looks like.

I say these infants have the right idea. Their innocence allows them to play sleep and eat near one another without a quarrel. Playful ‘banter’ sure, but not a hint of violence.

I encourage you to take note of these cuddly creatures and try to step out and be friendly toward someone unexpected today, or even all week. See what that does for your own attitude, and what an influence you can have on the people around you.

Be Blessed and Encouraged

A.C.T.S.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. –Philippians 4:6

In the last few weeks I seem to be surrounded by messages, sermons, and bible studies that highlight prayer. This is no coincident. There is a lot going on in my life right now, and the one place I need to go is often the last place I find myself; on my knees in prayer.

I am often amazed by the people in my life that are able to go straight to prayer without a tantrum or frustration. Though I’ve been a Christian for fourteen years now, going to God in prayer is a hard thing for me to do. It requires a level of faith that I have a hard time achieving on a daily basis. Sure I pray daily, but often I don’t take that time seriously. It is just a routine, an obligation to my faith, and that is what has shocked me about my prayer life in the last few weeks.

It’s amazing to look back over my life and see God pushing me to my knees. Not with happy moments at first, but a spinal disease, seizures, bad college grades, and persistent job loss have been the events to break down my stubborn and willful self. And each time, when I have no hope left, God lifts me out of it through amazing times of prayer. It was those times that I’m broken into so many little pieces that I felt so in tune with God.

OUCH! You know that realization really hurts a bit. Why can’t I be at that point of faith constantly? I can’t even imagine what amazing things that would do for my relationships, faith, and my writing. I think part of it is laziness, or the way my minds runs off on tangents in the most inopportune moments. But it is something I need to change, now.

How is your prayer life? Have you taken the time to evaluate your conversations with God? Take the time to have a real heart to heart with Him. Go past the superficial layers of prayer to the prayers, petitions and thanksgivings of you heart. He longs to hear you speak to him intimately so you can be at a place to hear his words for you life.

If prayer is a struggle for you, and you don’t know where to start of what to say, maybe this acronym will help.
Adoration – Praise God for who he is!
Confession – Tell God about the struggles and sins that have crossed your path
Thanksgiving- Thank God for all the things he has provided for you
Supplication- Let God know what is on your heart

This is not a perfect formula for prayer, because prayer is a personal thing between you and God. But this acronym is a way to get started. Take the time this week to sit down with God, get on your knees even, and don’t be afraid to shed a few tears. God will be there to lift you head and dry your tears with his loving hands.


Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for who you are, and the infinite patience you give to us daily. Your grace and love is never ending, and falls to your children no matter where our hearts often stray. Lord I ask for you to revel to our hearts the importance of prayer, and give us the faith and submission to come to our knees. Let our hearts be refreshed and encourage by time in your presence Lord, may prayer become our addiction and something we long for in our daily lives. Shed blessings and encouragement on your children, oh Lord. Amen.

RandoM-E

Have you ever smelled a puppy?
Silly question I know, and if you haven’t go smell a clean baby. (Be sure and ask the parents first ;)

Now why would I ask such a silly question? Well my sister and her husband recently adopted two puppies and I got meet them, and just to smell them brought a smile to my face and a joy to my heart. Yes I know this is silly, but it’s true.

Why do you think such a silly smell would bring a smile to your face? This is what came to my mind when I thought about this question. Maybe that’s what heaven smells like. Huh…? Think about it. New babies and New puppies (when clean) smell fresh. So close to their time of creation, untainted by the world or puberty (hehehehe)

I don’t know what heaven truly smells like, but if it’s anything like puppies that will be one of many reasons to be on the reservation list. J

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

Some times what seems to be a small test of will, like going up and down stairs for the first time, brings the greatest joy.

Take the time to celebrate the tiny triumphs so you know how you were able to accomplish the big victories.

Yay! I'm a winner!

Check out this website to see my latest short story win :)

http://www.armchairinterviews.com/winners/second_anniversary_contest_winners.php#more

the Experiments of Adem part 4

Fear and anxiety shook Etah’s heart as she and Rahan watched the next set of newly shaven girls come down the tiers of the pit. This would be their final moments in the pits, but questions still lingered as to what was on the other side of the hidden door.

The bellowing horn had never resonated or scared Etah until now. Rahan grabbed her hand as they turned to their right and followed the other girls through the secret door. She watched the pit disappear as the door came to a close behind them.
“Get in a line,” A Goab shouted. It had been five years, but Etah almost enjoyed seeing the slick white scales of a Goab in the red dirt. Both Etah and Rahan struggled not to laugh at the sterile garment coverning the Goab’s snake like frame. She had almost forgotten the Goab’s fear of disease.

“To your knees,” the Goab shouted and the women knelt in the dirt confused and fearful of what was to happen next. Once on the ground, a group of Gouti guards, with the same anger as Pneu in their eyes, stepped forward and put a razor to the hair each of them had grown in the last five years. Etah struggled to hold back her tears. Memories from before filled her mind as the matted, dirt caked hair fell to the ground. What had been her beauty was gone again, and who knew if she would have the chance to regain what she had grown.

“To your feet,” the Goab once everyone’s’ hair was gone. Etah blinked back her tears and hatred as she watched the Goab slither toward a white door.
“We are returning to Terranova” Rehan whispered in Etah’s ear. Her excitement didn’t give Etah any hope. There was something strange about this door. The Goab entered a code at the door and with a loud release of air the white door opened to the inside.

“Remove your close as you go in,” the Goab instructed. Every one of them froze at the command.
“Why? Where are we going?” Etah asked surprised at her own tenacity to ask a question of a Goab. The black eyes of the Goab scrutinized her from head to toe before looking to one of the Gouti. Etah didn’t have the time to look behind her before a rod was snapped across her back. The pain and the cold feeling of blood made Etah go to her knees.

Not another person said a word as they took off the clothes they had been given five years ago and stepped through the door. Rahan helped Etah to her feet, and in the throbbing pain of her lashing struggled to pull the dirt caked clothing from her body.
Etah and Rahan stepped cautiously into the white stone room and with the door closed behind them everyone trying to hide behind bashful glances.

“What will happen now?” Rahan said with her usual tone of fear.
“I don’t think we are returning to Terranova.” Etah said looking up to the noise that was sputtering around nozzles in the ceiling. And if she knew the Goab’s fear of disease what was going to come out of those spouts would not make the wound on her back feel any better.