Absent...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Posted in Good Health and Spirit

My apologies for not being on as much. I've been having a mix of medical issues lately and thus have had quite a bit of insomnia.

I'm hoping this and other issues change in the upcoming months, as I work toward a healthier lifestyle. In the meantime, I'll be visiting when I can, but am focusing on one day at a time until I get my energy back.

Blessings to you all!

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History- The Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave
Friday, November 14, 2008

Posted in In The Readers Den

I found out about this narrative through a book I've been reading in the Elm Creek Quilt Series by Jennifer Chiaverini.  Thus far, the book has alot to do with history and touches on slavery.  I've been really interested in History for quite some time, having also grown up in Auburn, NY. I know a thing or two about the "underground railroad" and Harriet Tubman. 

In my opinion though, to spite that my mom worked with the owner and caretaker of the Harriet Tubman Home now, I haven't delved much into serious history concerning slavery during pre and post civil war time.  While I haven't had much time to do so in the past, this Fiction series I've been reading has me ready to learn more. 

According to the Author of Elm Creek Quilt Series, Jennifer Chiaverini, there is a debate about a series of quilts that could have been used as communication between slaves running toward freedom and those homes that were considered safe to shelter in, otherwise known as the "Underground".

I became interested in knowning if this were true.  Obviousely this was a "fiction" book, but it REALLY sparked my interest.  I looked to the back of the book and Jennifer Chiaverini let her readers know that she tied some things into her book that while haven't been denied, were all the same, debated.

Throughout the book I started reading about different things I'd write out to read descriptions via google on what a paticular item was used for and to see if certain things were, in fact fiction, or had some reality to it.  I can't help it!  A spark in me turned on and I became interested.

So I looked up a paticular book that one of her characters read to a slave who needed encouragement and found that the book was in fact REAL. That book is The Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave.  In doing a search of my own, I found that the book was shared online in whole by Berkley Digital Library.  So I offer you the opportunity as well, to read about the life of Frederick Douglass.  While some of it is real and eye-opening of his time, it is also encouragement to how God used him to deliver other slaves to freedom.  His story is one NOT to be forgotten, but to be remembered and read aloud. 

Without Further Ado, take the time to read each chapter as it is offered to you. 

The Life Of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave

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How To Knit Socks I, II, III, & IV
Friday, November 14, 2008

Posted in Thrifty Crafts

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How To Darn A Sock
Friday, November 14, 2008

Posted in Thrifty Crafts

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Black Friday Deals Part I
Friday, November 14, 2008

Posted in Financial Stewardship

Over the next week I'll be posting some Black Friday deals that I find.  For those who aren't making their own gifts, this could be help to aid in the cost of "gifting" this year.  Remember, with tough times, we should set a budget and stick with it.  Buy only from stores that have HUGE deals and NEVER buy anything not on sale unless it's a necessity!

Here's my first find:

It's Holiday Offers from your local Primary Outlets Mall.

 The Holiday Offers are from Friday November 28th thru December 1, 2008

Lowes Home Improvement

Type In your zip code and look to the right. You'll find their Black Friday Add.

Ace Hardware

Flyer

Walgreens

Flyer

Rite Aid

Flyer

Sears

Flyer

Well, that's all for now.  I'll be back with more again soon.

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Thanksgiving Traditional Menu...
Thursday, November 13, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Mrs. Joseph Wood has sent out an email asking what those on her list have for Thanksgiving and the stories those dishes bring with them.  I thought  I would share here as well.

Dot (my nickname for my grandpa), Gramma and me

So what is your menu?  Do you have special memories and traditions that continue in your own homes?  Please share them with me here!

Blessings!

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Have You Honored A Veteran Today?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Posted in Good Health and Spirit

In honor of those who serve each day, those who served yesterday and those who've lost their lives: Would you please take a moment to pray for their hard work, their families they leave for months at a time, and ask God to take care of them all and bless them for serving to protect the freedoms we have today?

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Temper, temper...Update on the ghostly stove
Monday, November 10, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Good Grief!

It takes ALOT to get my temper rising. Someone thrashing scripture to hurt in the name of Christ, intentionally hurting someone, assuming when the person knows nothing or people not following through with promises they make. All of which I get REALLY irritated over time with and when it finally comes to, WATCH OUT!

I've had quite of few of those days over the past few months. Now not everything is everyone elses falt I will admit, but by golly, a question that runs through my mind quite a bit is why people can't say what they mean and mean what they say.

Today that question lingered even more. Remember that issue a few posts back having to do with the stove turning on it's own? I called the emergency hotline of the townhome I live at and the maintenance manager said everything was alright and that he'd be back on Monday to take care of things.

Meanwhile, everytime the oven went on, the range hood ((all four)) would start clicking and sparking ALL THE TIME and stay on, even if the oven wasn't on, the pilots would start clicking and turning themselves on  ALL DAY LONG.

Kinda dangerous don't ya think? Now I'm a homemaker, so I had no where to go thank goodness. But imagine if I had left the home and the sparks ignited something around my countertop. Do you think sparks would cause a fire and potentially harm not just our home with our puppies, but the neighbors homes around us who have children? Would that be an emergency do you think?

Apparently NOT for John the Maintenance supervisor. He decided NOT to show up this morning.  I gave him the benefit of the doubt and waited and waited and waited and waited.....the pilots had gone out again so I thought I was safe.  Until I decided to have oven steamed salmon with oven steamed asparagus.  It was fine until mid way through.....I heard a crack and then looked over.  I didn't see anything...a minute later...Crack, crack, crack....Pff!  There they go again...this time they're NOT stopping.

I called the 800 number and let them know I hadn't heard from John and asked them to call him again.  I waited and waited and waited. NOTHING. It was pretty late for someone to be at the apartment office, so I thought I'd call one of the offices that takes newbies around to see the place.  Apparently the night person said that there has been problems with this guy for awhile.  TELL ME ABOUT IT.  It's NOT the first time I've dealt with this guy!  She called the manager of ALL of the apartments and let them know about whats going on......He in tern called John and asked him to come back and fix what he promised to fix. 

No sooner I got off the phone, another call comes in.  It's the answering service. "Maam, John is sorry he didn't come as promised today but he wont be coming until Thurs. or Fri."  That's when it happened...I lost my temper.  You tell him to get here IMMEDIATELY!!  I cannot leave the house with all four pilots sparking uncontrollably throughout the day.  It's unsafe and EXTREMELY careless! "Sorry maam, nothing we can do". 

I called my husband screaming and crying...I hadn't been able to eat all day because I was afraid to use the stove, we were out of coldcuts, bread, etc.  All I had on hand is what I had to thaw out and cook.  I'm a diabetic and my sugar was dropping and I was moody and scared!

I also called the nice woman back at the office and she called the manager again who told John to GET OUT AND TAKE THE CALL!

He got here and I LET ER WRIP!!!  THREE days it took him, THREE DAYS.  He was careless and put the lives of children and other families at risk because he refused to take the "EMERGENCY CALL" seriousely.  I may have been more patient and less aggressive if this hadn't happen before.

Last winter, our old neighbor left his gas on in the house ALL DAY. By 11 at night I smelled gas and frantically ran out of the house.  None of the neighbors offered to let me in their homes, none showed any form of compassion. I was on my own while my husband was at work and had the car.  I called John that time and he literally said it was nothing and go back in the house.  It was too far a drive for him to come for something small.  I called the gas company because I didnt trust the smell....sure enough, the woman came in my home and it was coming in through our vents through the neighbors home.  They had to knock down the doors to neuralize the place. 

Because of this dummys lack of follow through, the whole building...maybe even the block could have blown and lives would have been taken.

I let this man know that it was THE LAST TIME.  I had called and left a report at the owners office, I had called our County's Housing Authority, I had called the mayors office, and next would be the BBB if the landlord refused to do anything about this man.

I have also written a four page letter documenting everything from this incident to the last few with him and will have it notarized tomorrow and sent certified.

Upon John leaving I let him know that our time was just as valuable as his time was.  That he should say what he means and mean what he says. 

Furthermore, I told the company the following in my letter to them:

Those who work for a company represent that company they work for.

While I do not wish for anyone to lose their job with the economy the way it is.  If they treat human lives carelessly and refuse to be available for true emergency calls because they live too far away or are too lazy to deal with the task, then they should not be given a job they cannot see through to the end.  I do not pay 900.00 a month to feel unsafe.  It's unfair to those who live here and reckless to guess without actually seeing if the situation is a true emergency.

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Entertainment Of Simpler Times
Monday, November 10, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Since cutting back on our t.v., my husband and I have been trying to find other methods of entertainment where we can interact with each other a bit more. 

After a year of having extended digital cable, not having it for several years while we were on students income in Ohio, things felt pretty stuffed with t.v. and not actually interacting as we used to do.  As things are today, I think I'm more at peace.  The t.v. isn't always on, I'm getting things done around the house as needed and am able to blog, read blogs as well as so many other past times that we wouldn't have tackled if our time was consumed by everything "reality" on t.v.  I guess you can say I just got tired and stressed with so much negativity, that I actually LONGED for those times when we were destitute.   

So I thought I would share our latest  past-times with you.

Puzzles.  It has honestly been SO much fun putting 1000 pc. puzzles together with my husband. We'd leave it when we got frustrated, and then go back when we were board.  We had a great time and I can't believe we haven't done this in so long in our house. It seems as though I haven't tackled a puzzle since I was a child in grams home.

Books.  Doug is a reader of heavy theology.  He LOVES it.  Me, on the other hand, I can't grasp alot of the heavy stuff.  I like to take my mind to another place.  Somewhere that my heart is at ease, where the characters love the Lord and where women get together to share.  I'm reading right now the Elm Creek Quilt Series by Jennifer Chiaverini. To be honest, I haven't really read for entertainment since gradeschool.  Any other time was because I HAD to for school.  It feels wonderful to pick up a book and read.  I highly recommend it if you haven't read in awhile.  This series is what got me started reading again and I have no branched out to all sorts of books.

Games.  We've played Scrabble, Cards, Othello and now, I just purchased a gameset of Domino's which my grandma used to play with my great aunt.  I used to love going to Aunt Nancy's to hear my gram and aunt fight over who won.  I'd hear...this is your score and mine is such and such and it's YOUR layout.  I very rarely see anyone playing dom's anymore. In fact, in the directions, it has so many ways to play, I can't figure out the traditional way my gram used to play.  Hopefully this will happen soon.  We plan to play our first game next weekend!

Movies.  We've been purchasing home movies to have on hand.  Mainly family type movies because we'd like some around when we finally adopt a child.  Both girls and boys would love these movies.  We try to get them and play them just to have a movie night for the week.  It's been pretty fun.  We're both kids at heart, my husband likes Aladdin and I like Beauty and The Beast of course.

Hiking.  We used to do this alot in Ohio. There were lots of trails nearby.  We have some trails here. I haven't gotten into them as much.  We've just started walking again with hopes to check out the scenery here in Central NY and also to lose some weight we could both really work on losing.

Listening to Music from the web.  It's FREE it's fun to have all kinda of channels and we absolutely love to listen to sermons too.  A great old time Hymn radio station I love can be found HERE.  look to the far right-middle of the page.  You'll see Windows, Real Player or MP3 format.  Press on the version you have and listen to the Old Hymns Radio. 

Crafting.  Ok, this is something I'm kinda at a loss with.  I'm ALL OVER THE PLACE.  I absolutely love crafting.  Problem is, I'm kinda ADD when it comes to projects.  They're scattered all over the place.  A few problems I'm dealing with I'll share with you: 

Over a year ago before moving here, I took a newbie course on learning to knit.  I got everything down but binding off.  Which is pretty essential to finishing a project.  We left before I could finish.

I also learned to cross stitch.  It was a quick lesson and helped me to get my very first project done, which now sits on our wall in a beautiful frame.  Do you think I remember how to count to get to the center of the cross stitch and start there?  nope!  I also have a project that has a circle which threw me off my X.  The cloth is supposed to be linen.  The cloth is so tight, I can barely see the holes to stitch.   So, I keep to the very small projects on the bigger size fabrics with holes I can see to cross stitch.

Then there's my quilting.  I took a course on how to quilt.  I used their machines.  I have a machine here at home that I can't seem to get the bobbin to lay right so it will feed the thread through.  THEN, I've misplaced my book somewhere in this place.  I'm assuming I accidentally packed it away. (I've been packing the things we don't need because we're purchasing a home..though we put it off now, till after winter) 

With those three crafts, I've REALLY wanted to start, and finish something.  I'd love to take the hand quilting course or the newbies course to cross stitching, but 60.00 for each class is pretty steep.

SO, I'm actually going to see if I can learn to bind off by way of the book I have and the internet. 

Maybe some of you pros with cross stitch, quilting, embroidery and hand sewing, could give me some tips.

In the meantime, I'm taking this winter to at least get ONE of these crafts underway.  By the time we get into our new home next fall, I would like to learn how to use my sewing machine well and be able learn hand sewing stitches too. This is my way of learning old housekeeping skills to save money for my home and teach me some kind of trade for a future that is uncertain.

Well, That's all Folks!  I do hope you enjoyed this post.  Please feel free to send me your craft tips. 

What are you doing to create simple entertainment in the home for you and your families? 

Blessings to you all, as you perform your God-given gifts and reach out to others with thanksgiving!

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The Beatitudes
Sunday, November 9, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
      for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
 Blessed are those who mourn,
      for they will be comforted. 
 Blessed are the meek,
      for they will inherit the earth. 
 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
      for they will be filled. 
 Blessed are the merciful,
      for they will be shown mercy. 
 Blessed are the pure in heart,
      for they will see God. 
 Blessed are the peacemakers,
      for they will be called sons of God. 
 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 
  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 5:3-10

I could definately learn from the Beatitudes today.  Acting in a selfless manner, giving patience and mercy, and letting my example show Christ in me.  Today I fell short, but Praise God for loving me unconditionally and teaching me right from wrong.  May I continue to "keep trying" to be more Christ-like.  I know there is only one who is perfect.  Deliver me from evil Lord Jesus.  Set my feet on solid ground, and give me a heart of compassion.

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What's For Sunday Supper
Sunday, November 9, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

Daddy's Chicken n' Dumplins

1 package of Chicken thighs

Package of frozen carrots

package of frozen peas

one yellow onion, chopped

one bay leaf

water

Wondra

one cup of milk

Bisquick

DIRECTIONS:  In a deep stock pan, add the chicken thighs, carrots and onions.  Cover with water and add bay leaf, pinch of salt and pepper.  Cook on Medium High until you have a rolling boil.  Be sure the chicken is cooked and looks as though it's falling off the bone.  With Tongues, take the chicken thighs out and let cool.  Discard the skin and take the meat off the bones.  Set aside.

Fix Wondra as directed to thicken.  Usually takes 2 Tblns of Wondera to 1/4 cup of water and slowly adding one cup of hot broth.  I use between 6 to 8 TBL for a stew or soup, to thicken it good.  Add one at a time as NOT to thicken too much.

After the stew is thickened, add in frozen peas, and chicken off the bone.

As the stew is cooking, mix one cup of milk with 2 1/4 cups of Bisquick.  Stir good until it's dough consistency.  Add drops of the dough to the stew and let them continue to cookw ith a rolling boil until they come up to the top. 

Serve over Herbed Mashed potatoes.

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WOW, did I almost have a heart attack!
Saturday, November 8, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

So I'm sitting here at the computer at alittle after 11pm, when all of a sudden the stove starts trying to come on all four pilots start clicking and I see all four lighting up with flames.  It kept doing it for 15 minutes and I had found that all the knobs were at OFF.

So I call the gas company and had to wait through the taped intro, only to have the lady put me on hold for another 15 minutes to tell me it's not THEIR PROBLEM.  They advised me to call my landlords and have someone come out.

Meanwhile, my neighbors new girlfriend finds herself outside when I walk out in my ugly house clothes in a frantic with the dogs she's trying to "HUSH" because her daughter is sleeping.Haha

I decided to walk back in to see if all is well and "of course" the knobs are off and everything is FINE.  BUT my maintenance guy said that he knew exactly what it was, that it was a falty starter and everything would be fine until monday.

So here I wait in utter fear for my husband. Praying the townhome rental doesn't blow up.

Ugh!  Such is life! Haha

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*** Magic Dough ***
Saturday, November 8, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

Magic Dough

1/4 c. warm water (not hot- 110 to 115 degrees)
1 pkg. active dry yeast
3/4 c. lukewarm milk (scald the milk then allow to cool- it will help the dough to not be as "sticky")
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. salt
1 egg
1/4 c. shortening
3 1/2 to 3 3/4 c. all-purpose flour

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Being Faithful To God, While Supporting Our President...
Friday, November 7, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16

A thought just crossed my mind from a dear friend who commented and I thought this topic would make a great post.

In everyday life, Christians a tested with trial and tribulations.  We are sinners and at times, fall pray to sin.  Wheather we commit that sin is up to each person.  Some, stop. pray. And listen for God to speak.  Others feel the temptations are too strong and just give in.

At any time, but especially when things are uncertain, we are to know and fully understand what we believe. What God calls us to do as His followers. We do this through prayer by asking God to give us wisdom and comprehension while we're reading His word. We also do this by reading continually and informing ourselves about the position we are called through Jesus Christ.

We do not save people.  GOD, Himself does this.  But with the outreach of a hand, we are called to share the Gospel without fear and be able to back up WHY we believe what we believe and WHERE this information comes from, as well as WHO we believe in. I would also go as far as to mention WHEN we believe in Him.  Why?  Because oftentimes, people believe in Christ, only when things have gone awry.  They don't know that you can talk to God, and they sometimes don't even know they can praise Him in joyous times as well.

In my last post, you'll remember I told you to stand FIRMLY to Gods truths.  That if you want to change things, you MUST inform yourselves and you must know what you stand for.  Not being able to grasp what you stand for or be able to express it when it's asked of you withought the person who gives you those teachings, will only create doubt in those who seek.

In supporting Obama, we are to support him in prayer and with respect.  But we NEVER should falter on the teachings of God.  God is calling us to seek HIS authority while respecting those who are in office and praying for the decisions they make on behalf of themselves and their citizens.

So by no means does God call us to follow through on sin or anything that goes against HIS principals.  But we must reach out in prayer,  and also know what we stand for, so that when others want to know, we are able to affirm those very important beliefs.

Now that our President has been chosen and a line has been drawn even deeper between God and the world, we must remember what we are called to do and obey our Lord and Savior. 

I repeat the words from my last post,

Now's the time to share what you believe.  It's a time to stand for the Lord that you believe in and it's a time not to give up, but STAND UP.

***Start today, by committing to pray for President Barak Obama and show the world Christ through setting an example.

Blessings dear friends as you reach out to show compassion to a fallen world!

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It's Time To Move On...77 Days Of Prayer For President Barak Obama
Thursday, November 6, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves".  ~Luke 22:24-26

Today is the day we must start FRESH.  For those who have grieved for the uncertainty of the future, we must hold true to our belief in Christ and the standards He has set. 

If you have been disappointed by the outcome of the election like I have, or even have chosen your President to be President Barak Obama,  you must continue to make certain that you are equipped in the future to be informed of the choices your leaders make in local, state and governmental positions and be able to take a stand to make your voices heard.

If you are disappointed with the course of which our Country is moving like many are today, it is YOUR obligation to pray for the leaders of your nation, to inform yourselves and to be equipped to share your concern in a way that is with HONOR & DIGNITY with those in your community and citizens of our beloved United States Of America. 

Today, though some may have voted for other candidates, we have a new President who will take office on January 20th, 2009.  His name is President Barak Obama.  While many of us grieve, we must also remember that God has called us to trust in Him and to respect our leaders.  President Barak Obama needs our prayers today and while I am uncertain of what the future holds, I am prepared to pray for Him and our government and equip myself to share concerns with these leaders when they arise. 

If you do not like what has happened, then you must make a difference and get involved.  Get involved in your communities, states and governmental legislations, get involved in making a difference with your neighbors no matter who they voted for.  Sharing the love of Christ and ministering to a community, country and world that needs you will change things more than lashing out in anger and crying over something that has already come to pass.

Nows the time to share what you believe.  It's a time to stand for the Lord that you believe in and it's a time not to give up, but STAND UP.

Start by committing to pray for President Barak Obama and show the world Christ through setting an example.

Blessings dear friends!

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Eric Redmond: "Living Soli Deo Gloria Under Obama" Please take the time to read this!!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

 

Introduction by Rebekah

First of all, I thought I would take a minute to say that since the outcome of the election last night, I have been extremely conflicted.  The conflict I have is to do with my most important relationship with Jesus Christ and the values I uphold to be true and good.  Values which I will continue NOT to falter on, Rather which will ALWAYS be the basis of our foundation in Christ, which myself and my husband stand on.  

I also understand the history of an elected President of which is considered to be minority because of skin color.  Having grown up in the same town that Harriet Tubman lived. I know full well the importance of Black History and freedom of slaves as well as freedom of American Citizens who are of minority.  I think of women, children, people of color, ethnicity, and yes, beliefs other than my own.

I think of the children we may adopt in the future.  Our children who may be of Black, Hispanic, Asian or even Caucasian birth.  The fact that no matter what race or ethnicity our child/ren will be, they will actually see someone that looks like them in a position of higher authority that can help communities, countries and people around the world in what I'd like to think would be honorably.

With that said, the conflict is that while I see these values of importance, and I am joyful we've come this far in History to have a black president, I do not think President Barak Obama holds the values that I'd like my children to one day share.  My heart weeps for the world today, because MAJORITY are blinded to what true honor and values hold in a day when we vote based on the color of ones skin-type and disengaging ourselves to what our candidates stand for.

So because my heart and mind are weary today, because I'm conflicted with the joy of a black, historical Presidency while still holding onto my values and honor in Christ and because my hope is NOT in man or to elect someone by the color of  his skin, I have decided to post an article from another blog that expresses my thoughts completely. 

Written by Eric Redmond, this article is worth reading and shares not only the values I stand for, but also is an article from someone of color that has LIVED in our community as a minority but who in my eyes is seen as a great American Citizen.  I'm honored to have read his article and thus, I share it with all of you!

 

 

 

Let us then continue to honor the good appointment of God, which may be easily done, provided we impute to ourselves whatever evil may accompany it. Hence he teaches us here the end for which magistrates are instituted by the Lord; the happy effects of which would always appear, were not so noble and salutary an institution marred through our fault. At the same time, princes do never so far abuse their power, by harassing the good and innocent, that they do not retain in their tyranny some kind of just government: there can then be no tyranny which does not in some respects assist in consolidating the society of men.
John Calvin, commentary on Romans 13:3.

A Note of Thanks

First, allow me to express my thanks to Justin for inviting me to contribute to his blog on the day after what might go down in history as the most significant Presidential election in the United States in our lifetime. I have found Justin to be a kind and discerning brother, for whom I give many thanks. I also am grateful for his passion for demonstrating the mercy of Christ to the unborn and the orphan—a passion we share in experience.

My Post-Obama-Election Dilemma

I am not and never have been a fan of John McCain, his proposed policies, his inconsistent record on many issues, his poor choice for a running mate, his thoughtless economic plan, or of his very negative campaigning against Barak Obama. It was hard for me to bear the thought of voting for him. It was equally hard for me to bear the thought of siding with a campaign for "change" that would passively allow each state to choose whether it would change the definition and legal institution of marriage, and that would not actively seek to change (read "work for the overturning of") Roe. v. Wade. For me, neither candidate represented change or progress for the country, except on the issue of the country's readiness to be led by a candidate of color.
How I wish that the first time there was a probable opportunity for an African American candidate to reach the White House I could have cast my vote for such a candidate without any reservation. However, I am pro-life, and President-Elect Obama is the most anti-life senator to come to power in my lifetime. I also am pro-conservative justices (who limit legislating from the bench). I am pro-marriage— that is, pro-heterosexual marriage. In the end, I could not overlook these issues as I approached Election Day. But the temptation to justify voting for Obama was strong, for I did not want to be against the side of history—of an African American finally making it to the Oval Office.

However, if I have not learned anything else from the recent happenings at my (soon to be former) church, it is these two things: First, it is not virtuous to side with the majority because one does not wish to stand out among friends, or because one is unwilling to examine all information on an issue, or because one wants to dispense dislikes toward current leadership, in spite of righteous reasons to vote against the majority—in fact, under some circumstances, it can be a horrendous evil. Second, even if one is seeking to be consistent in humility and holiness individually, to abstain from voting on any matter is to allow the majority to speak for you. That same majority, with a victory, might make trouble for the greater populous by means of the evil(s) of which you sought to distance yourself by abstaining from voting.

So I made two very difficult choices: First, I chose to vote rather than stay home. Second, I voted for lives of the unborn rather than for approval from the vast majority of my own ethnic community. The latter choice took the risk of being reproached for the name of Christ, for I only voted for life because of the fear of my Lord (cf. Ex. 1:15-2:12). I know such a choice risks invoking the ire or dismissal of the overwhelming majority of the African American community. Yet, on a most historic Election Day, I could not allow my personal pro-life stance to crumble under the weight of being perceived as a traitor to the African American cause for victory, for that goes against all godly wisdom:

I cast my vote in the hopes of rescuing those being taken to the slaughter. I could not vote in such a way that I would have ignored the blood flowing from fertility clinics, for I know that the Almighty would repay my cowardice. My hope in his word is that he will remember me and graciously and provide for my life, repaying me with mercy.

In contrast, I do not think a recession can be said to be taking people to death unjustly, especially when many in Maryland voted to throw their lots in with bringing slots to my state; (the correlation of the recession to the slots-vote should be obvious to the righteous). I think our soldiers voluntarily sign up to defend our freedom at the risk of their own lives. Lack of health insurance coverage for all makes life very hard for many, but it does not lead to a denial of all medical care for any one class of people. (N.B. I have two members in my home with medical pre-conditions, and I am about to begin paying health insurance out of pocket because we cannot afford a break in coverage when my current job ends. I understand the value of health insurance and the stress of keeping up with the rising costs of such coverage.) So the economy, the war in Iraq, and universal health insurance became secondary issues for me—albeit very important ones —because righteousness was not at stake. Even so, the righteous should not now overlook these issues while loving their fellow man.

My Duty to Christ and the King

The question for me at this time is this: Can I continue to live Soli Deo Gloria under a President whose moral judgment already is questionable before he takes the oath of office? Yes I can, for I can be obedient to Scripture, praying for the one in authority (I Tim. 2:1-8), honoring the one in authority (1 Pet. 2:13-18), submitting to the one in authority (Rom. 13:1-7; Tit. 3:1), and seeking righteousness for the entire citizenry (Prov. 14:34). These I will seek to do by grace. I will "honor the good appointment of God."

Moreover, I can follow the admonition and example of Calvin, who, in the quote above, preached that believers should impute to themselves the ills of government and recognize the common grace given to mankind through human governing authorities. For example, in our day, it is not the governmental regulation that slaughters the innocent; it is the people who chose to end the lives of their children, and the willing executioners who kill for the sake of the monetary gain afforded by the abortion industry. The government only allows this sin to receive legal permission and protection. Nevertheless, that same government provides many laws that allow me to worship in freedom, preach the Gospel freely, vote in an election, and write blog posts like this one without fear of censorship or death. I readily can recognize the retention of "some kind of just government" under President Obama's rule.

My Dilemma Resolved

My humble proposal of an attempt to be Christocentric rather than Afrocentric will not be received with approval by many African Americans that I know. I hope to live long enough to witness another African American become a candidate for President of the United States of America—a candidate who is pro-life and pro-righteousness. Yet my hope may ring hollow to many other African Americans who are celebrating a Democratic victory that happens to seem pro-African American. To the celebrants, I might be labeled as sore loser seeking to justify his reasons for siding with conservative white America rather than with Black America.
In writing elsewhere about "how I have wrestled through the Christian version of the Uncle Tom epithet" (with respect to my embracing of Reformed Theology), I have penned this thought:

If a person would allow himself to be pigeonholed into becoming a person of a nationalistic or ethno-centric thought out of the fear of being viewed as an Oreo or Uncle Tom, then Reformed Theology is not for that person. But neither is the Gospel, for the Gospel calls each of us to stand against an ethnic-centered philosophy of one's own race, for such a philosophy is naturally conformed to this present world and is in need of redemption. If you cannot stand against your own culture where it does not square with the Scriptures, you are the one who is ashamed of Christ, and such shame has nothing to with philosophical or ontological Blackness; it only has to do with your view of the majesty of the God who calls you to deny yourself in order to follow Christ. ("Sovereign in a Sweet Home, Schooling, and Solace," in Glory Road: Our Journey Into Reformed Christianity, ed. Anthony Carter [Wheaton, IL: Crossway, Wheaton, forthcoming])

I am fairly certain that if J. C. Watts had been the Republican nominee for President, and if he had been running against Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee, the great majority of African Americans would have found reason to vote for the wife of the "first Black President" and her liberal ideals rather than for Watts and his conservative ideals. In doing so, such a vote would indicate that the great majority of African Americans have feelings about the type of African American who would be deemed worthy their votes for the seat at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—who would be worthy of African Americans' approval as their choice for their representative in the White House. Seemingly, for the Black Nationalist and the liberal, not every African American would qualify to wear an honor for which our ancestors were stolen, enslaved, whipped, lynched, dehumanized, and killed. Likewise, it is my opinion that my ancestors experienced such suffering and injustices so that it would be possible for any African American to reach the Oval Office, but not so that every African American, regardless of qualifications, could reach the Oval Office. Those who fought for civil rights for African Americans were doing so out of a moral impetus to see African Americans treated humanely—as human beings rather than like chattel or as 3/5ths-human. I think the best way to honor their work and lives when the office of Commander in Chief is within reach would be to continue that moral quest. That quest is continued by finding a candidate who seeks to see African Americans, even those in the womb, treated humanely—as people rather than as cattle for our labor and experimentation or as a 3/5th-human fetus.

A Guest Post by Eric C. Redmond

Eric C. Redmond is the author of Where Are All the Brothers? Straight Answers to Men's Questions About the Church (Crossway, 2008). He most recently served as the 2007-2008 Second Vice-President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has previously posted other thoughts on the election at his blog, A Man from Issachar. He and his wife, Pamela, are adoptive parents who have five children in their home and two children in heaven.

Source of the article: Between Two Worlds

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Get Out And Vote! It's your civic duty and freedom
Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Posted in In The Readers Den

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ~ Preamble of the United States Constitution

Today We Voted.  I have my own reasons of voting for McCain and my reasons are to maintain the Freedoms our Founding Fathers based this Country on.  Granted,  We need MAJOR REFORM.  But it won't happen by publicly announcing to bankrupt the coal industries who employee the very poor population one cadidate says he's supporting.  There's also issues of disagreement with "sharing the wealth" or the mere fact that the other cadidate has LESS experience than the Republican party's Vice Presidential Nominee. 

But the one fact I based my vote on, was the fact that while the Obama executives were bashing the other side and demanding factual background checks on each cadidates, Nobody was holding the Democratic side accountable for showing factual background information.  A thesis done in college was closed from the public, certain information pertaining to his relationships were closed and the one thing that damaged him for me, was the fact that his birth certificate was closed off to the public which would show he was an actual American Citizen from birth to hold the office.

While people were demanding Sarah Palins medical records, holding her accountable for clothes she didn't buy herself and damaging her reputation, not one person in the media felt it important to raise questions as to why a birth certificate  wasn't shared to authenticate he IS an American Citizen. 

So much thats being kept from us concerning his documentation and yet their going after someone who isn't even running for president, yet, who had more background experience in her years than the Democratic Presidential Nominee. 

I don't know about you, but somone not allowing anyone to access this crucial information as the democratic party chose to check documentation on "Joe the Plumber"  would specifiy Barak Obama has something to hide. 

My worst fear is by the time we figure out exactly WHAT is being hidden.  It will be too late.

As a pin I saw says:  "Before you VOTE for change, Make sure you know what the change is first"

So even if you disagree with my candidate, don't vote because someone has offered a change in "words" without action, don't vote because of the color of their skin, or because they promise handouts.  Vote because you researched your party nominee, he stands for the moral beliefs you have.  Remind your friends, family and folks on the street that Voting is a free obligation.  kinda funny I said it, but it's our freedom fought by so many men and women who lost lives that it's our OBLIGATION to continue those Freedoms.

And By Golly, don't do as a woman on the news just did, NEVER vote by flipping a coin!  Your Founding Fathers would roll in their graves!

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It's That Time Of Year Again...Cold And Flu Season
Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Posted in Good Health and Spirit

Yup, leaves are falling, the air is chilly and we had our downpour of wet snow yesterday.  Today, we have light snow falling and as I look out at the crick over yonder, I find myself preparing for the Cold/Flu season.

 I do not have a flu shot every year. Contrary to my dr., who says as a diabetic, that I need to have not just the flu shot, but also a pneumonia shot as well, after much research I've found that I am better off NOT taking them at this time.  I don't do this out of spite.  What many people don't understand, is that with each year of getting the flu/pneumonia shot, it lessons your bodies ability to fight off infection AND your body becomes immune to the shot when you REALLY need it as a senior citizen or someone with a REAL illness later on.

What I've learned after my research, after what has now been 7 years without the shots, is that I can build immunity naturally.  How?  You may be asking.  I'm just about to share with you.

Here are my tips that have worked for me for the past 7 years and what has worked for my friends and family as well.

In the winter months, our home is filled to the brim with citrus fruit.  I'm talking lemons, limes, oranges (blood oranges and clemintines are my favorites), grapefruit and at times, (though we watch the sugar content) orange juice.  As you may know, citrus fruits contain vitamin C and healthy minerals in them. Enough to help fight those bad germies that follow in from kids in the home who touch everything as well as those days in the office where everyone breathes and leaves their germs on computer monitors and keyboards.

Next, we load up on teas.  Herbal, "throat coat", Echinacea, Green teas, Teas for Immunity boost and of course, Chamomile for evenings before bed. Tea can be much more healthy than soda, juice and sometimes even coffee.  It however, depends on how much sugar you put in as well as high fat milk.  For the most part, I absolutely LOVE herbal teas.  My favorites are lemon zingers, spearmint, and an organge spice blend.  With most of the citrus blends, one cannot put creamer in them because they will curtle.  So I just add a bit of lemon or lime along with some natural sugar substitute and it brews a lovely flavor.  For regular black teas, I try to stick with English or Irish breakfast teas.  To those, I add a small amount of cream with 1-2 lumps of sugar.  A BEAUTIFUL taste. If I'm REALLY in for a treat, I have a bisquit and clotted cream.  Only on special occassions though.  As for White and Green teas,  they are such a comfort for me.  White contains more antioxidants than Green does.  You can enjoy them with a hint of citrus OR with cream.  Both are EXCELLENT when you feel a cold coming on BUT my advice is to start having at least one cup daily during the cold and flu season.  Sometime in the future, I'll have to teach you the proper brewing method.  I don't always use the pre-bags, in fact, I most always use loose tea, though I haven't become a snob.Haha  Maybe my dear English and Irish friends will be willing to share the "proper brewing methods". 

So I've shared with you Citrus is a staple in the home for the winter as is tea.  What next? Berries! Berries you say?  mmmhmm!

Berries can be pretty expensive in the winter months.  Which is why it's wise to get them during picking season when they're cheap and throw them in the freezer for future use.  I've done this with blueberries and raspberries this year.  I didn't have the opportunity to go strawberry picking.  Along with that, NOW is the time to load up on cranberries.  Cranberries have SO MUCH health property in them.  They have an abundance of antioxidants and can help women with urinary tract infections.  If your sick, they are an AWESOME berry to start eating.  With cranberries, I usually make up a Cranberry salad using chopped walnuts, chopped cranberries and chopped pineapple with a dash of natural sugar substitute.  You'll find me eating this ALOT during the winter.  So much, that my husband won't touch the stuff now.

Now that we're FINALLY off the food list, I'll get into the natural products I use each winter:

Echinacea and Goldenseal Tincture is one product I don't live without!  It's an immunity booster and while it's said you should be using it each day during the winter to boost your immune system, I use it once I feel a cold coming on and during illness and not everyday.  I take two droppers full in tea in the morning and two before bed each night I'm not feeling well. 

***Please read a comment on this blog entry by Christine.  She reiterates that using echinacea and goldenseal isn't good everyday because of immunity to the echinacea and the reasons goldenseal should never be used everyday.  I love it when people comment with facts that can help my readers and I understand the herbs more.  So please be sure to read up on the comment.

Zinc Lozenges are needed and I use them once I feel a cold coming on.  Stick the lozenge on your tongue and let it desolve slowly.  This is THE MOST POWERFUL treatment thus far.  It beats the heck right outa that cold you feel coming on.

Vitamin C is also an immune system protector and fights the heck out of any cold you have.  I use 1000mg in the morning and 1000in the evening before bed.  That high amount is ONLY during the oncoming of a cold or while you are ill.  Go back to your normal mg doseage once you feel better.

Between those three products, if you have a cold, you will start feeling better within days.  Usual it's 2 or 3 with me, but I'm sure it depends upon the person.

Oscillococcinum is a treatment used when you feel the beginning of the flu coming on.  I've used it and it's AWESOME!  I had a friend who was VERY SICK while my husband was in college.  I ran out to get this for her and after being REALLY sick for awhile, she popped back up the next day.  It's amazing stuff!

Other products you may choose to have on hand are:

Hand Sanitizers

Cough drops

Alkaseltzer (puts me to sleep and kicks the heck out of my sinus congestion)

Soup stock for making soup. It's not a cure, but quite a help when you need comfort and something good during an illness.

Extra blankets

Vix for chest colds

Ear Candles for Ear Infections: ***NOTE*** If you or your child/ren have chronic ear infections, a chiropractor is what you need.  Many people don't know that a quick trip to the chiropractor for an adjustment will take care of the chronic ear infections.  Try it!

Well, I hope you enjoyed this post.  I pray that NONE of you have to use it, but if you do, I pray that you would find yourselves in good health and spirit,  well stocked up on necessities to keep you and your family in the best of health while trusting in the Ultimate Healer, our Heavenly Father.   

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Welcome To The World *S* Baby Twins!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Yesterday We became Aunt & Uncle Again.  THIS TIME to twins born of my younger bil and his wife. They were blessed with twins without fertility drugs and the family is in HIGH SPIRITS!  Though each of my husbands brothers are in different locations, we all cannot wait to gather together in family unity.  Praise God for all our blessings!  My Cup Runneth Over.  Happy Birthday Aunties Dear Girls, we love you!

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Shrimp With Swiss Chard
Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

8-12 large, raw peeled and deveined shrimp

2-3 small minced cloves of garlic

1/2 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and well rinsed

2-3 tsp fresh minced rosemary

2 small ripe tomatoes, diced

4 cups fresh chopped swiss chard

salt to taste