Again, I wish I could take credit for this little story, but I can't. All I can take credit for is finding it and passing it along to all of you. It does reflect my sentiments, however, so that is something. I "borrowed" it from: http://www.joyfulheart.com/thanksgiving/overflowing.htm
Normal complaining comes all too easily to my lips.
So when I read Colossians 2:6-7 it hits home. The phrase, "overflowing with thankfulness," begins to repeat itself over and over in my mind.
"Overflowing" -- "abounding," some translations say -- brings the mental picture of the Thanksgiving cornucopia spilling out an abundant harvest blessing. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." What is in my heart? Complaining? Selfishness? Pride? -- or Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is the mark of a Christian, because thanksgiving points out and up while my complaining points only back to me and feeds my pride and dissatisfaction. Thanksgiving towards God and man fits the Great Commandment like a glove, to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. What better vehicle than thankfulness to express love?
The Pillsbury Doughboy® has that endearing quality that when you poke him he doesn't flare up but automatically responds with a friendly, perky, "Oh!" I want to be like him. Not so plump, mind you, but that full of friendliness. When someone pokes me I want my first instinct to be thankfulness rather than anger. I want people to find thankfulness oozing out of me. I want thanksgiving to mark my conversation and manner. I want to abound with it, be full of it. I want to overflow with thankfulness.
How about you?
Colossians 2:6-7 reads: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (NIV)
It's me again...I know it is a little preachy, but I am feeling preachy these days and it all makes a lot of sense. I have a lot to be thankful for and I waste alot of time complaining when I should be thanking God for all the blessings in my life. I am going to try to be a better person. To be more like the "Swiss Miss" and not be so confrontational. I am going to be a happier mommy and give my kids more joy and less worries. They are good kids ~ great kids ~ and I am going to make sure they know that and enjoy it! My husband works hard and carries a lot on his shoulders ~ he is a great husband and father and does not need to hear me complaining about useless things. He is going to hear more thankfulness and cheerfulness from me nowadays! He deserves it.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Snarky
Be very careful when you forward something to me. I may take it too seriously and you may get caught in the tangled web that I weave. Truth be told, I was just bored and thought that I would be "snarky" and respond and then things got a little funny.... It all started with the forward "flavor of the month" about The Golden Compass. I had gotten that email forwarded about 10-15 times and this time, some gal (that I do not know) responded and then it spiraled from there. Read and enjoy....
By the way, nothing has been edited with the exception of real person's email addresses and last names.
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 7:29 PM
Subject: Fwd: FW: The Golden Compass
In case you have not heard about this movie... There will be a new children's movie out in December called "The Golden Compass" starring Nicole Kidman. The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" that was written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia". His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ that are portrayed in the Narnia series. Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants to "kill God in the minds of children". It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed." While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ. "The Golden Compass" is set to premier on December 7, during the Christmas season, and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas. Please consider a boycott of the movie and the books. Also, pass this information along to everyone you know. This will help to educate parents, so that they will know the agenda of the movie.
Subject: Fwd: FW: The Golden Compass
In case you have not heard about this movie... There will be a new children's movie out in December called "The Golden Compass" starring Nicole Kidman. The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" that was written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia". His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ that are portrayed in the Narnia series. Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants to "kill God in the minds of children". It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed." While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ. "The Golden Compass" is set to premier on December 7, during the Christmas season, and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas. Please consider a boycott of the movie and the books. Also, pass this information along to everyone you know. This will help to educate parents, so that they will know the agenda of the movie.
To: Margaret
Subject: FW: The Golden Compass
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 08:08:48 -0600
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 08:08:48 -0600
From: Jenni
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:14 PM
RE: The Golden Compass
The movie's director has taken out all references to atheism, so please, take your kids to see the movie. . . they would enjoy it. It's fantasy people. Censorship sucks!
Jen M.
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:14 PM
RE: The Golden Compass
The movie's director has taken out all references to atheism, so please, take your kids to see the movie. . . they would enjoy it. It's fantasy people. Censorship sucks!
Jen M.
From: Margaret
To: Jenni, Shelley
Subject: RE: FW: The Golden Compass
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 14:57:05 -0600
To: Jenni, Shelley
Subject: RE: FW: The Golden Compass
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 14:57:05 -0600
Censorship does not suck as much as the liberals suck the life and fun and celebration out of many of our Christian holidays. I don't need to watch yet another preachy preachy, holier than thou (pardon the religious references) hollywood movie that (underhandedly or right on the surface, whichever way they decide will make them the most money) slams my beliefs!
Nothing personal against Jenni as I do not know her. And, sorry if this offends your friend, Shelley, but I had to get on my soapbox for this one!
Margaret
Nothing personal against Jenni as I do not know her. And, sorry if this offends your friend, Shelley, but I had to get on my soapbox for this one!
Margaret
From: Jenni
To: Margaret
To: Margaret
Subject: RE: The Golden Compass
Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:47:32 +0000
As the philosopher Sun Tzu said, "know your enemy." Keep the lines of communication open with your children; when you forbid them to read a book or see a movie based on your organized religion's beliefs, you cannot expect them to be honest and open with you, or come to you to ask for guidance. This is when a child rebels and the consequences could be devastating. You don't offend me because we have differing opinions, nor do I dislike you-I don't even know you. That's what makes America beautiful, we can follow any religion we want, we can say whatever we want as long as we don't cause direct harm. Yes, some groups have taken things too far. That's why we need to decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong and try to live our lives the best we can, as individuals. People blindly following what a forwarded email sent by someone they don't know, that's ignorance and that offends me. Decide for yourself, that's all I'm saying. By the way, all this controversy will probably help the movie make millions of dollars more than it would have, had groups not decided to protest it! Funny how that works.
Have a good night,
Jenni
From: Margaret
To: Jenni
Subject: RE: The Golden Compass
Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007 12:16:38 -0600
As a parent, I will most certainly censor what my children watch and read and search on the internet. I am their mother and their protector of what I feel is right and wrong (that is what a good parent does). When they are adults, they can decide those things for themselves. With my guidance and love, they will, like I did, not rebel, but embrace my belief system and pass it along to their children. Have a Mery Christmas!
Margaret
Margaret
From: Jenni
To: Margaret
Subject: RE: The Golden Compass
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:15:03 +0000
As a Catholic, I too hope you have a Merry Christmas! And, I too am a good parent. I wasn't trying to be snarky, or insult you, just communicating. Now I'm done and sincerely wish you all the best.
Jenni
To: Margaret
Subject: RE: The Golden Compass
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:15:03 +0000
As a Catholic, I too hope you have a Merry Christmas! And, I too am a good parent. I wasn't trying to be snarky, or insult you, just communicating. Now I'm done and sincerely wish you all the best.
Jenni
And so it ends...finally. Though, you do not know how desperately I wanted to be the one with the last word. But, I decided to let her have it, instead. I guess that is just the type of person I am...a giver!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Made in the USA: Spoiled brats
Okay, this is really what I started this blog for in the first place ~ to spout off ~ but then I decided to just use it to ponder and, hopefully, entertain. But, I could not overlook sharing this one with you all.
This was written a year ago, but very timely with Thanksgiving just around the corner and all that we are being bombarded with as the approach of the election year looms upon us....
God Bless America...no matter how screwed up the people that live here tend to be. At least we are living free. In my opinion, a little too "free" at times...or at least some of the freedoms (like that of free speech) are taken way for granted and almost to an extreme. It often sickens me! But, I digress....
From Craig R. Smith, Worldnet Daily.
Made in the USA: Spoiled brats
Posted: November 20, 20061:00 a.m. Eastern
The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The same magazine that employs Michael (Qurans in the toilets at Gitmo) Isikoff. Here I promised myself this week I would be nice and I start off in this way. Oh what a mean man I am.
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did � insane!
Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:
This was written a year ago, but very timely with Thanksgiving just around the corner and all that we are being bombarded with as the approach of the election year looms upon us....
God Bless America...no matter how screwed up the people that live here tend to be. At least we are living free. In my opinion, a little too "free" at times...or at least some of the freedoms (like that of free speech) are taken way for granted and almost to an extreme. It often sickens me! But, I digress....
From Craig R. Smith, Worldnet Daily.
Made in the USA: Spoiled brats
Posted: November 20, 20061:00 a.m. Eastern
The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The same magazine that employs Michael (Qurans in the toilets at Gitmo) Isikoff. Here I promised myself this week I would be nice and I start off in this way. Oh what a mean man I am.
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did � insane!
Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:
''What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on theI suggest this Thanksgiving we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful generation.'' A far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy.
earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom.
Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States,
'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and
purpose of man.' Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble
heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and
theirs.''
NO More Excuses!
Okay, gal scouts, here it is. I can not believe it has been over two weeks since I last blogged! My how time flies when you are inching closer to 40! I have been so much better with getting my excercise in, but so much worse with what I have been eating. Though last week, I only got 3 sessions in; this week, I will work towards five, but I make no promises.
I just came from signing my life away to Aspen Athletic Clubs beginning December 1. Where I will have no excuses. I can go, drop the kids off in the play area, work out, sauna, shower and then pick up the kiddies for an afternoon of running errands without the guilt of thinking I wish I would have excercised today or when am I going to excercise... I have no excuses now!
The kids are looking forward to being able to play like wild animals and my hope is that they will come home exhausted. I am actually excited about this! Though it is not going to help me get to where I need to be by the big 4 OH! Hopefully, it will get me not so entirely embarrased about being in a swimsuit in February in the Bahamas Baby!
I am going to HIT IT! And, hopefully, enjoy it.
Sorry, nothing to laugh at here today. I am dead serious! I have got to get this buddha body into "keeping up with the kids shape". I am so exhausted half the time and I need to get re-energized! I am going to be 50 soon (well, not for ten years, but time does fly)and my kids are going to be 12, 14 and 16. I will need major energy to handle that time of their lives.
Oh, Lord, hear me now and be there then!
I just came from signing my life away to Aspen Athletic Clubs beginning December 1. Where I will have no excuses. I can go, drop the kids off in the play area, work out, sauna, shower and then pick up the kiddies for an afternoon of running errands without the guilt of thinking I wish I would have excercised today or when am I going to excercise... I have no excuses now!
The kids are looking forward to being able to play like wild animals and my hope is that they will come home exhausted. I am actually excited about this! Though it is not going to help me get to where I need to be by the big 4 OH! Hopefully, it will get me not so entirely embarrased about being in a swimsuit in February in the Bahamas Baby!
I am going to HIT IT! And, hopefully, enjoy it.
Sorry, nothing to laugh at here today. I am dead serious! I have got to get this buddha body into "keeping up with the kids shape". I am so exhausted half the time and I need to get re-energized! I am going to be 50 soon (well, not for ten years, but time does fly)and my kids are going to be 12, 14 and 16. I will need major energy to handle that time of their lives.
Oh, Lord, hear me now and be there then!
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