"... TO GIVE UNTO THEM BEAUTY FOR ASHES, THE OIL OF JOY FOR MOURNING, THE GARMENT OF PRAISE FOR THE SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS; THAT THEY MIGHT BE CALLED TREES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,THE PLANTING OF THE LORD, THAT HE MIGHT BE GLORIFIED." ISAIAH 61:3

Friday, August 1, 2014

Sick.And.Tired. I'm just sayin'...


I know usually my "I'm just sayin'..." posts tend toward the lighter side.
Sorry folks.
Not this time.
This time I really am SICK.AND.TIRED.

Of what?

Uughh!

* The twisted sense of morality that has swept over humanity like a plague.
Everyone is a victim, no one is responsible.
Everyone is entitled, no one pays consequences.
Grow up! Please!
You want free will? You got it!
Want to make your own choices? Go ahead!
But be adult enough to stand behind those choices!

* The loss of innocence.
When did it become a crime for a child to be a child?
Sex education before the age of 10. Really???
And why is my 13 year old expected to dress like a 20 year old seductress?
And why on God's green earth are books like Fifty Shades of Grey and
The Bluest Eyes in the youth section of the library?!
(Now before you get your dander up, I am not against free speech. I do not endorse book burnings. But do I believe these books are suitable for such young minds? NO!)

* The race card.
Listen precious, we've had friends and neighbors from every corner of the globe.
I don't give a rip what color they are! If they're good people, we love them.
If they party all night, leave the yard trashed, and play their base like they're trying to tip the Richter scale, then not so much!
Same goes for the president, by the way.
"You don't like Obama? What are you, a racist or something?!"
Are we so immature as a nation that we cannot entertain anyone's opinion other than our own?
Have we lost our ability to debate without the use of insults, profanities, or labels?
 I don't care if he's black, white, or purple - his stand on moral issues like abortion, stem cell research, and gay rights was enough for me to cast my vote elsewhere.
I say again... grow up!

* And speaking of the gay community...
When did disagreement become equated with HATE?
Childish much?
I do not hate the gay community. I simply, but strongly, disagree with their life choice.
I've had many gay friends over the years.
Every one of them knew my beliefs. And every one of them knew I accepted them and loved them as they were.
One especially dear friend, died as a result of his chosen lifestyle.
(His words, not mine. So put the daggers away.)
I held his hand and kissed his cheek as he was passing.
He loved me. And I loved him. Deeply, and without reservation.

* The accusations that I'm ruining my daughters' lives with home school! Are you kidding me?
They make friends with every child they meet. They are at, or above the norm in every subject.
Two grade levels ahead in some. They are world travelers and can order gelato in three languages. They are already taking college level electives like ethics and psychology.
And the Jehovah's Witnesses that came to visit (yes, even in Germany) found them to be so grounded and well spoken in their faith, that they spent more time debating with the girls than they did me!
Trust me. The girls are more than fine!
Please understand, I'm not tooting a horn here.
God is responsible for every good thing!
I have just been His willing, and sometimes terrified, vessel. I think every home school mother has the secret fear that somehow she's blowing it big time. We absolutely do not need you on our insecurity dog pile.
So back off my girls, Jack!



Mankind might hold sway over these few things, for good or for bad.
But there are things in this world over which we have no control.
We are just along for the heartbreaking ride.



I'm sick and tired of, well, sickness!

* Sickness of the body.
In the past six months alone, four of our friends have lost their spouses.
From ages 45 to 70. And for reasons from heart attack to cancer.
Two were expected.
Two were not.
Death doesn't care how old you are, how many miles a day you run, or how many hearts will be broken if you are taken away.

* Sickness of the soul.
I've lost two friends to suicide.
Three friends to murder.
My college roommate, matron of honor, and first "forever friend" was shot and killed by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself.
Just days ago, the 15 year old son of an old friend tragically ended his own life.
People are beaten, robbed, bullied, kidnapped, sold . . . . .
I'm so tired of the enemy seemingly winning the battle of the mind!
The depression, the depravity - like a tidal wave of evil that cannot be stopped.



I want to scream!
Shake my fists!
Shout that it's not fair!

And then I remember, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.…" Matthew 11:28-29.

I remember, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27.

I remember, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

I remember . . .




      "Bring The Rain"
              MercyMe

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray


Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain



I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray



Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty





And just like that, 
my God can change "Sick and Tired" to 
"Bring the Rain!"

I'm just sayin' . . .



















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