Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A Muslim GOP Candidate

I'm constantly amazed by the racist comments that are still being stated 4 years later. People still believe that Obama wasn't born in the US & are still convinced that he is Muslim. Never has a white candidate been accused of these things.

On the other hand, I'm also amazed at how many Christian Republicans who were once very outspoken about how Mormonism is a cult, are suddenly silent about it while fully supporting Romney. Even Billy Graham has removed the statement that "Mormonism is a cult" from his website and has endorsed Romney.

*Side Note- it's pretty disheartening to me that in recent years that Billy Graham has been so political. I have always admired him for choosing not to be part of the Christian Right when approached by Pat Robertson in the 1980's. Perhaps this is due to him being older or Franklin Graham being more in charge of the organization.*

A friend of mine & I were discussing these things this week and she posed this question: Do you think that Republican Christians would ever vote for a Muslim GOP candidate (since they have voted for a Mormon)?

Now I doubt in the real (bigoted) world this would happen, but for arguments sake, let's say it was between a Muslim GOP candidate and a democrat... who do you think the Christian Right would choose to endorse?

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

26

Introspective, reflective,
Probably dwelling too much,
I remember these events,
And how my life has been touched.

At age twenty six I have,
A lifetime or more,
Of trials, tribulations,
For richer or poor

I think of the adventures,
And the ones still in store,
I wonder what is next,
As we knock on different doors,

So many 'nearlies,'
That I have lost count,
It feels my chain is yanked,
Or is it of greater amount?

Could it be Your reminder,
That You are still there,
To keep seeking and asking,
Remaining in prayer?

Is the answer around the corner,
Will Your hand guide us there,
You've taught us so much,
We are willing and with You prepared.

To serve & honor You,
The best that we can,
We will take what we have learned,
Striving to flee from sin's hand.

We're ready to be used,
Your ministry we crave,
Bring us to this Lord,
Please show us the way.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

19

Sometimes I think back to when I was 19 & note how it was probably the best year of my life.

When I was 19 I started dating Jer, started working at OD & met some of my dearest friends. Things were good with my family & life was pretty care-free.

Since then I have not had a year that has been as carefree. I have gone through multiple trials and tribulations (and some great times too).

But the things I have gone through, the life experiences I have had, have formed me into the person I am today.

I read a great devotional from Our Daily Bread the other day http://odb.org/2012/10/04/timing-is-everything/. It was about God's timing...reminders of how Joseph had to be in prison till he was called to his destiny or how Esther was uncertain of her future when she married the King. They went through long periods of trials, till they received their inheritance from God.

I often wonder if life will ever be that enjoyable again. Maybe it will, maybe it won't. It may be here or it may be in heaven. But no matter what, I'm thankful for today. I'm blessed with an amazing marriage, a great job & amazing loved ones. Life isn't always easy, but the little things in each day are such a gift. Living in and enjoying today is key. Life lesson #247

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Today Is The Greatest Day I've Ever Known

It hasn't even been a month since I got back from my trip and so much has happened.

I'm 10 pounds lighter (20 pounds total), happier at my job and significantly less anxious.

God did amazing things leading up to, during and following this trip. The situations and people He has placed in my life have been so influential and imperative in my development as a person. All I can say is- WOW!

In this time we have had ups & downs. A lot has been revealed & a lot remains unknown. I am thankful for the change & opportunities that God has granted us. I have seen how God has used Jer & I and hope that He will use us more in the future. It's all very humbling. He takes good care of us :)

I have been drawing & taking photographs more recently. I very much enjoy these creative outlets. Trying to incorporate music, language & other arts more too.

Ever wonder where you will be in 5 years? I look ahead and realize that my life will probably be more different than it ever has before in 5 years. I probably will be a parent, we will either have our own place (or trying to save for our own place) and I will be in my 30's. Sometimes it seems like we will never get out of our current situation, but then I realize how drastically things can change. I want to enjoy today- even though finances might be tough & Jer doesn't have a job. We have a wonderful life, with wonderful people in our lives and I am very thankful for the experiences that have brought me to where I am today.