Dear Outraged Christian,
I am a Christian too. By that I mean that I believe that Jesus was born as the Son of God, He lived a blameless life, died on the cross, endured hell for us, and then rose from the grave. He is the reason we are able to speak with God. He is the reason we are forgiven. He is the reason we are able to attain heaven.
That being said, I am also a watcher of news. I see the struggle Christians are facing - the choice to serve or not serve gays. Homosexuals. Sinners. Flaunters of God's law. Evil. Bad people. SINNERS!
Wait...did I go too far? That sounded pretty extreme, didn't it? It sounded a lot like hate. Last time I looked God did not command us to hate, but to love. Read an excerpt from Matthew 5:46-48. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
So you see, this is the problem that I have with these outraged Christians in the news. This cry that has gone out to be able to deny service to someone because they have sinned has such a large following it seems. I'll even go so far as to say once I was one of you Outraged Christians. Why should we bake wedding cakes for a sinful wedding? If we do this thing, are we saying we support this sin?
So I ask you, when Jesus allowed a fallen woman to wash his feet, did He support prostitution? When He called Zacchaeus, the tax collector, out of the tree, was He supporting those who rip people off? When He washed the feet of Judas, was He giving the thumbs up to those who sell people out and get them killed?
We as Christians are called to love everyone. Not just those people we are comfortable with, not just those we are easy around, but everyone. We as Christians are NOT called to point out the sin in all mankind, but to love and support all and correct those who are in the church with us. We as Christians are called to look to our own sins, before we point out anyone else's sin. Matthew 7:3 says Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
So, you might ask, would you have us support this most heinous of sins?? Here is what I say to that: Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Matthew 23:23-24 Is it justice to condemn those who are not Christian, or those who have been led astray? Is it mercy to cast people out for their sin? Is it faithfulness to believe we must do the punishing for God?
I also point out to you this: Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7 Jesus points out to us that who among us is worthy to condemn another human being. We each have our own sins. We all have our problems and we ALL need the forgiveness of God. Are we really worthy to stand in judgment of those who's sin is simply different from our own?
But what about supporting sin, you ask. Here's my question to you: how many people have ever asked you if you think their lifestyle is pleasing in the eyes of God? How many people have ever asked you if you think a certain act is sinful, according to God? I bet you can count those people on one hand. I bet you don't even have to use any fingers when you count.
I've NEVER had anyone ask me if I thought they way they lived was pleasing to God. I'm pretty sure, if their mind is on God, then they will already know the answer to that question. I've never had anyone ask me if a certain action, like homosexuality, is a sin. I'm pretty sure they already know they answer. I'm also pretty sure they don't want me to tell them the answer.
If someone ever asks you those specific questions, by all means tell the truth. If anyone ever asks you a question about the Gospel, then answer true. Anything else is as good as denying God.
Until that time, serve others with love. Until that time, BE grace. Until that time, look not for sins in others, but look instead to find God in your heart. Pray and really be willing to listen to the answers the Holy Spirit gives you.
Try to be a little less outraged. It really doesn't do any good. After all, our God can take care of Himself...He does not need us to be outraged on His behalf. But He does need us to LOVE on His behalf.
The world doesn't have enough love. We, as Christians, can change that.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Parenting Lessons
Parenting, I have come to find out, is a constant learning process. In spite of the fact that my school years have longs passed, I still am having to gain new skills. Today I had to do another one of those learning lessons...or maybe I should say several of those learning lessons.
Today, my youngest was in tears as we worked on piano together. Now really why she was upset was because she had just been chastised about being more grateful for what she had, but piano got to take the blame for the moment. As I sat holding my sobbing child, it occurred to me how much I wanted to run away at the moment. Just get out and leave. I then realized that we hadn't left our house to do anything fun in a long time. No field trips, no fun exploring, nothing. So we went bowling today. But since I'm a kill two birds with one stone kind of mom, we stopped at the bx and the girls got hair cut first. That didn't turn out so well either.
My oldest daughter has hair cut issues anyway, but I have the rule that hair cannot be in the eyes. She was sad because she had been trying to get her hair to go to the side, but it's so heavy it just falls down. She was insistent that she get to keep trying. But I didn't listen. I had the lady cut her bangs above her eyebrows. My girl sat down next to me when it was done and we were waiting for the youngest and was quietly in tears. Once again, I wanted to run away. Just leave. I couldn't understand how a girl's identity could be so tied up in hair. I've never cared that much about my physical appearance. I still don't. But my girl did, and really, in the end, I guess that was all that mattered. My girl cared about what her hair looked like and I should too. It's hard to adjust a 34 year old mindset. It's hard to be understanding about something that I just didn't understand...but I figured it couldn't be any harder than looking at my girl's crumpled face. So, we talked about how we were going to work on her bangs growing out and then we went and bought her some clips to help her keep her bangs back. Just that quick all was right in the world again.
So, off to bowling we finally went. We had lunch, and surprisingly everyone actually ate without me being a nag. (In this house, that is cause for celebration) After that we are all off to bowl, when I stick my foot in my mouth. I challenged all the kids to bowl without bumpers and to score 50 or higher. While the older two readily accepted the challenge, the youngest...not so much. How I didn't cave for those first five frames is nothing short of a great mystery to me. God bless the woman with the little kids playing in the play place next to us. She called Emily over to encourage her and give her a few pointers. I'm not sure if it helped, but it surely didn't hurt. Finally, finally by the ninth frame...she knocked a pin over. Without bumpers. All on her own. I could have wept with joy. The look on her face was one I will never forget. She was so proud of herself. After that there was no stopping her. Her score didn't really get any better...but she kept on trying.
My kids are getting older now and I can't just do the because I said so thing any more. That thing about homeschooling is that I have finally become teacher and my words seem to finally have weight. What I think about them, what I say to them, how I act towards them and others...it all matters now. I used to get so frustrated because someone else's words weighed more heavily than mine did on their hearts...but now, I get frustrated with myself because I seem to so often not do the best things, and now what I say does matter to them.
I've got great kids. They aren't loud, rude, or pushy. They don't bounce off the walls in public, and they aren't harsh to other kids. They willingly volunteer their time to help others. I look at other kids and I wonder so often why mine aren't like them. I look at so many other kids and am grateful mine aren't like them. I guess I can't have it both ways. I know my kids have fun and play and do all those kid things and I probably shouldn't worry. But I do any way.
Today, my youngest was in tears as we worked on piano together. Now really why she was upset was because she had just been chastised about being more grateful for what she had, but piano got to take the blame for the moment. As I sat holding my sobbing child, it occurred to me how much I wanted to run away at the moment. Just get out and leave. I then realized that we hadn't left our house to do anything fun in a long time. No field trips, no fun exploring, nothing. So we went bowling today. But since I'm a kill two birds with one stone kind of mom, we stopped at the bx and the girls got hair cut first. That didn't turn out so well either.
My oldest daughter has hair cut issues anyway, but I have the rule that hair cannot be in the eyes. She was sad because she had been trying to get her hair to go to the side, but it's so heavy it just falls down. She was insistent that she get to keep trying. But I didn't listen. I had the lady cut her bangs above her eyebrows. My girl sat down next to me when it was done and we were waiting for the youngest and was quietly in tears. Once again, I wanted to run away. Just leave. I couldn't understand how a girl's identity could be so tied up in hair. I've never cared that much about my physical appearance. I still don't. But my girl did, and really, in the end, I guess that was all that mattered. My girl cared about what her hair looked like and I should too. It's hard to adjust a 34 year old mindset. It's hard to be understanding about something that I just didn't understand...but I figured it couldn't be any harder than looking at my girl's crumpled face. So, we talked about how we were going to work on her bangs growing out and then we went and bought her some clips to help her keep her bangs back. Just that quick all was right in the world again.
So, off to bowling we finally went. We had lunch, and surprisingly everyone actually ate without me being a nag. (In this house, that is cause for celebration) After that we are all off to bowl, when I stick my foot in my mouth. I challenged all the kids to bowl without bumpers and to score 50 or higher. While the older two readily accepted the challenge, the youngest...not so much. How I didn't cave for those first five frames is nothing short of a great mystery to me. God bless the woman with the little kids playing in the play place next to us. She called Emily over to encourage her and give her a few pointers. I'm not sure if it helped, but it surely didn't hurt. Finally, finally by the ninth frame...she knocked a pin over. Without bumpers. All on her own. I could have wept with joy. The look on her face was one I will never forget. She was so proud of herself. After that there was no stopping her. Her score didn't really get any better...but she kept on trying.
My kids are getting older now and I can't just do the because I said so thing any more. That thing about homeschooling is that I have finally become teacher and my words seem to finally have weight. What I think about them, what I say to them, how I act towards them and others...it all matters now. I used to get so frustrated because someone else's words weighed more heavily than mine did on their hearts...but now, I get frustrated with myself because I seem to so often not do the best things, and now what I say does matter to them.
I've got great kids. They aren't loud, rude, or pushy. They don't bounce off the walls in public, and they aren't harsh to other kids. They willingly volunteer their time to help others. I look at other kids and I wonder so often why mine aren't like them. I look at so many other kids and am grateful mine aren't like them. I guess I can't have it both ways. I know my kids have fun and play and do all those kid things and I probably shouldn't worry. But I do any way.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Do Your Job!
I don't do politics. I don't get into arguments about the President, or Congress, or even local government. I just don't. I personally think that everyone has an opinion about politics, and just like everyone has a bum...they all stink.
I'm going to break my rule of just not saying anything. Watching the news has just lit me up. I know, I know, the news is not always reliable. It's biased (no matter what they claim), it's not always accurate, and again is mostly filled with talking heads opinions. However, when the same thing is said over and over and over again by news stations who generally speaking can't agree on the day of the week, much less anything political...I tend to take notice.
First, either deport illegals or make everyone legal. For pity's sake, PICK ONE! If you make them legal, then make them get a social security number and pay taxes, Obamacare fees, and everything else we legal folks get stuck footing the bill for. If you are going to let illegals get a license, go to public schools, utilize hospitals, ect. then good golly, let them help pay for it! If you don't want to legalize everyone, then kick them out. Make the hard decision, and dump them back over the boarder. Take the money we would be using for licenses, schools, and hospital care, and beef up the border. Neither decision will be popular with everyone. Neither decisions will come with out any consequences. However, the president gets paid big bucks because those decisions are hard and often suck. Do your job!
Yes, I know...neither of those above choices are simple. Yes, we have to worry about those companies that employ illegals on the down low and that makes it so we can afford fresh fruit. Yes, we have to worry about ticking off those countries below us. I get it. I really do. However, this passing the buck on to the next sucker who gets elected really needs to stop. Sigh.
Second, there are bad, bad people in the world. Those bad, bad people beheaded an American. Those same people will do it again because they want to and because they have not been stopped. Some of these bad, bad people even come from our own country. And we HAVE NO PLAN. Seriously. No plan. Awesome. We, or more to the point our president, announced on world wide TV that "yeah, we got nothing". Way to strike fear into the hearts of those who intend us harm. I can see Isis shaking in their booties. NOT.
Ok, sarcasm aside, something needs to be done. While some people have the desire to make the Middle East a parking lot via dropped nukes, I'm a supporter of something a little less extreme. I know we can't fight all the wars. I know we don't have an inexhaustible supply of men and women who bleed red, white, and blue. I also know, not too many of our military would not be a supporter of kicking some serious Isis butt. You know, our saying in the US used to be "Walk softly, and carry a big stick". We didn't go out into the world starting stuff...but we were known for finishing it! Nowadays, not so much. We are seen as weak, ineffective, and just plain inept. It's a shame and it's disheartening, and really...it just makes me mad. It makes me mad because those who are set up to represent us, aren't. They just aren't. Americans are not cowards. They do not back down from a fight. They certainly don't let fellow Americans die in an act of terrorism without a single sound.
Finally, our education system. Ok, I have to take a deep breath in order to be able to do this one. Who in their right mind creates a new education system without using EDUCATORS to do it?? Who decides that a test is a measure of what a child is completely capable of? Who decides that it is best to teach each and every child the exact same way??!! Somewhere along the way our leaders lost their ever lovin' minds. This is not ok. We are killing the love of learning in our children. We are teaching them that a test is the end all, be all of their lives. We are teaching them that they are all exactly alike and to be different is wrong.
The outcry and outrage of educators and parents alike is not enough to encourage our leaders to do something about it. The blatant evidence that we are failing and falling behind other leading countries of the world is not enough to make our leaders do something about it. What will it take? How much damage must be done to our children before change (or better yet, let's just go back to the educators from the 60's and 70's...look at all the innovators that came from those eras) becomes a priority?
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES, TO INCLUDE THE PRESIDENT...DO YOUR JOBS!! You are paid to represent the American people. The American people are pissed! Do your job. Make the changes that need to be made. Make the sucky, stinky, hateful decisions that need to be made. Be unpopular with some people...it won't kill you. Do what is right, not what makes you money, gets you more votes, or makes you look good. Look at the country you are supposed to represent, love and serve, and do your job. If you can't do it, step down and let someone else who can, do.
I hate politics....and I'm edging towards hating politicians. Hate is not good...I get that, but man, oh, man...it is past time for a change. The American people have plenty of backbone. Too bad those represent us to the world seem to be missing theirs.
I'm going to break my rule of just not saying anything. Watching the news has just lit me up. I know, I know, the news is not always reliable. It's biased (no matter what they claim), it's not always accurate, and again is mostly filled with talking heads opinions. However, when the same thing is said over and over and over again by news stations who generally speaking can't agree on the day of the week, much less anything political...I tend to take notice.
First, either deport illegals or make everyone legal. For pity's sake, PICK ONE! If you make them legal, then make them get a social security number and pay taxes, Obamacare fees, and everything else we legal folks get stuck footing the bill for. If you are going to let illegals get a license, go to public schools, utilize hospitals, ect. then good golly, let them help pay for it! If you don't want to legalize everyone, then kick them out. Make the hard decision, and dump them back over the boarder. Take the money we would be using for licenses, schools, and hospital care, and beef up the border. Neither decision will be popular with everyone. Neither decisions will come with out any consequences. However, the president gets paid big bucks because those decisions are hard and often suck. Do your job!
Yes, I know...neither of those above choices are simple. Yes, we have to worry about those companies that employ illegals on the down low and that makes it so we can afford fresh fruit. Yes, we have to worry about ticking off those countries below us. I get it. I really do. However, this passing the buck on to the next sucker who gets elected really needs to stop. Sigh.
Second, there are bad, bad people in the world. Those bad, bad people beheaded an American. Those same people will do it again because they want to and because they have not been stopped. Some of these bad, bad people even come from our own country. And we HAVE NO PLAN. Seriously. No plan. Awesome. We, or more to the point our president, announced on world wide TV that "yeah, we got nothing". Way to strike fear into the hearts of those who intend us harm. I can see Isis shaking in their booties. NOT.
Ok, sarcasm aside, something needs to be done. While some people have the desire to make the Middle East a parking lot via dropped nukes, I'm a supporter of something a little less extreme. I know we can't fight all the wars. I know we don't have an inexhaustible supply of men and women who bleed red, white, and blue. I also know, not too many of our military would not be a supporter of kicking some serious Isis butt. You know, our saying in the US used to be "Walk softly, and carry a big stick". We didn't go out into the world starting stuff...but we were known for finishing it! Nowadays, not so much. We are seen as weak, ineffective, and just plain inept. It's a shame and it's disheartening, and really...it just makes me mad. It makes me mad because those who are set up to represent us, aren't. They just aren't. Americans are not cowards. They do not back down from a fight. They certainly don't let fellow Americans die in an act of terrorism without a single sound.
Finally, our education system. Ok, I have to take a deep breath in order to be able to do this one. Who in their right mind creates a new education system without using EDUCATORS to do it?? Who decides that a test is a measure of what a child is completely capable of? Who decides that it is best to teach each and every child the exact same way??!! Somewhere along the way our leaders lost their ever lovin' minds. This is not ok. We are killing the love of learning in our children. We are teaching them that a test is the end all, be all of their lives. We are teaching them that they are all exactly alike and to be different is wrong.
The outcry and outrage of educators and parents alike is not enough to encourage our leaders to do something about it. The blatant evidence that we are failing and falling behind other leading countries of the world is not enough to make our leaders do something about it. What will it take? How much damage must be done to our children before change (or better yet, let's just go back to the educators from the 60's and 70's...look at all the innovators that came from those eras) becomes a priority?
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES, TO INCLUDE THE PRESIDENT...DO YOUR JOBS!! You are paid to represent the American people. The American people are pissed! Do your job. Make the changes that need to be made. Make the sucky, stinky, hateful decisions that need to be made. Be unpopular with some people...it won't kill you. Do what is right, not what makes you money, gets you more votes, or makes you look good. Look at the country you are supposed to represent, love and serve, and do your job. If you can't do it, step down and let someone else who can, do.
I hate politics....and I'm edging towards hating politicians. Hate is not good...I get that, but man, oh, man...it is past time for a change. The American people have plenty of backbone. Too bad those represent us to the world seem to be missing theirs.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Gender Ministry
I read an article today that struck a chord in me. It talked about a woman who hated, or at least really disliked, women's ministry. This woman started talking about how she wasn't a tea and beauty kind of girl. She was tired of hearing how beautiful she was through the eyes of God. She was tired of being shown the "perfect Godly" woman. (See article here)
I have to admit, I'm not a girly girl. I feel awkward and out of place at those tea parties that get hosted so often in women's ministry. I feel like a bull in a china shop when we do a "beauty tips" lesson. Even worse, I feel loud, and pushy, and un-woman-like when I declare my dislike of certain books of the Bible. (My least favorite is Esther...I know, I know how can I not like that book? I'm weird, I admit it.)
I have attended women's Bible studies for the last 7 or 8 years and can honestly say I've never felt like I fit. Why in the world would I keep going for that long if I was never comfortable? For a long time, I couldn't figure it out. I'm really not a glutton for punishment. I don't enjoy being uncomfortable, nor do I enjoy being on the outside of a group looking in.
I had thought that women's Bible study was a part of being Christian. You know what, I still think it is. Once a week I may have been uncomfortable, out of place, and more than a little lost. Once a week I stated my unpopular opinions, feelings and thoughts. Once a week I drug my Bible and my kids down the street to church and braced for the worst.
I'm better for it. I know I am. Since I steadfastly endured the opinions and thoughts of others, I have become more understanding of those whose situations in life have differed from mine. I have learned patience...and I've learned to shut my mouth. I've learned to stand against wrong thoughts and to state the unpopular Biblical facts. I've learned that God does not ask me to be comfortable, nor does He expect me to be silent when truth is needed. God often asks me to curb my own instincts and fight my own nature.
I still don't like the book of Esther. I'd still rather study the WHOLE book of Proverbs rather than just Ch 31. I still don't like beauty sessions or dress up tea parties. I'm not sure that will ever change.
So, while I understand the above mentioned woman, with her dislike of "women's ministry", and I understand her need to study the WHOLE Bible and not just the parts that apply to women, I also hope that she keeps going to those women's studies. You see, there are people at those studies who need her...they need her frankness, her lack of vanity, her intensity in reaching God, her determination to focus on GOD and not self. However, she needs them too. She needs to remember that women are beautiful, that they do play certain roles in life, that God does call on us to improve our "womanly ways". If those things were not true and necessary, they would not be written about in the Bible.
Ladies, don't give up on your women's Bible study groups. There is a balance and while it is not always going to be comfortable or fun, it is going to grow you and change you. God asks that of us...stagnant growth is as bad as stagnant water. No one wants that.
I have to admit, I'm not a girly girl. I feel awkward and out of place at those tea parties that get hosted so often in women's ministry. I feel like a bull in a china shop when we do a "beauty tips" lesson. Even worse, I feel loud, and pushy, and un-woman-like when I declare my dislike of certain books of the Bible. (My least favorite is Esther...I know, I know how can I not like that book? I'm weird, I admit it.)
I have attended women's Bible studies for the last 7 or 8 years and can honestly say I've never felt like I fit. Why in the world would I keep going for that long if I was never comfortable? For a long time, I couldn't figure it out. I'm really not a glutton for punishment. I don't enjoy being uncomfortable, nor do I enjoy being on the outside of a group looking in.
I had thought that women's Bible study was a part of being Christian. You know what, I still think it is. Once a week I may have been uncomfortable, out of place, and more than a little lost. Once a week I stated my unpopular opinions, feelings and thoughts. Once a week I drug my Bible and my kids down the street to church and braced for the worst.
I'm better for it. I know I am. Since I steadfastly endured the opinions and thoughts of others, I have become more understanding of those whose situations in life have differed from mine. I have learned patience...and I've learned to shut my mouth. I've learned to stand against wrong thoughts and to state the unpopular Biblical facts. I've learned that God does not ask me to be comfortable, nor does He expect me to be silent when truth is needed. God often asks me to curb my own instincts and fight my own nature.
I still don't like the book of Esther. I'd still rather study the WHOLE book of Proverbs rather than just Ch 31. I still don't like beauty sessions or dress up tea parties. I'm not sure that will ever change.
So, while I understand the above mentioned woman, with her dislike of "women's ministry", and I understand her need to study the WHOLE Bible and not just the parts that apply to women, I also hope that she keeps going to those women's studies. You see, there are people at those studies who need her...they need her frankness, her lack of vanity, her intensity in reaching God, her determination to focus on GOD and not self. However, she needs them too. She needs to remember that women are beautiful, that they do play certain roles in life, that God does call on us to improve our "womanly ways". If those things were not true and necessary, they would not be written about in the Bible.
Ladies, don't give up on your women's Bible study groups. There is a balance and while it is not always going to be comfortable or fun, it is going to grow you and change you. God asks that of us...stagnant growth is as bad as stagnant water. No one wants that.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Divided We Fall
Today in Korea we will celebrate the Independence of America. We will do it with all sorts of traditional things, like BBQ, bounce houses, face paint, singing, dancing, and of course, fireworks. It promises to be a great day...if it doesn't rain, and no one gets hurt. A big if!
However, my day hasn't quite started yet. I haven't woken up the kids to get ready for our fun run and I'm still in my pj's drinking coffee. I'm pondering.
Over 200 years ago we fought so hard to be free from oppression and tyranny. We shed blood to own the right to be called our own nation. Some perished, some mourned, some showed extraordinary courage, and some...some just lived. When the smoke cleared, when silence finally reigned, we found ourselves free.
The road to freedom was bloody and hard, but the road through freedom has not been any easier. The fight to pull together and become a country is probably little known. The States did not want an overseer and fought a central government hard! The fight to add to our nation caused us to war with other countries, some might even say we stole land from another country. The entire middle section of our country was technically purchased illegally. The fight to recognize people as human beings, despite skin color, tore this nation apart.
It amazes me that people look to America as a beacon of hope, because we are constantly fighting with one another over SOMETHING. We are expected to save the world because we call democracy our way of life and yet...we fight with each other. Even today with certain issues, we fight each other. There is no calm discussion of rights or ideals. There is no walking away from a disagreement thinking "what a fine fellow that was. Too bad we don't agree.". No. Instead there is division and hatred, meanness and cruelty towards fellow man.
There is a saying "United we stand. Divided we fall." I look at the place I call home and I wonder how much longer it will stand. I wonder how long it will be before civil war breaks out again in my own home. How much longer will it be before MY home is war torn?
I see so much discord and anger. I see people fanning the flames of hatred. No longer are we allowed to politely express opinions if they go against main stream. No longer do the people govern. No longer are we strong, hardy individuals. No...now we are a pampered society with #firstworldproblems and fear lurking in our hearts.
I'm afraid for my children growing up in this America. I'm afraid because the government keeps secrets, neighbor turns against neighbor, and the need to fit in has become paramount to success. I'm afraid because the wealth gap is huge and because greed has taken over, no longer concerned about supporting our local area, but concerned about the bigger profit margin. I'm afraid because I have raised my children to speak up when they see something wrong, and sadly, I'm afraid that will make them outcasts.
I love America. I served her for 5 years. I am proud that my family has a military background. Attending my father's retirement is a highlight of my life. I love what this country stands for and what it is supposed to mean to oppressed nations everywhere. I love the diversity and variety one can see all across this great land. I just love it. And I'm afraid for it.
This Fourth of July I wonder if we are thinking about freedom and the price paid...or if we are thinking about firing up the grill. I hope you all take a moment to THINK, and maybe start looking for ways to make our country stronger.
Happy 4th y'all!!
However, my day hasn't quite started yet. I haven't woken up the kids to get ready for our fun run and I'm still in my pj's drinking coffee. I'm pondering.
Over 200 years ago we fought so hard to be free from oppression and tyranny. We shed blood to own the right to be called our own nation. Some perished, some mourned, some showed extraordinary courage, and some...some just lived. When the smoke cleared, when silence finally reigned, we found ourselves free.
The road to freedom was bloody and hard, but the road through freedom has not been any easier. The fight to pull together and become a country is probably little known. The States did not want an overseer and fought a central government hard! The fight to add to our nation caused us to war with other countries, some might even say we stole land from another country. The entire middle section of our country was technically purchased illegally. The fight to recognize people as human beings, despite skin color, tore this nation apart.
It amazes me that people look to America as a beacon of hope, because we are constantly fighting with one another over SOMETHING. We are expected to save the world because we call democracy our way of life and yet...we fight with each other. Even today with certain issues, we fight each other. There is no calm discussion of rights or ideals. There is no walking away from a disagreement thinking "what a fine fellow that was. Too bad we don't agree.". No. Instead there is division and hatred, meanness and cruelty towards fellow man.
There is a saying "United we stand. Divided we fall." I look at the place I call home and I wonder how much longer it will stand. I wonder how long it will be before civil war breaks out again in my own home. How much longer will it be before MY home is war torn?
I see so much discord and anger. I see people fanning the flames of hatred. No longer are we allowed to politely express opinions if they go against main stream. No longer do the people govern. No longer are we strong, hardy individuals. No...now we are a pampered society with #firstworldproblems and fear lurking in our hearts.
I'm afraid for my children growing up in this America. I'm afraid because the government keeps secrets, neighbor turns against neighbor, and the need to fit in has become paramount to success. I'm afraid because the wealth gap is huge and because greed has taken over, no longer concerned about supporting our local area, but concerned about the bigger profit margin. I'm afraid because I have raised my children to speak up when they see something wrong, and sadly, I'm afraid that will make them outcasts.
I love America. I served her for 5 years. I am proud that my family has a military background. Attending my father's retirement is a highlight of my life. I love what this country stands for and what it is supposed to mean to oppressed nations everywhere. I love the diversity and variety one can see all across this great land. I just love it. And I'm afraid for it.
This Fourth of July I wonder if we are thinking about freedom and the price paid...or if we are thinking about firing up the grill. I hope you all take a moment to THINK, and maybe start looking for ways to make our country stronger.
Happy 4th y'all!!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Insane Military Wife
In my experience, there are two general types of wives in the military. There are the ones who do EVERYTHING and the ones who stay home.
There is nothing wrong with either one of those types, and both have their issues.
The wife who does everything is involved in everything she can possibly be involved in by her choice. (yes, I said her...most spouses are women, so forgive me if any men read this. Sorry!) If she a church goer, then she's in the church, the choir, the nursery, doing a Bible study and helping organize meals for the sick. If she's all about her kids then she does PTA, fund raisers, team sports, volunteers at the Youth Center, and probably runs a tutoring group out of her home.
The wife who stays home tends to cook, clean, organize, read, write, craft, ect. As long as she can stay home and do it, it's done. Some tend to do a zillion freezer meals. Others are the authors of those tricky Pinterest crafts (I hate you, by the way). Still others have probably read every book in the library, so they get bored and write their own. Then there are those who have the magazine style house (I hate you too).
Can you see where I'm going with this? Can you see the eventual overload that comes with both of these types?
Military wives are a special breed. They have to have an awesome coping mechanism or they go crazy. Unfortunately, our coping mechanism can make us crazy.
I'm one of those insane military wives, and I'm the kind that does it all...or at least tries. When my children were in school, I ran the Airman's Attic (a military Goodwill...kind of), was on the board for PTA, was part of my Bible study group and organized music for the once a week meetings, did all that annoying fundraiser stuff, organized dances, helped my husband with work issues that popped up, kept a pretty clean house, cooked meals for people who had just had a baby, took a friend of mine to all his doc appointments, took his daughter to a good chunk of her appointments too. Oh, and helped with homework, kept my kids from killing each other, let my husband vent about people that caused him problems and still found time to have coffee with my friends and occasionally drag them out to, like, the zoo or something.
Oh my goodness. I'm tired just writing that.
Now that I homeschool...I homeschool. Yeah, ha ha. So, I teach my kids...something...everyday. We go on field trips, and I drag my homebody friends with us, I still help my husband with his people problems and venting, still keep a decent house, still cook, but I don't do the PTA thing anymore. Now I just go from extra activity, to the grocery store, and back again.
It's summer time now and my friends probably hate me. Namely because I hate my own house. I can't stay home. I have to go, do, see something - even if it's just the swimming pool for the fifth time that week. We take public transportation to museums and explore the open air markets. Not for a school assignment or searching for something in particular, but just...because. I've heard more than once from my friends get complaints from their kids because "Miss April takes her kids to the...(fill in the blank. Why can't you take me??" Yeah, I'm not good for the kids who have parents that are homebodies. Sorry friends.
Every now and then, it all catches up with me and I just can't do any more. There's a time when I wake up one morning and I don't have the energy to get out of my pj's. I think my kids actually look forward to these day when they can watch all the TV they want and play unlimited video games. After all, those days don't come often.
I can't speak for the wives who stay home. I do know, that every now and then, they go a little crazy too. That's usually when they come hang out with me. Ha ha!
So, yup, military wives are just a little insane. I'm not sure what that says about our husbands!
There is nothing wrong with either one of those types, and both have their issues.
The wife who does everything is involved in everything she can possibly be involved in by her choice. (yes, I said her...most spouses are women, so forgive me if any men read this. Sorry!) If she a church goer, then she's in the church, the choir, the nursery, doing a Bible study and helping organize meals for the sick. If she's all about her kids then she does PTA, fund raisers, team sports, volunteers at the Youth Center, and probably runs a tutoring group out of her home.
The wife who stays home tends to cook, clean, organize, read, write, craft, ect. As long as she can stay home and do it, it's done. Some tend to do a zillion freezer meals. Others are the authors of those tricky Pinterest crafts (I hate you, by the way). Still others have probably read every book in the library, so they get bored and write their own. Then there are those who have the magazine style house (I hate you too).
Can you see where I'm going with this? Can you see the eventual overload that comes with both of these types?
Military wives are a special breed. They have to have an awesome coping mechanism or they go crazy. Unfortunately, our coping mechanism can make us crazy.
I'm one of those insane military wives, and I'm the kind that does it all...or at least tries. When my children were in school, I ran the Airman's Attic (a military Goodwill...kind of), was on the board for PTA, was part of my Bible study group and organized music for the once a week meetings, did all that annoying fundraiser stuff, organized dances, helped my husband with work issues that popped up, kept a pretty clean house, cooked meals for people who had just had a baby, took a friend of mine to all his doc appointments, took his daughter to a good chunk of her appointments too. Oh, and helped with homework, kept my kids from killing each other, let my husband vent about people that caused him problems and still found time to have coffee with my friends and occasionally drag them out to, like, the zoo or something.
Oh my goodness. I'm tired just writing that.
Now that I homeschool...I homeschool. Yeah, ha ha. So, I teach my kids...something...everyday. We go on field trips, and I drag my homebody friends with us, I still help my husband with his people problems and venting, still keep a decent house, still cook, but I don't do the PTA thing anymore. Now I just go from extra activity, to the grocery store, and back again.
It's summer time now and my friends probably hate me. Namely because I hate my own house. I can't stay home. I have to go, do, see something - even if it's just the swimming pool for the fifth time that week. We take public transportation to museums and explore the open air markets. Not for a school assignment or searching for something in particular, but just...because. I've heard more than once from my friends get complaints from their kids because "Miss April takes her kids to the...(fill in the blank. Why can't you take me??" Yeah, I'm not good for the kids who have parents that are homebodies. Sorry friends.
Every now and then, it all catches up with me and I just can't do any more. There's a time when I wake up one morning and I don't have the energy to get out of my pj's. I think my kids actually look forward to these day when they can watch all the TV they want and play unlimited video games. After all, those days don't come often.
I can't speak for the wives who stay home. I do know, that every now and then, they go a little crazy too. That's usually when they come hang out with me. Ha ha!
So, yup, military wives are just a little insane. I'm not sure what that says about our husbands!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Things I've Learned About Korea in the Last Year
Living in Korea has brought some interesting experiences to our family. I've found some funny things while living here...so enjoy!
1. If you have blond haired, blue eyed daughters...hide them! Or cut their hair, dye it black, and give them colored contacts. They will hate you for it...right up until they see another blond girl accosted by a herd (that's right, I said herd) of little, old Korean ladies. They love to smile, and rub their hair, and speak to them in quick Korean. Even if it is really obvious the kids can't understand a word they say! We've had ladies follow us down the street, just to pet my daughters!
2. Koreans are astonishingly giving. I hate being beholden to anyone, but in Korean culture, once you are accepted as part of their family...they do A LOT for you! We have a friend who has "adopted" us into his family. So, every time we go to Busan we are not allowed to pay for ANYTHING! Thank goodness we were able to convince them to come visit us at Osan so we could return the favor!
3. Koreans drive like nervous teenagers, and yet somehow, I haven't seen any serious crashes. I've watched their feet swing back and forth between the gas and brake pedal like a champion racer. And there is nothing gentle about how they push on the pedals either! I've never been so grateful for seatbelts in my whole life.
4. Koreans can make anything! They are the MacGyver's of the world. I've watched a man take sticks and nut shells and make a beautiful forest creature out of them. I've seen piles of scrap be turned into art. Seriously, give them toothpicks and scrap cloth and you will be amazed. No lie!
5. I will never learn the language. Never. I've picked up a handful of words in the year I have been here, and I probably butcher them. Koreans are just too polite to say anything. I can't read the signs either...it's like looking at a pretty,modern art picture, trying to figure out what it means.
6. The people here can EAT! And eat, and eat, and eat. And they still stay so skinny. I'll never be able to buy clothes here. I'm a size 12 by the way. I always think I'm being rude when I refuse seconds, but I'm afraid if I agree then I'll end up wasting food...or get sick trying to eat too much. I don't know how they do it! Now, granted most of it (if not all of it) is really healthy and they can all tell you the good things those foods are supposed to do for your body. I just can't take in that much in one sitting.
7. I've learned to try everything at least once. I mean, really...when I am ever again going to be able to say that I was offered duck's butt? (Really, I've had it...surprisingly spicy!) Or that I was able to pick out my own eel? Or had some kind of fermented bean paste? Sure, there's a good possibility I won't like it, but hey...I tried it!
8. The trains here will take you ANYWHERE! Really, anywhere! The subway and speedy trains are awesome. And pretty cheap! OH, and there are buses (I haven't been brave enough to try them) off base that, again, go anywhere. And when all that fails...just walk. I'm pretty sure my legs and tush are going to be amazing when I get back to the states.
9. Never go to any tourist attraction on the weekend. The massive amount of people at them will crush you. Shudder. They pack people in here like sardines! I'm all about my personal bubble...yeah, it's been popped here. Whimper. So we travel and see things during the week, you know, when most people are at work.
10. Korea is beautiful. There really is something here for everyone. Hiking, night life, culture, museums, festivals, shopping, eating...you name it...it's here! You just have to leave base to find it. And maybe get lost a few times. And definitely stuck in traffic at least 10 times. Oh, and spend more than you planned to because, I mean really that deal is just too good to pass up!
I like it here...most days. I still really feel like a foreigner and stick out like a sore thumb, but the things I've seen and done here are amazing. I hope my next year here is just as amazing!
1. If you have blond haired, blue eyed daughters...hide them! Or cut their hair, dye it black, and give them colored contacts. They will hate you for it...right up until they see another blond girl accosted by a herd (that's right, I said herd) of little, old Korean ladies. They love to smile, and rub their hair, and speak to them in quick Korean. Even if it is really obvious the kids can't understand a word they say! We've had ladies follow us down the street, just to pet my daughters!
2. Koreans are astonishingly giving. I hate being beholden to anyone, but in Korean culture, once you are accepted as part of their family...they do A LOT for you! We have a friend who has "adopted" us into his family. So, every time we go to Busan we are not allowed to pay for ANYTHING! Thank goodness we were able to convince them to come visit us at Osan so we could return the favor!
3. Koreans drive like nervous teenagers, and yet somehow, I haven't seen any serious crashes. I've watched their feet swing back and forth between the gas and brake pedal like a champion racer. And there is nothing gentle about how they push on the pedals either! I've never been so grateful for seatbelts in my whole life.
4. Koreans can make anything! They are the MacGyver's of the world. I've watched a man take sticks and nut shells and make a beautiful forest creature out of them. I've seen piles of scrap be turned into art. Seriously, give them toothpicks and scrap cloth and you will be amazed. No lie!
5. I will never learn the language. Never. I've picked up a handful of words in the year I have been here, and I probably butcher them. Koreans are just too polite to say anything. I can't read the signs either...it's like looking at a pretty,modern art picture, trying to figure out what it means.
6. The people here can EAT! And eat, and eat, and eat. And they still stay so skinny. I'll never be able to buy clothes here. I'm a size 12 by the way. I always think I'm being rude when I refuse seconds, but I'm afraid if I agree then I'll end up wasting food...or get sick trying to eat too much. I don't know how they do it! Now, granted most of it (if not all of it) is really healthy and they can all tell you the good things those foods are supposed to do for your body. I just can't take in that much in one sitting.
7. I've learned to try everything at least once. I mean, really...when I am ever again going to be able to say that I was offered duck's butt? (Really, I've had it...surprisingly spicy!) Or that I was able to pick out my own eel? Or had some kind of fermented bean paste? Sure, there's a good possibility I won't like it, but hey...I tried it!
8. The trains here will take you ANYWHERE! Really, anywhere! The subway and speedy trains are awesome. And pretty cheap! OH, and there are buses (I haven't been brave enough to try them) off base that, again, go anywhere. And when all that fails...just walk. I'm pretty sure my legs and tush are going to be amazing when I get back to the states.
9. Never go to any tourist attraction on the weekend. The massive amount of people at them will crush you. Shudder. They pack people in here like sardines! I'm all about my personal bubble...yeah, it's been popped here. Whimper. So we travel and see things during the week, you know, when most people are at work.
10. Korea is beautiful. There really is something here for everyone. Hiking, night life, culture, museums, festivals, shopping, eating...you name it...it's here! You just have to leave base to find it. And maybe get lost a few times. And definitely stuck in traffic at least 10 times. Oh, and spend more than you planned to because, I mean really that deal is just too good to pass up!
I like it here...most days. I still really feel like a foreigner and stick out like a sore thumb, but the things I've seen and done here are amazing. I hope my next year here is just as amazing!
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