Where Does the Time Go?

On Thursday, I indicated I was back, and now it's Monday night, and I still haven't blogged. Where did this weekend go? Well, I'll tell you. Friday evening, I had dinner at my parents' house, then went home to get things ready for the next day. Sat. morning, I helped Jackie and others with a local mission trip to an apartment complex for the elderly. We served breakfast, and I shared a devotional with them about the "seasons of life". That evening, John and I went to Nicholasville where CrossOver was having a fellowship dinner for the volunteers and board members. Sunday morning, we went to church; that afternoon, I drove my sister to Lexington to take her grandchildren back home; that evening, we went back to church. Today, I have been running errands. Where does the time go? Where does my energy go?

I have been reading John Grisham's novel, "Skipping Christmas", and you know, sometimes that doesn't sound like a bad idea. I mean the part about all the parties, decorations, etc that seem to consume our time. I don't mean skipping celebrating Christ's birthday. But, just before I wrote this, I had asked John if he wanted to help get the Christmas decorations out of the attic. We decided "not tonight---we'll rest".

Where Have I Been?

Well, I have not posted for a few days due to technical difficulties. There was a short in the connection leading into the house on the telephone line, so the DSL quit working on Sunday. I sure have missed it. When I'm away on mission trips, it doesn't seem to bother me not having internet service. But, when I'm home, I like to email, keep up on the news, blog, etc. Since it's getting close to my bedtime, I don't have much to say tonight. Just wanted you to know "I'm Ba-a-ck".

What Are Your Expectations?

I read this article yesterday on CNN.com regarding high expectations abroad for Obama. Here are a few excerpts, and some of my thoughts/comments (in parentheses):

"French President writes, "Your (Obama) election raises in France, Europe and beyond throughout the world, immense hope." (Do they think he's a world savior?)

"Many see him as the 'epitome' of the American dream".

"The world has been 'seduced' by Obama's vision of change." (Interesting choice of words)

"Globalization requires more cooperation with a wider range of countries and organizations." (Is that where we're heading---one world government?)

"Obama could be forced into a 'devil's' choice between military action, or supporting an Israeli strike, or living with a nuclear Iran." (Again, an interesting choice of words)

"Countries around the world will compete for Obama's attention. Africa, elated over the election of America's first black president, may expect increased attention and aid from the U.S. Additionally, Muslims familiar with Obama's Kenyan father and middle name, "Hussein", may think he will be more understanding of their concerns. Will he embrace them or distance himself from them in an effort to prove he does not hold any bias?" (Time will tell)

Christians, PRAY!!!

Now That the Election is Over . . .

I must admit, when they announced that Obama would be our next president, I got a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. Now, it didn't take me by surprise. However, the reality of the days ahead could be disturbing. I'm not saying that some of his ideas won't promote change, and maybe for the better, but the value system he carries on certain moral issues is what bothers me the most. I know he is pro-choice and believes in gay rights, amongst other things. His true religious beliefs are yet to be tested. So, I am praying (and I know others are too) that God will change his heart and his values, and that we, as Christians, will continue to pray for the betterment of this nation. We must not stop praying now that the election is over. In fact, this may be just the beginning of fervency in prayer.
But, there was a victory in the election---Proposition 8 was passed which means same-sex marriage will be overturned once again in CA. I know much prayer, fasting and campaigning went into this proposal, and God honored that. Again, Christians must stand up and fight for their rights and beliefs. We must no longer stand by the sidelines while our freedoms are being removed or tested. I know we can't stop or reverse all things that we don't like, but at least our voice, and God's voice, must be heard.

Mite-as-Well Shoppe

During the month of November, we will be open at our Hwy. 80 location each Tuesday, 10 am - 5 pm. We have been working on getting that store cleaned back up so it can be used for some additional services in the future. Further details will be shared once a plan is finalized.

Our store on Hwy. 55 in Columbia is open weekly Wed. - Sat. 9 - 5. We have color-coded tags there so that each month a certain color tag is on sale for 25% off. We have some items that are 50% off. Once items have been at the Hwy. 55 location long enough, they are moved to Hwy. 80.

Now, for anyone who has never shopped at our stores, the following is a list of the primary things we have to offer: furniture, books, housewares, collectibles, some antiques, Rada cutlery, etc. The only thing we currently are not selling is clothing. We try to add different inventory to our Hwy. 55 location each week. If you want to call and see if we have certain items, please feel free to do so - (270) 384-0900. If we don't have it out on the showroom floor, we might just have it in storage. We also have a "wish list" for those who want to leave their name/number when they are in search of a particular item. Or, you may email me: miteshop@alltel.net

Okay, there's my little infomercial. "Come by and shop -- you might as well."

Love is Love, Sin is Sin

Below is a copy of a letter that I wrote to the editor of one of our local newspapers:

I read with interest, as well as with sadness, the article "Love is Love" by a teen writer. It saddens me to know that yet another young person has bought into the idealogy that same-sex relationships are acceptable behavior, and that the Bible has been misinterpreted regarding this matter.

If you believe the Bible to be God's word, then that is what it is, regardless of how we want to interpret it. The issue of homosexuality is quite clear in the Bible, and has been written about in both the Old and New Testaments. The problem has arisen, that for those individuals struggling in this lifestyle, not a lot of Christian love has been shown, and to that end, sin has abounded.

I, in no manner, hate the homosexual. In fact, God has given me a heart of love and compassion for those who have found themselves in this situation. I volunteer in a ministry that reaches out to them and their families. God loves them, but He dislikes their sin. God created us in His image, and said "It is very good". However, when sin entered the earth, the gift of sexuality became distorted, thus leading to many acts of behavior of which God is displeased. Yes, we must love all mankind if we are going to call ourselves Christians. However, we cannot condone sin, even when society has deemed it acceptable. Love is love, but sin is sin.

Autumn is in the Air

I prepared snacks for the youth group tonight. I thought, since it is October, an autumn theme would be nice. I decorated the table with some "fall" crafts, golden color tablecloth, and a pumpkin scented candle. I fixed pumpkin bars, peanut butter bars, and caramel oatmeal bars. We had hot apple cider and cold apple juice. We divided into small groups, and we had 16 kids plus John and I, in our jr. high group. That was great!! I want so much to deposit some positive values into their lives. I explained to them the difference between "Hallelujah Night" vs. Halloween. The lesson was on comparison, and God's calling on Gideon's life. Even though the weather is cooling down, the spiritual expectancy at Higher Praise Church is heating up! Go God!!