I found this post that I published from 2011. I want you to know all that has happened since this time:
"After over 20 years, I finally was able to talk to my brother, Mark, this week. I had no idea where he was, what he was doing or even if he was alive. My friend Gaylin one time offered to go with me to Denver to try to find him. I have prayed for him and thought about him so often. I am beyond thankfulness to God for bringing him back into my life. I am filled with joy just knowing he is happy and doing well, and most importantly, that he is a believer.
This reminds me, of course, of how much God loves it when a lost person is found and brought into the kingdom. We pray for years sometimes and then our prayer is answered. Sometimes our prayers are not answered, even after many years of praying. I would like to encourage you though to continue those prayers. Every prayer stands in the presence of God, active and alive, until the day we all return to our real home in Heaven. God is faithful to cherish those prayers and the hearts that prayed them. Your prayers may still bear fruit, even if you are no longer here praying them"
Since this time, my brother has moved to Joplin near us. He came on a bus, with no money, no ID and deathly ill. After about 3 weeks in the hospital with a blood infection, and the discovery of a rare skin disease, my dear hubby Fred helped him get all his necessary ID's to prove he's alive and human, and started looking for a job. He found one eventually, then moved to our town and found an even better job. He is now living on his own and enjoying making things, building things and friends and church. God is good!
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
A New Year
Another post, many months later from my last one.
Our granddaughter Riley is now a first grader! She reads at a higher level than first grade and loves math. She is fun, funny, independent, lovely, ornery. . . normal.
Our daughter, Melissa, became engaged on New Year's Eve to Steven. He is a retired Marine, a few years older, and good for Missy. They have so much in common, and Riley loves him, and he loves Riley. We are happy for them!
Been exercising at the Y for a year now. No pounds lost but I feel great. No high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Just way over my preferred weight. Will continue to work on that this year.
Art/junk journaling is my new hobby. Painting, gluing, collaging, sewn binding. Riley and I made our first journals out of paper lunch bags about a year ago. Hers turned out way better than mine! I also still like to make a jewelry piece from time to time. And crocheting, sewing and reading the too many books I've collected this past year.
My spiritual priorities this year are to continue to serve in any capacity God sets before me. More studying His word, more detailed prayer. Our LeadHer group's word for the year is Worship. My "words" for the year are "expand my spiritual circle and strive for a higher level of excellence, not accepting mediocrity."
God bless you all. . . whoever you are that are following. I'll make a better effort to keep up with blogging.
Our granddaughter Riley is now a first grader! She reads at a higher level than first grade and loves math. She is fun, funny, independent, lovely, ornery. . . normal.
Our daughter, Melissa, became engaged on New Year's Eve to Steven. He is a retired Marine, a few years older, and good for Missy. They have so much in common, and Riley loves him, and he loves Riley. We are happy for them!
Been exercising at the Y for a year now. No pounds lost but I feel great. No high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Just way over my preferred weight. Will continue to work on that this year.
Art/junk journaling is my new hobby. Painting, gluing, collaging, sewn binding. Riley and I made our first journals out of paper lunch bags about a year ago. Hers turned out way better than mine! I also still like to make a jewelry piece from time to time. And crocheting, sewing and reading the too many books I've collected this past year.
My spiritual priorities this year are to continue to serve in any capacity God sets before me. More studying His word, more detailed prayer. Our LeadHer group's word for the year is Worship. My "words" for the year are "expand my spiritual circle and strive for a higher level of excellence, not accepting mediocrity."
God bless you all. . . whoever you are that are following. I'll make a better effort to keep up with blogging.
Monday, May 11, 2015
I did not realize it had been so many years since our last entry! Time flies quickly. . . I am relearning how to post, etc. so I can help a friend set up her own blogspot tomorrow.
We have been enjoying our sweet granddaughter these last years. She started preschool last fall and will graduate next week. She will start Kindergarten in the fall. . . I am excited for her and her new adventure. She's like my own kid so I will definitely have some lonesome grandma times.
Short post for today. . .
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. . .
In His Name. . . Fred and Cindy
We have been enjoying our sweet granddaughter these last years. She started preschool last fall and will graduate next week. She will start Kindergarten in the fall. . . I am excited for her and her new adventure. She's like my own kid so I will definitely have some lonesome grandma times.
Short post for today. . .
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. . .
In His Name. . . Fred and Cindy
Friday, July 8, 2011
My Brother
After over 20 years, I finally was able to talk to my brother, Mark, this week. I had no idea where he was, what he was doing or even if he was alive. My friend Gaylin one time offered to go with me to Denver to try to find him. I have prayed for him and thought about him so often. I am beyond thankfulness to God for bringing him back into my life. I am filled with joy just knowing he is happy and doing well, and most importantly, that he is a believer.
This reminds me, of course, of how much God loves it when a lost person is found and brought into the kingdom. We pray for years sometimes and then our prayer is answered. Sometimes our prayers are not answered, even after many years of praying. I would like to encourage you though to continue those prayers. Every prayer stands in the presence of God, active and alive, until the day we all return to our real home in Heaven. God is faithful to cherish those prayers and the hearts that prayed them. Your prayers may still bear fruit, even if you are no longer here praying them.
This reminds me, of course, of how much God loves it when a lost person is found and brought into the kingdom. We pray for years sometimes and then our prayer is answered. Sometimes our prayers are not answered, even after many years of praying. I would like to encourage you though to continue those prayers. Every prayer stands in the presence of God, active and alive, until the day we all return to our real home in Heaven. God is faithful to cherish those prayers and the hearts that prayed them. Your prayers may still bear fruit, even if you are no longer here praying them.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Obligatory New Year Post
Goodbye 2010 and hello 2011. 2010 brought many changes to our family, the most significant of which was the addition of granddaughter Riley Danielle Arie Thomas. She is almost 9 months old and is a complete joy. Missy, her mama, works, so I get to take care of her every weekday.
In 2010, I reconnected with old neighbors and old friends from Colorado. It has been great to hear how their lives have turned out. Thanks to facebook, I'm able to keep in touch with several of them regularly.
The main reason I'm blogging today is to share a little about the teaching we had in church today. It was about being "all in" for Jesus. The study is 5 weeks long, and this week's installment was about bowing in worship. Real worship is not limited to time slots or places. It is the spontaneous exaltation of God, not entertainment. Real worship will involve wonder, witnessing and warfare. In this world where commitment seems to be a thing of the past, our pastor encouraged us not to be on the sidelines when it comes to our commitment to Jesus. The scripture he used was Acts 16:16-40.
Our local religious radio station has also issued a challenge to choose one word that will remind us during the year to maintain our relationship with God. My word for this year is "stand." No matter what, I will stand with the Holy Spirit at my side, my fellow warrior in this spiritual battle we call life.
Our home bible study group is studying the book "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. It is a study about the Holy Spirit. Chan also wrote "Crazy Love." I've read both and encourage you to read them if you have a chance. I'd like to hear your thoughts about them if you have a chance.
God bless you all, and I hope your 2011 is a year filled with wonder and growth (not in wealth, necessarily, but in your relationship with God).
In 2010, I reconnected with old neighbors and old friends from Colorado. It has been great to hear how their lives have turned out. Thanks to facebook, I'm able to keep in touch with several of them regularly.
The main reason I'm blogging today is to share a little about the teaching we had in church today. It was about being "all in" for Jesus. The study is 5 weeks long, and this week's installment was about bowing in worship. Real worship is not limited to time slots or places. It is the spontaneous exaltation of God, not entertainment. Real worship will involve wonder, witnessing and warfare. In this world where commitment seems to be a thing of the past, our pastor encouraged us not to be on the sidelines when it comes to our commitment to Jesus. The scripture he used was Acts 16:16-40.
Our local religious radio station has also issued a challenge to choose one word that will remind us during the year to maintain our relationship with God. My word for this year is "stand." No matter what, I will stand with the Holy Spirit at my side, my fellow warrior in this spiritual battle we call life.
Our home bible study group is studying the book "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. It is a study about the Holy Spirit. Chan also wrote "Crazy Love." I've read both and encourage you to read them if you have a chance. I'd like to hear your thoughts about them if you have a chance.
God bless you all, and I hope your 2011 is a year filled with wonder and growth (not in wealth, necessarily, but in your relationship with God).
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Venting
Haven't blogged for a long time. I've been enjoying taking care of my beautiful granddaughter, Riley Danielle Arie Thomas. She's awesome and so much fun!
I've been listening to a lot of different stories on Beck and Fox, etc. Saw the video of the two black panther members intimidating voters at the presidential election in 08. One of them later was shown venting his hatred of white people and wanting to kill white babies. He derided black men for dating white women.
I wanted to ask him what he thought about our biracial president and his feelings about the fact that Obama's mother was white and his father was black. Would he make these comments to Obama or his father in person?
This same person commented to one of the poll workers at said 08 election site that "now you'll find out what it's like to be ruled by a black man." I think what is so sad about it all is that this man probably thinks that because Obama is part black, somehow he is going to make all black people live a wonderful life now. I don't think he realizes that Obama is first and foremost a politician, just like his predecessors and cohorts, and is really only looking out for his agenda, his place in history and his own special interests.
One of the reasons I want to blog about this is because one of the main objectives of this administration (at least it seems this way to me), is to divide us and cause unrest among us. Congratulations! Mission almost accomplished. I want to encourage all of you to not engage in bashing of each other, either along party lines or because of differeing opinions. Remember, we live in a free country. Your first concern should be maintaining your freedom (your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness). This administration, along with several previous administrations, is carrying on the slow degradation of a free country. Obama will be in power at the most 8 years. We didn't get to this point of a nearly socialistic/communistic state because of one or two presidents. It's much more the result of the congress people who have been in Washington for decades. And it's OUR fault!
I will not let a few career politicians define who I am as an American. I am not mean (as Michelle Obama believes); I am not a coward (as Eric Holder thinks); I am not stupid (as Bill Maher comments); nor am I racist (as everyone in this administration, the media and activists like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton want to push down our throats). I am 57 years old. I have never once in my life, in Colorado or Missouri, or anywhere else I have traveled, heard a white person talk about hating black people. I only see racism demonstrated in sound bites and video clips.
Now, I am not saying that racism doesn't exist. After all the KKK is still alive and kicking, unfortunately, along with the Black Panthers, LaRaza and other groups of color that can't seem to move on. How do we get past this? There is only one way! As a Christian, I am called to love everyone as I love myself. When we hear someone make racist comments, we must call them into accountability. To simply say someone is racist is not acceptable: back up your comments.
I've rambled on, I know. I would like to encourage everyone to pray for a change of heart in America. As Christians, we should be encouraging peace, grace and mercy. I have made a personal commitment to pray for the black panther member who "hates every iota of a 'cracker.'" I don't know where his hatred comes from, but I know who can heal his heart of stone and give him a heart of love.
God bless.
I've been listening to a lot of different stories on Beck and Fox, etc. Saw the video of the two black panther members intimidating voters at the presidential election in 08. One of them later was shown venting his hatred of white people and wanting to kill white babies. He derided black men for dating white women.
I wanted to ask him what he thought about our biracial president and his feelings about the fact that Obama's mother was white and his father was black. Would he make these comments to Obama or his father in person?
This same person commented to one of the poll workers at said 08 election site that "now you'll find out what it's like to be ruled by a black man." I think what is so sad about it all is that this man probably thinks that because Obama is part black, somehow he is going to make all black people live a wonderful life now. I don't think he realizes that Obama is first and foremost a politician, just like his predecessors and cohorts, and is really only looking out for his agenda, his place in history and his own special interests.
One of the reasons I want to blog about this is because one of the main objectives of this administration (at least it seems this way to me), is to divide us and cause unrest among us. Congratulations! Mission almost accomplished. I want to encourage all of you to not engage in bashing of each other, either along party lines or because of differeing opinions. Remember, we live in a free country. Your first concern should be maintaining your freedom (your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness). This administration, along with several previous administrations, is carrying on the slow degradation of a free country. Obama will be in power at the most 8 years. We didn't get to this point of a nearly socialistic/communistic state because of one or two presidents. It's much more the result of the congress people who have been in Washington for decades. And it's OUR fault!
I will not let a few career politicians define who I am as an American. I am not mean (as Michelle Obama believes); I am not a coward (as Eric Holder thinks); I am not stupid (as Bill Maher comments); nor am I racist (as everyone in this administration, the media and activists like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton want to push down our throats). I am 57 years old. I have never once in my life, in Colorado or Missouri, or anywhere else I have traveled, heard a white person talk about hating black people. I only see racism demonstrated in sound bites and video clips.
Now, I am not saying that racism doesn't exist. After all the KKK is still alive and kicking, unfortunately, along with the Black Panthers, LaRaza and other groups of color that can't seem to move on. How do we get past this? There is only one way! As a Christian, I am called to love everyone as I love myself. When we hear someone make racist comments, we must call them into accountability. To simply say someone is racist is not acceptable: back up your comments.
I've rambled on, I know. I would like to encourage everyone to pray for a change of heart in America. As Christians, we should be encouraging peace, grace and mercy. I have made a personal commitment to pray for the black panther member who "hates every iota of a 'cracker.'" I don't know where his hatred comes from, but I know who can heal his heart of stone and give him a heart of love.
God bless.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Do Not Support Cap and Trade
Here is a link to a video that will give you information about the real impact cap and trade will have on the "global climate change" that is taking over the thinking of so many people. It shows how little impact anything we change will actually have. It also shows the Obama administration's true motive behind this legislation. It is not good for anyone but the few who will make millions. Do some further investigation. You may have heard derisive language from media and the white house about Glenn Beck. We have listened to him for 3 years. He is always right on the money about what he says is going to happen. He doesn't lie or present conspiracy theories. He gives you information so you can research it further. Check it out. http://media.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/40006/
Let me know what you think or if you find anything further about these topics.
Let me know what you think or if you find anything further about these topics.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sustenance
I visited a website today for the first time that is specifically for women who have experienced the death of their child(ren). I'm sure men also read the entries, since they suffer just as much as women, but I understand the thoughts behind the blogger's purpose.
I cried reading the entries, remembering the same things I went through that they were blogging about. Some were so very much in despair that I wished I could sit and cry with them and somehow encourage them. I did feel uplifted in that I felt like I wasn't alone 2 1/2 years after Dan's passing, still feeling the freshness of the pain. Still feeling so very sad, day after day, but wanting to trust the Lord to help me through; and to also minister to my husband, daughter and others as well. I know that every time I have been at my lowest points, God has been faithful to send a phone call, a card, an encouraging word, a hug. . . He is so wonderful that way. He has brought me great joy during this time also. There are people I know now that I am so thankful to have in my life, that I would not have known if it wasn't for Dan's passing. Things about Dan that I wouldn't have known, how unselfish he was, how respected and loved he was - because those are things Dan wouldn't have told us.
Don't get me wrong. I would give everything to have Dan back, including my own life; but God promises that He will be with us in our storms and will use these situations to bring us to a deeper relationship with Him, if we only trust Him!
Just wanted to let others know how good God is and that He is there, no matter what the circumstance. He will bring you through, if you only surrender to His love and grace. God bless you all today.
I cried reading the entries, remembering the same things I went through that they were blogging about. Some were so very much in despair that I wished I could sit and cry with them and somehow encourage them. I did feel uplifted in that I felt like I wasn't alone 2 1/2 years after Dan's passing, still feeling the freshness of the pain. Still feeling so very sad, day after day, but wanting to trust the Lord to help me through; and to also minister to my husband, daughter and others as well. I know that every time I have been at my lowest points, God has been faithful to send a phone call, a card, an encouraging word, a hug. . . He is so wonderful that way. He has brought me great joy during this time also. There are people I know now that I am so thankful to have in my life, that I would not have known if it wasn't for Dan's passing. Things about Dan that I wouldn't have known, how unselfish he was, how respected and loved he was - because those are things Dan wouldn't have told us.
Don't get me wrong. I would give everything to have Dan back, including my own life; but God promises that He will be with us in our storms and will use these situations to bring us to a deeper relationship with Him, if we only trust Him!
Just wanted to let others know how good God is and that He is there, no matter what the circumstance. He will bring you through, if you only surrender to His love and grace. God bless you all today.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Inspiration
I had this post on my facebook page this morning and had to share. It has so many thoughts and feelings that Fred and I experienced after Dan passed away. Read also the November 1 entry from My Utmost For His Highest titled "Ye Are Not Your Own." (www.myutmostforhishighest.org) It fits right in with these precious thoughts. I hope this encourages you today:
"I just finished a book by Cindi Broaddus. An unknown assailant dropped a gallon jar of sulfuric acid from an overpass; it crashed through the windshield of the car Cindi was in, showering her with glass and acid. She was burned almost beyond recognition and was given a less than 30% chance of survival. She writes:
I know one thing - it's not going to help me to ask, "Why me? What have I done to deserve this? Why has God allowed this to happen to me?" Those are not my questions.... [Asking why] implies that something so horrible should happen to someone else, that I should somehow be immune to the most difficult challenges in life, but that it is understandable if someone else is not. I prefer asking, "Why not me?" Let it be me over (my loved ones). Did someone else deserve it more? Of course not.... "What goes around comes around," people tend to say. If that's true, what did do to deserve this? No one, and I mean no one, deserves to have misfortune befall them. But as sure as there is life, we will all be tested at some point.
Later she writes: "Every survivor finds a new version of normal because we can never return everything to the way it was."
Someone once told me: the value of sorrow is that it never leaves us where it finds us."
"I just finished a book by Cindi Broaddus. An unknown assailant dropped a gallon jar of sulfuric acid from an overpass; it crashed through the windshield of the car Cindi was in, showering her with glass and acid. She was burned almost beyond recognition and was given a less than 30% chance of survival. She writes:
I know one thing - it's not going to help me to ask, "Why me? What have I done to deserve this? Why has God allowed this to happen to me?" Those are not my questions.... [Asking why] implies that something so horrible should happen to someone else, that I should somehow be immune to the most difficult challenges in life, but that it is understandable if someone else is not. I prefer asking, "Why not me?" Let it be me over (my loved ones). Did someone else deserve it more? Of course not.... "What goes around comes around," people tend to say. If that's true, what did do to deserve this? No one, and I mean no one, deserves to have misfortune befall them. But as sure as there is life, we will all be tested at some point.
Later she writes: "Every survivor finds a new version of normal because we can never return everything to the way it was."
Someone once told me: the value of sorrow is that it never leaves us where it finds us."
Monday, January 11, 2010
Economy and Other Important Stuff
I received a great email this morning from the Everyday Cheapskate site. I thought you all would be interested in. The email talks about 6 ways we can help the economy and one of them is:
Buy American. We need to get manufacturing and production to return to the USA as soon as possible. When it fits within your budget to buy goods and services, let's do everything we can to buy American. Look for companies that are producing products for homes and families at websites like StillMadeinUSA.com and MadeinUSA.com.
As we watch the debates on television about global warming or climate change, health care reform, cap and trade, I continually hear people saying "the debate is over on this issue." As far as I am concerned, debate is never over on these changing issues, or any issues for that matter. How many times has science reversed itself on issues that they say were irrefutable?
However, the debate IS over for one truth: the truth that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. That debate was finished when Jesus gave his life on the cross for all of us. . . ALL of us. So, when you hear folks rambling on about there being no more debate on a topic, I encourage you to be bold and remind them that there is only one thing in this life that is non-debatable and finished.
Since it seems to us that time is growing short on this earth, we need to be about our Father's business, which is to spread his gospel of love. Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength; and love each other as you love yourself.
God bless you all today!
Buy American. We need to get manufacturing and production to return to the USA as soon as possible. When it fits within your budget to buy goods and services, let's do everything we can to buy American. Look for companies that are producing products for homes and families at websites like StillMadeinUSA.com and MadeinUSA.com.
As we watch the debates on television about global warming or climate change, health care reform, cap and trade, I continually hear people saying "the debate is over on this issue." As far as I am concerned, debate is never over on these changing issues, or any issues for that matter. How many times has science reversed itself on issues that they say were irrefutable?
However, the debate IS over for one truth: the truth that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. That debate was finished when Jesus gave his life on the cross for all of us. . . ALL of us. So, when you hear folks rambling on about there being no more debate on a topic, I encourage you to be bold and remind them that there is only one thing in this life that is non-debatable and finished.
Since it seems to us that time is growing short on this earth, we need to be about our Father's business, which is to spread his gospel of love. Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength; and love each other as you love yourself.
God bless you all today!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy 2010
Well, it's almost 2010 and I feel compelled to make a comment, since it's been a long time since I last blogged. This year will be a big year for our family since Missy will be having a baby in April (Riley Danielle). This will be a fresh start for us as well a bittersweet time. I'm not one for making resolutions or starting new programs or projects, but this year Fred and I do plan to enjoy being grandparents to the fullest extent possible! LOL. Still enjoying retirement and our new church family. God bless you all and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Comments
I've been wondering why no one posts a comment on this blog, so I went through the settings and made a change. You should be able to post a comment now. If someone would please do a test comment, I would appreciate it so I can check to make sure the changes I made work. Thank you! Cindy
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Don't Be Afraid
Our church small group just finished a six-week study of "The Relationship Principles of Jesus" by Tom Holladay, teaching pastor at Saddleback Church. It was a fantastic study about Jesus' commandments to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul; and to love each other as we love ourselves.
My favorite excerpt from the study is a scripture: Romans 12:1 from The Message:
"Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering."
I also liked this excerpt: "The goal of love is not some false ideal we've conjured up in our minds; the goal of love is SEEING GOD AT WORK in our real lives. . . Ask God to help you to love in a new kind of way. Stop waiting for some ideal vision to come true in your life and just begin to love. Love now!"
The book also suggested writing the following words on a postcard to remind ourselves about humility:
"Humility is not thinking less of myself; it is thinking more of others.
Humility is not putting myself down; it is lifting God up.
Humility is not denying my strengths; it is being openly honest about my weaknesses.
Humility is seeing that without Christ I can do nothing, but in Christ I can do all things!"
We don't need to FEEL humble to ACT humbly. If we waited to FEEL like showing mercy or grace, or study the Word, pray, etc., many of us, myself included, wouldn't actually do those things. God calls us to do such simple things: visit the sick and imprisoned; feed/clothe the poor; love one another; spread the Gospel, pray, spend time with Him. He equips us for these very things. He has prepared in advance good works for us to do. He encourages us to not be weary in well doing. He gives us talents, not to build some kind of an altar around but to use while we share the Gospel, visit the sick and imprisoned, feed and clothe the poor and love one another. God is faithful to provide those opportunities.
In other words, don't let excuses keep you from God's commandments. You may be busy; it may make you feel uncomfortable; or you may even say God hasn't called you to do such and such. Do it anyway! What blessings we miss when we try to limit God's work with our own idea of how our talents should be used.
Hope this is an encouragement to you today. We will never be perfect on our own to do what God has called us to do; but with Him we are completely equipped to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul, and to love each other as we love ourselves.
God bless! Cindy
My favorite excerpt from the study is a scripture: Romans 12:1 from The Message:
"Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering."
I also liked this excerpt: "The goal of love is not some false ideal we've conjured up in our minds; the goal of love is SEEING GOD AT WORK in our real lives. . . Ask God to help you to love in a new kind of way. Stop waiting for some ideal vision to come true in your life and just begin to love. Love now!"
The book also suggested writing the following words on a postcard to remind ourselves about humility:
"Humility is not thinking less of myself; it is thinking more of others.
Humility is not putting myself down; it is lifting God up.
Humility is not denying my strengths; it is being openly honest about my weaknesses.
Humility is seeing that without Christ I can do nothing, but in Christ I can do all things!"
We don't need to FEEL humble to ACT humbly. If we waited to FEEL like showing mercy or grace, or study the Word, pray, etc., many of us, myself included, wouldn't actually do those things. God calls us to do such simple things: visit the sick and imprisoned; feed/clothe the poor; love one another; spread the Gospel, pray, spend time with Him. He equips us for these very things. He has prepared in advance good works for us to do. He encourages us to not be weary in well doing. He gives us talents, not to build some kind of an altar around but to use while we share the Gospel, visit the sick and imprisoned, feed and clothe the poor and love one another. God is faithful to provide those opportunities.
In other words, don't let excuses keep you from God's commandments. You may be busy; it may make you feel uncomfortable; or you may even say God hasn't called you to do such and such. Do it anyway! What blessings we miss when we try to limit God's work with our own idea of how our talents should be used.
Hope this is an encouragement to you today. We will never be perfect on our own to do what God has called us to do; but with Him we are completely equipped to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul, and to love each other as we love ourselves.
God bless! Cindy
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Racism
I've been so discouraged, appalled really, lately about the use of the word "racist" in the media that I am compelled to blog. I have been researching the origins or slavery, and how the democratic and republican parties have handled racism/discrimination for the past 100+ years and have found out some interesting information. You can visit these sites for more info if you have time, but I'll briefly describe what I've found below. http://africanhistory.about.com/od/slavery/tp/TransAtlantic001.htm#;
http://www.nodnc.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=401.
I found articles about Republican racism, but didn't find much in the way of actual voting records. I researched by typing in "history of African slavery", "democratic racism" and "republican racism" in Google search.
The Portugese started slavery and bought African people to be used as slaves from their own African kings and merchants. They were then distributed throughout Europe and America. Most of the slaves brought to America were sent to S. America. The Republican party was the driving force behind the elimination of slavery in America.
The Democratic party has a long, sad history of racism (KKK was started by the Democratic party). There are racISTS on all sides, but racISM is far more ingrained in the history of the Democratic party. I am not trying to demonize anyone, but we all need to remember not to throw rocks when we live in glass houses.
My main point with this blog is to encourage you not to fall for the judgmental and partisan rhetoric we hear on a daily basis, especially when it comes to the "racist" accusations being thrown around. Sometimes, the racism rhetoric keeps people in business and in the news. It's also a way to divide us, and thus discouraging us from loving each other and really moving beyond racism. The fact we elected a biracial president is maybe the biggest indicator that we are actually doing that.
FYI: Skin color means no more to me than eye color, hair color, gender, height, weight, etc. I confess only one prejudice, and that is against prejudiced people.
http://www.nodnc.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=401.
I found articles about Republican racism, but didn't find much in the way of actual voting records. I researched by typing in "history of African slavery", "democratic racism" and "republican racism" in Google search.
The Portugese started slavery and bought African people to be used as slaves from their own African kings and merchants. They were then distributed throughout Europe and America. Most of the slaves brought to America were sent to S. America. The Republican party was the driving force behind the elimination of slavery in America.
The Democratic party has a long, sad history of racism (KKK was started by the Democratic party). There are racISTS on all sides, but racISM is far more ingrained in the history of the Democratic party. I am not trying to demonize anyone, but we all need to remember not to throw rocks when we live in glass houses.
My main point with this blog is to encourage you not to fall for the judgmental and partisan rhetoric we hear on a daily basis, especially when it comes to the "racist" accusations being thrown around. Sometimes, the racism rhetoric keeps people in business and in the news. It's also a way to divide us, and thus discouraging us from loving each other and really moving beyond racism. The fact we elected a biracial president is maybe the biggest indicator that we are actually doing that.
FYI: Skin color means no more to me than eye color, hair color, gender, height, weight, etc. I confess only one prejudice, and that is against prejudiced people.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Back Home from Texas
We visited Cindy's Uncle Delwin Thompson (age 88) in Texas these past 9 days. Uncle Del is Cindy's father's brother, and he gave her away at our wedding in 1975, since Cindy's father had passed away the year before. We've visited off and on over the years and taken family trips together to Branson, Galveston and San Antonio. Cindy's sister Connie from Colorado and her daughter Gennie and granddaughter Annie came, as well as her sister Cathi from Florida. We had a nderful reunion which culminated with the baptism by Uncle Del of 16-month old Annie and Cindy's sister Cathi. It was a truly special time.
We also visited Uncle Del's church, Lake Livingston Luthern Church, which was a beautiful experience. Very friendly and loving group of people; Pastor Sharon Kapsch was a wonderful and powerful minister of the word; prayer for members of the congregation and to top it off. . . a special dinner in honor of my uncle. This church really loves Jesus and reaches out to the poor, needy, broken hearted, and imprisoned with their time and finances. If you are ever in Onalaska, TX, visit this fantastic place.
It was a great time, but glad to be back home. Our watermelon went from the size of a walnut to the size of a cantaloupe in the short time we were gone! Awesome! It was a lot colder when we got back also! We like that. Texas was rainy on some days, but mostly hot and muggy . . and buggy!
That's it for now. More. . . later. God bless you all!
We also visited Uncle Del's church, Lake Livingston Luthern Church, which was a beautiful experience. Very friendly and loving group of people; Pastor Sharon Kapsch was a wonderful and powerful minister of the word; prayer for members of the congregation and to top it off. . . a special dinner in honor of my uncle. This church really loves Jesus and reaches out to the poor, needy, broken hearted, and imprisoned with their time and finances. If you are ever in Onalaska, TX, visit this fantastic place.
It was a great time, but glad to be back home. Our watermelon went from the size of a walnut to the size of a cantaloupe in the short time we were gone! Awesome! It was a lot colder when we got back also! We like that. Texas was rainy on some days, but mostly hot and muggy . . and buggy!
That's it for now. More. . . later. God bless you all!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Why blog?
My (Cindy's) sister in Florida asked me what a blog was (she's new to blogging). Our son Dan said it best in one of his blog entries dated 1/26/07:
"The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all people and all time." George Bernard Shaw
Dan's blog continues: "This morning I read this and it immediately made me ponder why blogs, to me, are so interesting to read. My favorite blogs are often just people writing about themselves and what they do or think. Duane writing about farm life at Geek Acres; Zach writing about photography or whatever else comes to his mind; Granny writng about her life and observations; Jack ranting erratically, the list goes on and on. Some might consider blogs egotistical and silly, but I find them comforting and entertaining. You get to see the world through other people's eyes in a very personal way. You can see what they see, how they see it, and how they are thinking about it. I enjoy that and I think I gain more perspective and insight about the real world and the day to day grind from that than I get by watching the news or Discovery Channel. I don't know if that is what Shaw was getting at, but that's how I read it."
Dan hit the nail on the head here. Whenever we read his blog entries now, we can hear his voice and his heart. What a wonderful view of his life he left for us, and what an encouragement to continue that process by blogging with you all. He'd love that we are doing this. Our blogs are not as interesting as his - he had such great wit, intelligence and insights; but hopefully we'll provide some interesting tidbits and news - or even light reading on a break at work! :)
"The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all people and all time." George Bernard Shaw
Dan's blog continues: "This morning I read this and it immediately made me ponder why blogs, to me, are so interesting to read. My favorite blogs are often just people writing about themselves and what they do or think. Duane writing about farm life at Geek Acres; Zach writing about photography or whatever else comes to his mind; Granny writng about her life and observations; Jack ranting erratically, the list goes on and on. Some might consider blogs egotistical and silly, but I find them comforting and entertaining. You get to see the world through other people's eyes in a very personal way. You can see what they see, how they see it, and how they are thinking about it. I enjoy that and I think I gain more perspective and insight about the real world and the day to day grind from that than I get by watching the news or Discovery Channel. I don't know if that is what Shaw was getting at, but that's how I read it."
Dan hit the nail on the head here. Whenever we read his blog entries now, we can hear his voice and his heart. What a wonderful view of his life he left for us, and what an encouragement to continue that process by blogging with you all. He'd love that we are doing this. Our blogs are not as interesting as his - he had such great wit, intelligence and insights; but hopefully we'll provide some interesting tidbits and news - or even light reading on a break at work! :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Be Still
I have been reading a book by Taylor Caldwell, a woman who wrote novels from 1938 through 1966. I've read a couple of her books, but this one is special. It's titled "No One Hears But Him." It's about different "souls" who go to a Sanctuary built on a hill in the middle of a city, where they can talk to someone. That someone, of course, is God. Each soul has a special problem (the minister, the unbeliever, the suicidal, the old and young, the suffering and the ones who think they have it all and don't need God) that they come to the Sanctuary to talk about. Some come unwillingly or with an "agenda," but all encounter God at their level and with their own needs. Here is an excerpt from one of the stories that is so appropriate for us today, 40+ years after this book was written:
"Be still. Be very still. Be removed from all the busyness of life, if only for a little space, a little time. Be still enough not to hear all the world's pleasant voices, or even the ugly ones. Just be silent. 'Be still and know that I am God.' And in the knowing, know that all is well; and on some day you know not of, all will be explained. [note by CF: this reminded me of the saying that Dan and his friends coined about death: no more questions, only answers.] Be still and know that you can bear your life, that it has a distinct and unique meaning, belonging only to you; important more to God than even to yourself. And that to God, it is of more worth than the sun, than a billion suns. With that importance in his heart, he can walk fearless, joyful with a true joy, peaceful with a peace that no pleasure can give and no busy life can satisfy."
"Be still. Be very still. Be removed from all the busyness of life, if only for a little space, a little time. Be still enough not to hear all the world's pleasant voices, or even the ugly ones. Just be silent. 'Be still and know that I am God.' And in the knowing, know that all is well; and on some day you know not of, all will be explained. [note by CF: this reminded me of the saying that Dan and his friends coined about death: no more questions, only answers.] Be still and know that you can bear your life, that it has a distinct and unique meaning, belonging only to you; important more to God than even to yourself. And that to God, it is of more worth than the sun, than a billion suns. With that importance in his heart, he can walk fearless, joyful with a true joy, peaceful with a peace that no pleasure can give and no busy life can satisfy."
Sunday, August 16, 2009
This week
Well, this is our toughest week of the year. The anniversary of our son, Dan's, passing. It seems harder this year than last year - not sure why. When you lose a child, you never really get over it. You just kind of go on, whether you want to or not. We cherished Dan - he was a wonderful person, and have great memories of him, but boy it's tough.
I hope you are all hanging in there through these tough times. There are a couple of websites you might be interested in if you are trying to save money, etc. Everyday Cheapskate is a great little daily newsletter with lots of tips for saving money and living simply. Debt Proof Living is another site that you may want to visit - the same person operates both of these resources. See link on the right side. You can subscribe to Everyday Cheapskate from the DPL site.
Please feel free to leave comments about our site. We are new to blogging, so it is definitely a learning process.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Good morning all! It is a beautiful late summer morning. I've been out "harvesting" green beans and tomatoes. I prepared and froze the beans for future use. I don't can - too much "stuff" so we freeze. The veggies actually taste better that way.
I've been listening to "health reform" debates on Fox News this morning. I also received an email from David Axelrod in the White House. Lots of information out there. I guess if you really wanted the scoop, you could go to the website where the text of the health bill is. That is if you have lots of time and patience to wade through it. Should we really be voting on a bill that is so long none of our elected officials want to read it? I'm for a targeted approach: focus on tort reform; fraud control; pre-existing condition reform, etc. As for the uninsured, that issue really needs to be looked at more closely for a better and more comprehensive approach than what is apparently proposed in this bill.
I visit www.factcheck.org quite often to get a basic understanding of what misinformation is being put forth by both sides. I encourage you to actively check this issue out and then let your representatives know what you expect from them. This is way too important an issue to just sit back and hope the folks in Washington will "get it right."
Catch you next time! I look forward to your comments! God bless!
I've been listening to "health reform" debates on Fox News this morning. I also received an email from David Axelrod in the White House. Lots of information out there. I guess if you really wanted the scoop, you could go to the website where the text of the health bill is. That is if you have lots of time and patience to wade through it. Should we really be voting on a bill that is so long none of our elected officials want to read it? I'm for a targeted approach: focus on tort reform; fraud control; pre-existing condition reform, etc. As for the uninsured, that issue really needs to be looked at more closely for a better and more comprehensive approach than what is apparently proposed in this bill.
I visit www.factcheck.org quite often to get a basic understanding of what misinformation is being put forth by both sides. I encourage you to actively check this issue out and then let your representatives know what you expect from them. This is way too important an issue to just sit back and hope the folks in Washington will "get it right."
Catch you next time! I look forward to your comments! God bless!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Welcome to Our New Blog
Well, we (Cindy and Fred Feather) finally decided to give blogging a try. Our son, Daniel, had a fantastic and fun blog site, Atomic Baboon, which we thoroughly enjoyed. He passed away on August 18, 2007. He is greatly missed.
We also have a wonderful daughter, Melissa Rae Mittag, the light of our life.
Well, just a brief note to get this going. More . . . later.
We also have a wonderful daughter, Melissa Rae Mittag, the light of our life.
Well, just a brief note to get this going. More . . . later.
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