Yes, it's been a while. If you've been regularly checking up on my blog, I apologize for the staleness of it lately. I have a few reasons for not being actively blogging.
First of all, the big setback was the miscarriage I had last fall. I pretty much took a nosedive from being social and had to heal for a long time before being comfortable with sharing again. It's amazing how vulnerable that experience can make a person feel. Not only because of the lack of control but because of how little it's spoken about in public and by those who have had similar experiences. It's one of those subjects we know is there but is seldom discussed in a healthy manner.
Secondly, I got pregnant again in January, and this time everything is great! I'm currently at 20 wks and 6 days. So I've especially been pretty consumed with the idea and all that goes along with it. In fact, this morning was the first time I actually could see that little baby in there moving around. Fascinating! So cool. We are not finding out the gender. And we actually missed our best opportunity to get the most accurate assessment from the sonographer last Friday. All we know and need to know is that our little baby is healthy and all the major functions of the body are in working order. So we're satisfied.
Thirdly, Monte has been pursuing a ministry to take over as his full time employment. There have been many steps in this process. It's been quite a learning period for us both. The first stage was to lay himself out there in front of those churches with openings available. Then we waited. And waited and waited and waited. So for months, nothing happened. Then, about 2 months ago he was slammed with 5 churches interested all at once. One was even for a position he did not apply for and is actually better than the one he did! So we've been interviewing and traveling some. And when it's not for a church he'll eventually work for full time, he's been playing and leading for two churches locally to help out and gain some valuable experience and some enriching mentoring in the process.
That's why. So stick close. I'll be more present with my blog from now on. I hope that this update helps some of you Amy trackers to know what's going on. Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Elections
So things in the USA have been pretty crazy. My take on the whole experience has been unique due to different circumstances. I've become more and more disenchanted with politics as I've gotten older and as I am becoming more and more knowledgeable of God's Word. My first responsibility in voting is to honor God in my vote. So I take God's Word and find the things that are definitely not up for argument in regards to politics - mainly moral issues like abortion, homosexual issues, other deviant behavior, and taking care of widows and orphans in their times of distress. This election, like most, due to the political platforms of each major party, I am abruptly stopped in my need to continue much further in my research. This saddens me since the people in this country are capable of so much good, especially with our abundance. There should be less discussion on moral issues like those listed above since they shouldn't be up for argument anyway, hence the whole definition of the word "moral." But alas, people "interpret" things differently and we have the right to do so in the USA.
But then I think on these moral issues. The most controversial of all is, of course, abortion. Since my training and short experience working in a crisis pregnancy facility, I've learned quite a few things. First of all, neither side has been good at focusing on the women involved in these pregnancies. Both are focused on "the problem." But the baby is really not the main problem. These women are hurting and broken. They have been bombarded with propaganda from both radical sides of this issue that was agenda-focused and not client focused. If anyone wants to get through to these women and help them with their real problems and their pregnancies, then love needs to be the driving force behind any institution that claims to be at their service. Secondly, most women feel manipulated by the abortion industry after the fact. A huge percentage of women, close to 95%, who have had abortions, felt that they were not given enough information beforehand to make the best choice, which also led them to regret their abortion decision. Some of this information is their emotional roller coaster to endure either soon or years down the road that can lead to a 3-6x higher suicide rate than the average person. Hello! Maybe pro-choice isn't so great after all since it's not usually the most informed choice. And pro-life should mean pro-mother's life as well as baby's. Thirdly, the focus from most in the political arena on the pro-choice side is mostly for the "right" to be kept. In all honesty, I don't believe our right to terminate a consequence of what is usually a very consensual act for our own convenience or expedience is a very honorable right. And usually those fighting to keep this right haven't ever and probably won't ever find themselves in this situation. Unfortunately, the need for something like abortion is just a major symptom of some even deeper problems in our country.
All of this election season has also gotten me thinking about the rampant selfishness in our nation. Some people have been pouting and sitting on their hands these last eight years either politically and/or in their own community. The effort seems to be stimulated by whether or not your party is in power. This goes both ways. Shame on us Christians for doing the same when a non-Conservative we don't agree with is in the White House. This is not what God calls us to do. He tells us to pray for those in authority because that authority, whether or not used for good, came from Him. And I agree with Shawn Hannity when he says that he wishes that Obama is a good president. He wishes him well regardless of their vastly different positions because his term as president will affect us all whether we like him or not. Our futures depend on a good political season each and every time a president takes office. Our prayers should empower that person and aid in their stressful decision making day in and day out.
One more thing before I leave. I did not vote for Obama. I'll tell you a couple reasons why. I checked him out from before his campagin began last year. He is not the same man he was in his campaign that he had been before running for president. And that shows a huge lack of character. I didn't fall for any schmoozing. He played the middle road very well during his campagin despite being even more liberal than Hillary beforehand. If he stays that way, then maybe he'll be more inclined to relate to more of his constitutents, since the popular vote was 51% to 48%. And I did not vote for Mr. Obama because he lied to people on tv time and time again and people would just eat it up. Sigh...I wasn't excited about voting this election since I knew that no matter who won there would be mass amounts of hate and irritation running thick through our country about something we now have to live with no matter what.
Change is something we can all control. And if we want to see real change happen, it starts with you and me every day as we interact with others and live out our convictions. It begins with loving and serving others and making the most of our situations no matter how irritated we are. I'll never rely on government to change my outlook on life, my financial situation, or my success. That is entirely up to me. And it's seen through my eyes on how well I've done in life. As long as our land is free, these statements will always be true. Be proud of your country no matter who sits in the oval office. You'd be amazed at how better you'll feel when you start to be positive and encouraging instead of condemning and pessimistic. I'm out!
But then I think on these moral issues. The most controversial of all is, of course, abortion. Since my training and short experience working in a crisis pregnancy facility, I've learned quite a few things. First of all, neither side has been good at focusing on the women involved in these pregnancies. Both are focused on "the problem." But the baby is really not the main problem. These women are hurting and broken. They have been bombarded with propaganda from both radical sides of this issue that was agenda-focused and not client focused. If anyone wants to get through to these women and help them with their real problems and their pregnancies, then love needs to be the driving force behind any institution that claims to be at their service. Secondly, most women feel manipulated by the abortion industry after the fact. A huge percentage of women, close to 95%, who have had abortions, felt that they were not given enough information beforehand to make the best choice, which also led them to regret their abortion decision. Some of this information is their emotional roller coaster to endure either soon or years down the road that can lead to a 3-6x higher suicide rate than the average person. Hello! Maybe pro-choice isn't so great after all since it's not usually the most informed choice. And pro-life should mean pro-mother's life as well as baby's. Thirdly, the focus from most in the political arena on the pro-choice side is mostly for the "right" to be kept. In all honesty, I don't believe our right to terminate a consequence of what is usually a very consensual act for our own convenience or expedience is a very honorable right. And usually those fighting to keep this right haven't ever and probably won't ever find themselves in this situation. Unfortunately, the need for something like abortion is just a major symptom of some even deeper problems in our country.
All of this election season has also gotten me thinking about the rampant selfishness in our nation. Some people have been pouting and sitting on their hands these last eight years either politically and/or in their own community. The effort seems to be stimulated by whether or not your party is in power. This goes both ways. Shame on us Christians for doing the same when a non-Conservative we don't agree with is in the White House. This is not what God calls us to do. He tells us to pray for those in authority because that authority, whether or not used for good, came from Him. And I agree with Shawn Hannity when he says that he wishes that Obama is a good president. He wishes him well regardless of their vastly different positions because his term as president will affect us all whether we like him or not. Our futures depend on a good political season each and every time a president takes office. Our prayers should empower that person and aid in their stressful decision making day in and day out.
One more thing before I leave. I did not vote for Obama. I'll tell you a couple reasons why. I checked him out from before his campagin began last year. He is not the same man he was in his campaign that he had been before running for president. And that shows a huge lack of character. I didn't fall for any schmoozing. He played the middle road very well during his campagin despite being even more liberal than Hillary beforehand. If he stays that way, then maybe he'll be more inclined to relate to more of his constitutents, since the popular vote was 51% to 48%. And I did not vote for Mr. Obama because he lied to people on tv time and time again and people would just eat it up. Sigh...I wasn't excited about voting this election since I knew that no matter who won there would be mass amounts of hate and irritation running thick through our country about something we now have to live with no matter what.
Change is something we can all control. And if we want to see real change happen, it starts with you and me every day as we interact with others and live out our convictions. It begins with loving and serving others and making the most of our situations no matter how irritated we are. I'll never rely on government to change my outlook on life, my financial situation, or my success. That is entirely up to me. And it's seen through my eyes on how well I've done in life. As long as our land is free, these statements will always be true. Be proud of your country no matter who sits in the oval office. You'd be amazed at how better you'll feel when you start to be positive and encouraging instead of condemning and pessimistic. I'm out!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Debates
So we have been pretty tied up in the debates of late. We're looking forward to next Tuesday when McCain and Obama square off again. Just one quick note from tonight's debate, which I believe went well for both VP candidates. Gov. Palin referenced a quote from Biden about Obama not being ready for the position of commander in chief. I wondered about its validity since words get twisted and such when politicians talk. But it checks out. Here's what I found:http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/8/21/41158/2877. This is just one among others. Apparently, Biden wasn't a huge fav of the left to begin with. But whatever. It's done. There are several other places that report this same finding. The quote was from August of '07, which wasn't that long ago in the realm of the politcal process of finding a pres. candidate.
Dennis Miller was in normal form tonight on Leno. He had an interesting take on the candidates, both pres and VP. I'm just "enjoying my view" as I'm told to do at the end of every broadcast with Whoopi, Elizabeth, Joy, Barbara, and Sherri. Do the same. We only have 33 days left! Let the countdown begin.
Dennis Miller was in normal form tonight on Leno. He had an interesting take on the candidates, both pres and VP. I'm just "enjoying my view" as I'm told to do at the end of every broadcast with Whoopi, Elizabeth, Joy, Barbara, and Sherri. Do the same. We only have 33 days left! Let the countdown begin.
Monday, September 22, 2008
True Peace
I was taking in the Prime Time Emmy Awards show last night. It didn't take long for me to be irritated by what I heard. It was a bit lame as far as the hosting went - 5 reality show hosts - come on! There were some funny things here and there, but overall it was not a great awards show. I'm sure the ratings prove that.
But there was a comment made by Tommy Smothers of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" from way back in the 60s that really made me wonder his ability to think clearly.
Preface - no matter how you feel about the war, we all know that despite all our efforts to make others like us who desire peace that there are still those who will never choose to work things out through rational discussion and peace talks. Some people will never change or back down with their violence. And we need to fully understand and accept that. Until we do, our nation will always be divided with protesters who complain more than inspire good during a bad time.
Mr. Smothers said two comments, actually, that caught my attention. His first was referring to the current administration and "watching ignorance in action." His second was his definition of truth. I hope he wasn't really serious. If he was, his personal definition was severely flawed. He said that truth was whatever you could convince someone else to believe. That is just absolutely amazing! Despite the weird and poorly delivered comments no matter their stance on our government, his whole acceptance speech for this award was odd, disjointed, and vague. It almost seemed he suffered from mental hindrances.
True peace should be focused on man to man, woman to woman. For some reason, people choose to only hone in on the big war that our government is responsible for. Why? If you have read your constitution lately, the federal government is charged with our "general welfare" and safety. War is one of their things if they so deem worthy. And I think the fact that another big nasty attack on our homeland has NOT happened in the past 7 years is a huge gain for the USA . But, again, so many choose to focus on things they cannot change and protest and use their rights to express themselves instead of choosing to turn their irritation and lack of power with the war into good. Some suggestions would be to have relief packs for soldiers returning from war - including things like date night freebies for spouses who've been separated for months, grocery coupons for the fam, free child care for the date nights, etc.
When we focus more on doing good for our neighbors and those who've given more than we could ever dream for our "rights", I think we'll get it. Maybe we'll finally get it. I think we can no matter your political stance. Oh, and truth is truth no matter what you personally believe. It cannot be swayed by anyone's opinions. "the true or actual state of a matter", "a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like" - dictionary.com
I know this post might seem a bit deep, but it was on my mind.
But there was a comment made by Tommy Smothers of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" from way back in the 60s that really made me wonder his ability to think clearly.
Preface - no matter how you feel about the war, we all know that despite all our efforts to make others like us who desire peace that there are still those who will never choose to work things out through rational discussion and peace talks. Some people will never change or back down with their violence. And we need to fully understand and accept that. Until we do, our nation will always be divided with protesters who complain more than inspire good during a bad time.
Mr. Smothers said two comments, actually, that caught my attention. His first was referring to the current administration and "watching ignorance in action." His second was his definition of truth. I hope he wasn't really serious. If he was, his personal definition was severely flawed. He said that truth was whatever you could convince someone else to believe. That is just absolutely amazing! Despite the weird and poorly delivered comments no matter their stance on our government, his whole acceptance speech for this award was odd, disjointed, and vague. It almost seemed he suffered from mental hindrances.
True peace should be focused on man to man, woman to woman. For some reason, people choose to only hone in on the big war that our government is responsible for. Why? If you have read your constitution lately, the federal government is charged with our "general welfare" and safety. War is one of their things if they so deem worthy. And I think the fact that another big nasty attack on our homeland has NOT happened in the past 7 years is a huge gain for the USA . But, again, so many choose to focus on things they cannot change and protest and use their rights to express themselves instead of choosing to turn their irritation and lack of power with the war into good. Some suggestions would be to have relief packs for soldiers returning from war - including things like date night freebies for spouses who've been separated for months, grocery coupons for the fam, free child care for the date nights, etc.
When we focus more on doing good for our neighbors and those who've given more than we could ever dream for our "rights", I think we'll get it. Maybe we'll finally get it. I think we can no matter your political stance. Oh, and truth is truth no matter what you personally believe. It cannot be swayed by anyone's opinions. "the true or actual state of a matter", "a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like" - dictionary.com
I know this post might seem a bit deep, but it was on my mind.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Birthday/Election Time
So this monumental and pivotal election is going to happen just two days after my 27th birthday. I can't really say I've enjoyed much of the campaigning so far. It gets me pondering. Even though the candidates aren't really doing much mud slinging yet, I'm not looking forward to any new TV ads nearly as much as I am the debates. I guess they've already agreed to 3 presidential debates and 1 VP debate. Bring it! I want to see what answers they all have. I want to get a feel for their motives and goals in this race and whether or not they would do this job without all the perks - secret service, salary, etc. It would be cool to hear that some big shot politician decided to use his or her salary to offset the costs of running his/her office and would rather use his or her personal investments, funds, and the likes to pay his own bills. I mean, do you know how much each state senator uses of public money to get to and from DC? And then they have staff and administrative costs that are all paid for by us. Not that it's a bad thing, but I don't think it's a very modestly run profession, which means that more money is used to fund their lush offices than goes back into the country's needs. If you're going to demand money out of my check without my authorization, then you can at least take that seriously and not blow it on unnecessary expenditures. That's the bulk of what I ask. Oh, and I don't think the government has my best interests in mind when it comes to my social security. I know how to invest for retirement and the guarantee of that money being invested depends on me. So if I want a good retirement, I'll be doing the necessary research and payments into my IRA, as well as diversifying my investments elsewhere. The government needn't worry itself with that. That's all. I just like what money I do make to be under my discretion. Simple, right? Yeah.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
July
It seems that July came and went without much hesitation. Man!
I ended the month with a fun trip to Dallas. It was business related as I attended Seminar 2008 for Mary Kay. Five different gatherings of women came to Dallas during July to attend Seminar 2008 back to back ending with my group, the Pearl seminar. Not only were our corporate staff utterly exhausted from working almost nonstop for 3 weeks, but it was crazy hot in the Big D. This is Christi Campbell, my National Sales Director's daughter and a Senior Sales Director herself driving a beautiful pearlized pink Caddy CTS, I believe. She's tons of fun.
It's now August. Where has the time gone? Enjoy the rest of your summer!
I ended the month with a fun trip to Dallas. It was business related as I attended Seminar 2008 for Mary Kay. Five different gatherings of women came to Dallas during July to attend Seminar 2008 back to back ending with my group, the Pearl seminar. Not only were our corporate staff utterly exhausted from working almost nonstop for 3 weeks, but it was crazy hot in the Big D. This is Christi Campbell, my National Sales Director's daughter and a Senior Sales Director herself driving a beautiful pearlized pink Caddy CTS, I believe. She's tons of fun.
It's now August. Where has the time gone? Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
New Glasses
So I went to America's Best a few weeks ago and voila! I have two pairs of glasses. Yes, two. Not that I need two, but they strike a great bargain there and why not take it? It's about the same price with just one pair.
Please let me know what you think and which pair you find more appealing. Of course, I have my more studious, intellectual pair. The others are more for every day wear. Comments encouraged.
Today I got a call from Jessica at Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Jasper and Newton Counties. Monte and I were both welcomed into the program after we had our home visit and interviews on Tuesday. This means that we are now both going to be paired with "Littles" and we can then start the mentoring process. With any new endeavor, I'm a little overzealous in my plans. They'll probably tone down by the time we actually get together for the first time. I get to meet the parent of a little on Monday who will hopefully be my pal for 1-4 hours each week. I'm really excited!
Have a great Thursday. It's my brother's-in-law birthday today. Happy Birthday!
Watching Pride and Prejudice today after I've been told over and over again that it's so amazing. Monte's at work. Perfect timing. We'll also be enjoying the company of some of Monte's family this weekend to celebrate the first birthday of a little one.
Until next time...
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