Thankful for Monday

This is hard for me to say. I'm learning to be thankful for Monday's. Even though it signifies the end of my wonderful weekend, it gives me something to thank God for. Throughout this tough economy, many fellow Americans have found themselves without work. Laid-off indefinitely. Down-sized. However you say it, it adds up to no money. Panic, fear and uncertainty.

When I wake up at 5:30, I'm never feeling thankful. I curse the morning, the darkness, pretty much everything. But as I watch the morning news and see lines for job fairs wrapping around the corner, I am learning to thank God that I'm not in that line. I'm also learning that God knows how to get my attention.

So with the dawn of a new Monday, I'm going to try and focus on how happy I am that my badge works. That my building is not closed. That my hours have not been cut. That I make a reasonable salary. Pray for me as I try to focus on gratitude. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

Convicted

The question is, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" I read this in a Voice of the Martyrs devotional I'm going through right now. I couldn't get past it. It's so thought provoking. So convicting. I think my heart skipped a beat when I started to examine myself. Those deep parts where no one else can see. Those places I wish even God couldn't see.

Based upon the mood I was in when I was reading, I don't know if I would've been convicted of being a Christian. Some days, especially at work, the thoughts running through my head are so far from Christian. At times I allow my frustration to rule my attitude. So when I read this question, I started to think really hard. Have I allowed my light to get hidden? Quoting a few scriptures or offering to pray for someone just doesn't feel like enough.

The people in this book are real people all over the world who have been killed and imprisoned simply because they serve my God! Their unwillingness to conform left them vulnerable to torture and even death. Remember Rachel Scott from Columbine? She was a teenager who refused to deny Christ, and met her Maker shortly after her declaration.

I've concluded that I'm too pampered. I sometimes look at Bible reading and church attendance as an obligation, and forget that it is a wonderful privilege. God forgive my complacence. The next time I ask myself, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict," I want to make sure the evidence is overwhelming. I want no chance of getting off. I want a harsh sentence based upon my unwavering commitment to Jesus who died for me. I will also remember to pray for my brothers and sisters who are suffering around the world.

Just Details

If you've ever seen Everybody Loves Raymond, you know that Ray and Debra have a very unique and funny relationship. In this particular episode, Raymond has just proposed to her. While she's squealing with excitement, she begins showing him colors for bridesmaids dresses. He asks, "You're already planning the wedding?" She looks at him incredulously and says, "I've been planning it since I was 12!" He replies, "But you didn't meet me until you were 22!" She replies, "You're the last detail!"

After I stopped laughing, I started thinking. How true it is. Girls practice walking down the aisle before they can even spell it. We plan our dress. Choose our attendants. We may even know where we will will celebrate the big day. Now all we need is a groom.

Some sources state that the divorce rate in the US is almost 1 in 2. With numbers this high, we are clearly doing many things wrong. Instead of spending 2 years planning the "perfect" wedding, we could spend that time planning our marriage. What will every day look like. Talk about goals, values and expectations. Really learn the person you are planning to spend the rest of your life with. He should not be, "just a detail." Some random thoughts...

Plus Sized?

When America's Next Top Model first aired on UPN, I tuned in. I thought it looked interesting, and it was entertaining. After what seems like 100 seasons, I don't watch any more. But I just noticed they recently chose their first plus-sized winner, Whitney Thompson. Since I was surprised, I decided to look her up. The pictures I found do not support the term "plus-sized". She's a size 10! She has curves and looks like a for real woman.


I guess I just didn't realize size 10 is plus-size now. How the times change. No wonder girls and women suffer with low self-esteem. I learned that this beautiful woman is very proud of her body and was chosen as one of MSN' Lifestyles' Most Influential Women of 2008. She measures 36-32-43. Besides for her confidence, I don't know much about her inner-beauty. I am so thrilled to see a gorgeous woman with curves who commands attention and loves her body as is.

Picture from the above link

Marry Me Now!

While surfing, I unwittingly stumbled onto a show, Surprise Wedding, on the WEtv network. The show features 5 couples who have been dating long-term. The men refuse to commit to marriage, so the women have gone to drastic measures. They have chosen to bring the men to this game-like show, dressed in a wedding gown and propose to them on national television.

Now call me crazy... If I need to force or beg a man to marry me, I should not be marrying him? I do not understand ultimatums. I do not understand dating for 10 years. It does not take years to know that someone is right for you. Why do we not have enough self-respect not to chase, beg and even deceive a man into marrying us!? I know I should not find this amusing, but I do.

We are such smart people, yet we are brain-dead when it comes to a man. These dear women are dressed in wedding gowns. They are prepared to humiliate themselves in front of millions. If the man refuses in private, publicity will definitely make him more ready for matrimony, right? All I can say is, "Wow." Am I being harsh?

We are fearfully and wonderfully made, remember? (Ps. 139:14) In the book of Proverbs (3:15, 8:11, 20:15), we are taught that wisdom is more priceless than rubies. The end.

UNFPA

The UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an organization that is committed to providing healthcare and promoting dignity for women around the world.














Many of you may be aware that HIV/AIDS is ravaging much of Africa, namely Zimbabwe, and other parts of the world. While many Americans also suffer with one of these diseases, the prevalence in the USA does not begin to compare with the occurrences in 3rd world countries.

They are also involved in projects that help to reduce mortality rates for women and children in childbirth, reducing violence against women and ensuring equal rights and education for the fairer sex all over the world.

Until a few days ago, I never heard of this organization. I feel like I've been under a rock. I also learned that President Obama is committed to supporting this organization.

The Bible teaches us to help those who are without help. We are to take care of widows, the homeless and the hungry. (I Tim. 5) In our quest for riches, it is very easy to forget the needs of others. The truth is that the most impoverished American is more fortunate than the majority of people in neighboring countries.

For those of us who are always feeling sorry for ourselves, visiting this website may help us to realize that we have it really good. We take for granted healthy pregnancies, birth control and being able to live through the birth process. Many of us do not realize how blessed we are to obtain an education. I feel truly humbled. Each of us have the privilege of being involved on a local or international level. Luke 12:48 tells us that much is required of us because much has been given to us.

Nothing Says I Love You Like a Busted Lip

On my way to the doctor, I observed a billboard containing those words. No explanation needed. It was followed by a hot-line number for domestic abuse.

With Rihanna and Chris Brown in the press, we have been inundated with domestic violence. Today's Christian Woman magazine is highlighting this topic for this year's cause.

In a previous issue, the focus was on a "Christian" violent marriage. When the couple involve profess Christianity, the situation becomes more complicated. Divorce is not an options for us, right? A little prayer and counseling will fix it all.

I've always wondered why a woman puts up with domestic violence. Why not leave? But I realize there is more than meets the eye. Mental, physical and emotional abuse are all so dangerous and debilitating. If you are in an abusive relationship, please get out. If you know someone who is, do not hesitate to help find help for her. Here are a few resources recommended by TCW mag:

www.theraveproject.org
www.peaceandsafety.com
www.ncadv.org
www.focusministries1.org
1-800-799-SAFE

Let's love ourselves and each other enough not to turn a blind eye to abuse.

30 Degrees of Separation

This past week, our temperatures soared into the upper 70's and lower 80's. Unseasonably warm, as the meteorologists say. We enjoyed it so much. We actually has to wait for it to cool down to go outside! What a blessing. But all good things must come to an end... The ominous predictions started a few days before the cold front reached us.

With the forecast for colder weather, my happy mood wained. I felt my crankiness increasing. Then I started to ponder some things. The high temperatures are not the norm for early March. Instead of being ungrateful, I should have made the most of the beautiful weather. While I did spend time outside, I could have let the housework slide. I should have forgotten about the sappy Lifetime movie and basked in the sun. Instead, I decided to sulk when I realized that the warmer weather would soon be a thing of the past.

So for each colder day, I have been learning to appreciate the sunshine when it comes. It has also taught me some life lessons. Life is so much like the weather. Some days are almost perfect. Sun shining, cloudless skies. Promotion at work. Secured a loan for your mortgage. Your child was accepted into college. But now the wind is blowing. The storm clouds are rolling in. Your son got into a fight at school. Your teenage daughter is pregnant. You just got laid off, and your car is ready for repossession.

Making the most of the sunny days is imperative. When I store of my strength through prayer, worship and Bible Study, I am fortified to get through the cloudy days. I can remember the sun, and know that God is faithful, and that the sun will shine again. The Word tells us that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning". Ps. 30:5 When next the sun shines, I will allow it to remind me, like the rainbow after a storm, that my God is faithful and loving. So I will be thankful for the sun, and learn to "count it all joy" when the storms come my way. As Kirk Franklin said, "there's a blessing in the storm". "No matter how loud the storms of life rage, God's voice is louder still."

Thanks to Paulo for this amazing image

Common-Law Divorce?

We've all heard of common-law marriages. You know, when folks shack up for so long, they're considered married? Well, now there's a new trend. Common-law divorce!

While I don't think there's an official name for it, the economy is causing come interesting changes. Many couples are divorcing and continuing to live in the same household. Most are citing the hard economic times as their reason.

What?! The couples will continue to share chores and space. They will opt for separate rooms is available. This will make it easier for them to continue to co-parent. Am I the only one appalled by this? I'm not trying to be judgmental, but this insults my common sense.

If a couple has reached the point where they decide there is no other choice than to renege on their marriage vows, how can they then turn around and facilitate an amicable cohabitation? Could not that same energy be used in marriage counseling? Or in working to nurture the ailing relationship? So I say, "Absolutely not, I hate him. I can't live with him!" Oh wait, "It will save money?! I can do it."

What about children? Tell them, "Mommy and Daddy are getting divorced. But we're all still going to live here." What's being said is, there are other ways, but I can't bear to change my lifestyle. I am willing to sacrifice the well-being of my children for my boat and luxury home. What happens when one parent begins to date again? I think this arrangement should be illegal. How confusing. How selfish?

How sad is a world where marriage is reduced to dollar and cents? Where we will forsake our marriage vows, but tolerate each other to save money. MONEY! I can't even conceptualize this. Our priorities are so out of control. Look what we've done to God's marriage design. I really am saddened and appalled. "For the love of money is the root of all evil." I Tim. 6:10

15 years to Life

The raw emotion I feel right now is indescribable. I'm not sure how it came up, but my husband and I were talking... One thing led to another, and I found myself remembering people from back home. There are several that I've known who started out on a relatively straight path and fallen off track along the way.

The reminiscence led me to a young man I once knew back in high school. He was always nice and polite. Seemed like a good kid. He was convicted of murder a few years ago. Fifteen years to life. He still has many years to go before he is eligible for parole. His grandparents are good, God-fearing people. Pillars of the community. I will not provide more details in order to protect the family's privacy.

I think of kids that I knew who were victims of drug-related gun violence. Snuffed out in their youth. I remember them growing up in children's church.


As a parent, my heart is hurting right now. These children had mothers, grandmothers, aunts and maybe even a church family who loved them.

These crimes were not premeditated. They happened in the blink of an eye. Choices were made. The wrong ones.

How many of us have made bad choices? The ones that we look back on and say, "Whoa, that was close." The ones we are so glad our parents don't know about. The ones we can't forgive ourselves for even though 10 years have past.

I am thanking God right now for His grace. For my parents' love and guidance. For the Holy Spirit's whispering into my soul. I thank Him that I can empathize with those whose choices have landed them in the system. Why? Because some of those names are people I knew once upon a time. Because, if not for God's grace and mercy upon me, one fit of rage could have landed me in a similar circumstance.

If you know someone who is locked up, do not judge. We're not qualified. Pray for their children and parents. Pray that they could see God's provision even in the most dire circumstance. Pray that the "prison religion" they find will last a lifetime, and they will truly be restored, rehabilitated and reformed.

The Joy of Spring

As the weather begins to warm with the daffodils peaking up through the soil and the trees in bloom, my spirits rise simultaneously. Spring is my favorite time of year. With the change in seasons come longer days, increased sunshine and fresh smell of hyacinths in the air. Many are now observing Lent.

For as long as memory serves me, my favorite holiday has been Easter. The meaning behind the Resurrection weekend never grows old. I've reflected at many dramas, musicals and cantatas through the years. The imagery enhances the effects on my heart. If you've ever seen The Passion of the Christ, then you have experienced intense imagery. Despite the fact that not all Biblical scholars concur with many of the creative licenses taken, the film is very powerful.

As you enter into this sacred season, remember the sacrifice of our loving Father who gave up His only Son to redeem us to Himself. As a mom, I cannot imagine knowingly sacrificing my only precious son to redeem worthless, selfish people. I could not do it. I am grateful. I'm in awe. I'm unworthy.

I implore you not let another Easter season pass you by without acknowledging and accepting God's free gift through His Son. It is the only thing guaranteed to transform your life.

Image by rumpleteaser

Creative Reproductivity

There is a process know as PGD, or Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. It has been around for almost twenty years now, according to Wikipedia. The idea is that a couple undergoing IVF is able to "choose" which sex a child is before implantation. Since I am a scientist, I have always found this process fascinating, but I've always had concerns about the uses of this technology.

In my work, I often see the amnios of women who've undergone fertility treatments. The result is often multiples, and they frequently want genetic testing to search for sex and any abnormalities. If a child is the wrong sex, or has a genetic defect, they are often aborted. PGD will enable a couple to learn of these things before implantation occurs. Therefore producing a custom pregnancy, so to speak.

In the news, two clinics are boasting of there abilities to provide "designer" babies. You can now choose eye color, hair color and even height and intellect! The ethical implications are terrifying and unconscionable. Technology is a blessing that God gave us. In the wrong hands, this will be disastrous. Creation is God's alone. When doctors and parents play God, the results will be catastrophic.

Mothering with Dr. Seuss

Last weekend while going through my daughter's binder, I found another assignment for me. Late Sunday, I realized that my child was supposed to dress up as a Dr. Seuss character to celebrate his birthday. Since, I didn't really have anything handy, she and I headed out into the cold rain to search for something to make her look like "Thing 2", per her request. All I was looking for was a red sweatshirt and matching pants. Easy enough, right? Well, all of the stores think it's spring already, in spite of the cold weather in snow. In the end, I had to buy a pattern and fabric.

We came home, and I painstakingly tried to break in my new sewing machine. Not to mention, I haven't sewn in more than a decade. Once I couldn't figure out how to thread the bobbin or even how to get it out of the casing. Just as I was prepared to use force, I figured it out. After staying up past my bedtime and pulling out several defective stitches, I realized that school would be canceled due to the snow. Fast forward, 2 snow days later, the outfit is finally done! My child will be the cutest little "Thing 2" ever. One problem, I have no idea when to send her dressed up. What a dilemma.

So what did I learn? I learned about sacrificial love. I was exhausted and frustrated, and at times hated my life while I was fighting with the machine. But I knew it would make her happy. Love is definitely not selfish. Love is hard sometimes. The alternative would have left me with a very sad and disappointed little girl. So, I'm grateful for Dr. Seuss birthday. I got a chance to remember how much I enjoy sewing. I was able to use my talents to create something for my daughter. She's thrilled. I am too. When we learn to love per Jesus' example, love works.

Silicone Valley

In an attempt to unwind, I flipped on the TV. I clicked the button and landed on VH1. Mistake 1. When I saw multiple sets of overly exposed boobs, my curiosity told me to watch for a moment. What I landed on is some show called Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels. I first looked up Bret Michaels in Wikipedia because I had no idea who he is. Apparently he's a rock star who founded the band Poison back in the eighties. He's now 45 years old! So, if you've never seen the show, I'll give a brief synopsis.

There is a multitude of young women all vying for the attention of this man. Who, by the way, wears guyliner. Anyway. In this episode, they are playing something called "truck-stop games". Each woman is wearing a tiny shirt or bikini top with a Wonderbra to accentuate their super-inflated breasts. They are competing in front of some dirty middle-aged men. They're running, pole-dancing, tumbling, jumping...you name it. Their pockets were actually longer than the daisy dukes they were modeling. The show includes plenty of girl drama and jealousy. I've never seen so much silicone in my life!

So what's my point? With so many shows like this on television, I wonder what makes a woman so desperate that she will parade herself half-naked to a man who's sleeping with multiple others simultaneously? One woman actually got upset that Bret was making out with other women. He basically told her, this is the way my life is. Wow. Another happily told him that she doesn't mind sharing her man, and wouldn't mind seeing them together!

So with shows like Rock of Love Bus, Flavor of Love and The Bachelor, it's no wonder girls and women are delusional when it comes to healthy relationships and marriage. I'm comforting myself by saying, "they only do it for the appearance fees, and no woman is really taking this seriously." However, the emotional breakdowns and cat-fighting look far too real to be scripted.
Need I say more?

Something for Your Brain Cells

For Tre's birthday, we went to see the movie Not Easily Broken. It featured a married couple, portrayed by Morris Chesnut and Taraji P. Henson, experiencing some marital challenges. There were financial problems, a meddling mother-in-law, a car accident, another woman...
You get the picture.

On their day of matrimony, the minister told them that "a chord of 3 strands is not easily broken." (Ecc. 4:12) God, husband and wife bound together. Over the years, the third chord was forgotten and the marriage began to unravel.

The movie explores their path and how the trials were tearing them apart.

I thought it was fairly well-done. It made me think. I looked at the influences that were in both the husband and the wife's sphere. The way those people think will greatly affect you if you listen to them often enough. Sometimes friends and even family need to be kept at a distance in order to protect one's marriage.

For those of us who are married, we know how hard marriage can be. Many things can cause rifts. When you add trials together, it can mean disaster. I've often heard marriage called a garden that needs to be tended. Weeded. Watered. Given plenty of sunshine and TLC.

To me, the sunshine is God. Continual prayer. Scripture study. Keeping Him first without compromise. There are many principalities fighting to destroy our marriages, and we cannot combat them in our own strength. When I forget that, there is such a gulf that grows between us.

If you'd like to see a thought provoking movie, this is probably a winner. The movie is PG-13 for some adult language.

Protect and nurture our marriages. Keep God as the third chord so that we are able to resist the forces trying to destroy us. Encourage each other. Support others' marriages.
Bad marriages and divorces make the devil so very happy. Let's make him fume.