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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Heartache, Life, and Death

 ****DISCLAIMER*****       There is some graphic and disturbing information and graphics below.  I want to warn you, if you have suffered the loss of a child, there may be trigger points...please feel free to hit the back button on your browser.  



My heart has been aching today due to the decision that our supreme court handing down 41 years ago.  Just in case you are completely unaware, it was the Roe vs. Wade case that brought about a “woman’s right to choice.”   I think one of the reasons behind my sadness is a long to hold my son again.  I cannot imagine not having him.  It has been nearly 2.5 years since I last held my dear son in my arms.  I find many days I can close my eyes and hear his sweet giggle, his silly playful attitude, and see his big blue eyes and dimpled face.  Life is so special.

Proverbs 22: 22-23 says, “Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush those who suffer at the gate. 23 For the Lord will stand by them and help them, and take the life of those who rob them.” (NLV)

The Message translation puts it this way, “Don’t walk on the poor just because they’re poor,
and don’t use your position to crush the weak, Because God will come to their defense; the life you took, he’ll take from you and give back to them.”

According to the CDC, in 2010 7665,651legal induced abortions were reported (in 49 locations…not counting illegal & non reported ones also performed.) and the ratio at which they were performed is astounding to me: 228 abortions per 1,000 live births.  What has our nation become that we now devalue life so much?

“Don’t use your position to crush the weak.”


This past year illegal abortions and the horrendous deaths that these children suffer were brought to our nation’s attention due to the “house of horror” clinic run by Kermit Gosnell in Philadelphia.  What this man did was reprehensible.  Not only did he take advantage of and rob the poor, he mutilated – not only crushed- the weak babies.  Here is a medical diagram showing similar procedures. EXCEPT this so called doctor would partially deliver the baby and snip his/her brain stem & in around 100 cases he actually delivered the baby (staff saw/heard the living child) and then he snipped the spinal cord.


“Don’t use your position to crush the weak.”
 
 We have become a society that looks at convenience rather that what is right.  Hitler had nothing compared to the numbers of babies that our society is allowing to be murdered daily. DAILY.  OH, that makes my stomach just churn.  We must stand up for these children.

Maybe this infuriates me becuase I know the pain of a miscarriage. Personally.  I also have watched friends go through the loss of children.  It doesn't matter if this loss happens 6 weeks, 13 weeks, or 30 weeks....the pain and heartache is there.  Everyday.  Yes, joy can be found....but there are those moments when you wonder. "What would he have looked like?" "Is she playing in heaven with Grandpa?"

We must make a stand.  Protect those that cannot speak yet.

 “Don’t use your position to crush the weak.”




Going back to Proverbs, we are also told, ..."the Lord will stand by them and help them, and take the life of those who rob them."  I really like how The Message says, "God will come to their defense; the life you took, he’ll take from you and give back to them.”  

Several months ago I saw the story about abortion survivors.  One of which is Gianna Jessen.  You see, she survived what was supposed to be a late term abortion.  She is one of many survivors speaking out.  Her 17 year-old biological mother was counseled to had saline solution pumped into her uterus to allow the delivery of a dead baby.  Feel free to listen to her:


 You see, God can use want was meant for evil to do great things.  He can take a life and turn it around. Gianna said once in an interview, "A person and God always have the opportunity to progress. No matter what point you are at, you can always do something, even if it is just the tiniest thing."


Melissa Ohden is another survivor traveling and speaking out these horrible legal murders.  You see, she too was supposed to be killed by saline at about 7 months gestation.  Here she writes A Letter From An Abortion Survivor to Her Unborn Baby and it is amazing.  She shares the abortion holocaust has amounted to over 56 million lives lost! 56 million. In my opinion, that is small compared to the actual numbers....because that doesn't account for all the illegal & unknown deaths that I am sure have taken place.

I'm sure many will be offended by the term holocaust....but this is what it is.  Would you stand idly by if someone was bulldozing hundreds, thousands, or millions into giant grave pits. I would hope not.  THEN, why....WHY,....WHY do we allow this to continue.Something I read today said "If we pronounce death at the last beat of a heart....why, then do we not pronounce life at the FIRST beat of the heart.?"


 Don’t walk on the poor just because they’re poor,and 
don’t use your position to crush the weak, Because God will come to their defense; 
 the life you took, he’ll take from you and give back to them.”  Proverbs 22:22-23 (THE MESSAGE)




Sunday, January 19, 2014

Marijuana, no big deal?



I know we are supposed to respect our leaders, but really?!?  Hard to respect the person....I have seen some dumb statements. Really dumb.  But have you seen this?  0bama: Marijuana no more dangerous than alcohol

As I read this, some of his quotes are beyond dumb:

"As has been well documented, I smoked pot as a kid, and I view it as a bad habit and a vice, not very different from the cigarettes that I smoked as a young person up through a big chunk of my adult life. I don't think it is more dangerous than alcohol"

Smoking marijuana is "not something I encourage, and I've told my daughters I think it's a bad idea, a waste of time, not very healthy,"

I really have to wonder why our world is going. Well, no, I don't have to wonder. It is the end times. Revelation tells us:
13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. 19 For their power[a] is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.
20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries[b] or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

In verse 21, sorceries is actually referring to drugs.  It is the actually Greek word for pharmacy, Pharmakeia.  So its no wonder that this world is normalizing so many things that are sin, and nothing but.

That passage of scripture really lays out where we are as a world.  We must repent from our ways.  Jesus is coming soon. I feel like I could go on and on. By no means am I faultless....I am a sinner too.  I have made some poor choices in my life.  Grace is what has saved me. 

While on the topic of repentance, please feel free to take a moment and check out this "test"....please feel free to see if you are a good person.  Good Person Test

See, when we compare ourselves to the world's standards we can come out looking pretty 'good'.....but in reality, we are going to be judges by God's law.  We all have fallen short.  But God provided His son, Jesus to pay the price. He is a gracious God.

People get ready, Jesus is coming soon.

Friday, January 17, 2014

START

Over at Kansas Women Bloggers the "word of the month" is START.  Such a simple word really we all know it, right?  So I turned to my internet dictionary for a little definition.  First off, I never would have guessed that it would take up a scroll across my entire backyard....but here is that "little definition"...but seriously you should read it.  Ok, go top off your coffee first. I can wait a moment. (would you bring me one too....Peppermint mocha, please). 
Ok, Now, go ahead....read:

1start

verb \ˈstärt\
: to do the first part of something : to begin doing something
: to begin to work on, produce, or give attention to (something)
: to cause (something) to begin : to cause (something) to begin in a specified way

Full Definition of START

intransitive verb
1
a :  to move suddenly and violently :  spring <started angrily to his feet>
b :  to react with a sudden brief involuntary movement <started when a shot rang out>
2
a :  to issue with sudden force <blood starting from the wound>
b :  to come into being, activity, or operation <when does the movie start> <the rain started up again>
3
:  to protrude or seem to protrude <eyes starting from their sockets>
4
:  to become loosened or forced out of place <one of the planks has started>
5
a :  to begin a course or journey <started toward the door> <just starting out>
b :  to range from a specified initial point <the rates start at $10>
6
:  to begin an activity or undertaking; especially :  to begin work
7
:  to be a participant in a game or contest; especially :  to be in the starting lineup
transitive verb
1
:  to cause to leave a place of concealment :  flush <start a rabbit>
2
archaic :  startle, alarm
3
:  to bring up for consideration or discussion
4
:  to bring into being <start a rumor>
5
:  to cause to become loosened or displaced
6
:  to begin the use of <start a fresh loaf of bread>
7
a :  to cause to move, act, or operate <start the motor>
b :  to cause to enter a game or contest; especially :  to put in the starting lineup
c :  to care for or train during the early stages of growth and development <started plants> <a well-started coonhound>
8
:  to do or experience the first stages or actions of <started studying music at the age of five>
start something also start anything
:  to make trouble <always trying to start something> <don't start anything>
to start with
1
:  at the beginning :  initially
2
:  in any event

Examples of START

  1. They started clearing land for the new housing development.
  2. He started studying music at the age of five.
  3. As soon as you're ready to play, we'll start.
  4. Let's start with some warm-up exercises.
  5. He deleted what he wrote and started fresh.
  6. Olympic athletes start young and train hard.
  7. I started the quilt last month.
  8. Have you started your book report?
  9. We started the meeting at 6:30.
  10. She started the meeting with a brief review of the previous meeting.

Origin of START

Middle English sterten; akin to Middle High German sterzen to stand up stiffly, move quickly
First Known Use: 14th century

Related to START

Rhymes with START

2start

noun
: the time at which something begins
: the first part of an activity, development, event, etc.
: the first opportunity to begin a career

Full Definition of START

1
a :  a sudden involuntary bodily movement or reaction <woke with a start>
b :  a brief and sudden action or movement
c :  a sudden capricious impulse or outburst
2
:  a beginning of movement, activity, or development <a false start> <housing starts>
3
4
:  a place of beginning
5
:  the act or an instance of being a competitor in a race or a member of a starting lineup in a game <undefeated in six startsCurrent Biography>

Examples of START

  1. <knew from the start of the game that he would win easily>

First Known Use of START

14th century

START

abbreviation

Definition of START

strategic arms reduction talks 
 
 
 
WOW!  REALLY??  So what does that mean for me.  Well, January is a time for resolutions....but not for me.  You see I never keep at it.  So no point in even starting one.  But I do think it is a time to reflect on last year and start being intentional for this upcoming year.  Am I where I think God would have me be? Nope.  Got work to do here..... Lots. Of. Work.
 
We do have a beginning going on here within our family.  Little Bit started school in our "home school"  He had worked so hard and had the desire to be here....and not bussed to the school across town with the SPED program.  I am so happy for him.  He is SO smart.  He is about a year ahead on his reading!! WOO-HOO!! And his behavior is more like a typical 1st grader......
 
Another "start"....I have GOT to start building a better parenting toolbox.  Each day I realized my typical skills will not....well 90% of the time....work on my FASD brain-injured children.  I have to start to think through life differently.  Saves them frustration..saves me frustration...and we are a happier bunch!! 
 
On a final note...one other thing that struck me is the last definition "strategic arms reduction talks"....We have so many strategic talks around here....I think perhaps I might have more success in negotiations to reduce arms.....but oh well..... 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Single Parent Foster Care

I always like "meeting" others in/on the adventure called foster care...or foster-to-adoption....or adoption.  I am always even more interested when I find another singleton that has decided (for wahtever reason) to jump on this journey.

I like to read about your joys, struggles, concerns, celebrations, and everyday life.  I love to see how my kiddos and your say and do the silliest things.  Yes, it helps me not go crazy.  

So today, as I help kiddos with homework and reading, I thought I would look for some single foster parents blogs......

                      .....looking.......


                                    ......searching........


                                                             .................search another phrase...........


                                               .................and................search another phrase...........



     .................and search ........yet.............another phrase...........


REALLY???

I am really disappointed.  I found a few and it seems that they were all abandoned after 3 or 4...maybe 6 entries.  SAD.  I wonder why that is.

Anyone have any ideas?  Is is the discouragement of noone reading?  Is it the business of being a single parent??  (Believe me I understand that!  I was a single mom of one before this adventure....and now I have added three!)  We need each other. For support, encouragement, fellowship, ideas, a listening ear, a sounding board, laughter, and ....so much more.




Saturday, January 11, 2014

Candace Cameron Bure's "S-WORD"



OK, So I have to admit....I love Candace Cameron Bure! Not because she played "DJ" on 'Full House'....although she was awesome in that role. You see it goes so much beyond that. 


Almost three years ago, I have the privilege of seeing her speak at a church. And then had the opportunity to meet her. She was awesome. She actually sat to meet everyone that wanted to wait in line. She was kind and compassionate to my son (Who HAD to buy a t shirt that says "My favorite DJ is D.J. Tanner") spoke with him, encouraged him and signed his shirt & my book. At that time she was speaking at various places sharing her testimony and publicizing her book "Reshaping It All".


 Currently she is on a press tour for her new book "Balancing It All"My Story of Juggling Priorities and Purpose (and I CAN'T WAIT to read it!)...Dont we all try exactly that.: Be everything, to everybody, everywhere as we balance all of our various roles, responsibilities and opportunities. Candace promises to not give a step-by-step or how to rather one example of how it can be.   During a recent interview she used THE s-word.....yeah, the awful, awful, word: submissive! I mean can you believe that! HA...what an outrage. Right? Um.....


So in case you missed it, here it is:





So many take an issue with the fact that she allows her husband to be the leader in the home.  She clarifies well here by stating, on HuffPost Live, "The definition I'm using with the word 'submissive' is the biblical definition of that. So, it is meekness, it is not weakness. It is strength under control, it is bridled strength."

I totally applaud her.  There is MORE strength in submitting to one's husband that not. Oh, and just to show how week she is NOT...check out this little snap shot she posted on her Facebook page! 

She has also explained, "First Peter 3:1 says, 'In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives.'"

"It is very difficult to have two heads of authority," she told HuffPost Live. "It doesn't work in military, it doesn't work -- I mean, you have one president, you know what I'm saying?"

She is absolutely correct.  Some people that understand animals will also know...you can't have two bulls in the same pen!  Candace also states that her husband values and respects her opinions. 

I suppose that those that are not in Christ will not see that her husband is not a tyrant.  The live in partnership.  However, she submits to him, he to Christ, and Christ submitted to the Father on the cross.  If we had more biblical example living in the world, our world would not be in such CHAOS!  We need to go back to the basics.

I am, however, a realist and I know that during these end times it is only going to get worse as Christian speak of our faith and how we live.  SO, Candace, AMEN SISTER!!! Keep preaching truth in all you do! 

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

God Made Me This Mom


Well, I have been scouring everything looking for all types of resources to help me become a better parent.  I thought I really was a good parent.  My bio son & I were a dynamic duo... really.  Let me assure you NOTHING has prepared me for parenting three children newly diagnosed with full FASD.

Well, I will say, My friend Jessie over at "Then I Laughed" wrote and share this AWESOME post this morning "God Made Me This Mom"....I love Jessie and her honesty.  She shared this wonderful nugget:
“You have the exact qualities God knew your kids would need in a mother. So, each day, hold up your willingness and ask God to make you the best version of you that you can possibly be.” Lysa TerKeurst

Yes, I do follow Lysa TerKeurst via Facebook and Twitter.  I have been involved with Leading & Loving It, a ministry for women in ministry and pastor's wives for several years now.  I adore Lysa and she always gives timely wisdom.

So I guess, God prepared me.  He knew what type of struggles these kids would have.  He knew that they would need me to fight for them to even be diagnosed.  They need someone to allow them to grow and believe in them and encourage them....because THEY CAN DO IT!

God knew that they would need someone that understands loss. Someone that can be strong. Someone that will help them with the transition from foster care to adoption. Someone to help them see what family is suppose to be.  Someone to help them know love.  And someone to help them know HIM!

So, yeah, I have been prepared.  Thanks God.  Thank you for preparing me when I didn't even know it.  I am ready.  Here I am.

So, now, back to my research.  This awesome book ALL_ABOUT_ME.pdf was shared in one of my Facebook groups....it is one of the best resources yet!! Check it out if you have a FASD or other special needs child.  It is easily personalized so you can give it to everyone involved in your child's care.




....and no, I don't have it all together! That is where God and His unending Grace come in!!