FYI...

Read below, before clicking on links.

http://www.daveramsey.com/tdrs/index.cfm/2008/9/18/Patriotism-Biden-style#comments

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/communism

The comment Dave made about communism is not an insult, it is just a fact. The definition of communism from dictionary.com: "A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people."
# Posted by Carolyn 9/19/08 4:29 PM

I found this extremely interesting while visiting Dave Ramsey's website. As most of you know, Financial Peace University literally changed the course of our lives. We are now debt free, having sold our home in Abilene, and are actively saving for our girls' education and to hopefully pay for a home in cash one day. Thanks to the Baby Steps Dave recommends.
With all the talk of bailout and the recent decision to NOT pass the current proposed plan to the tune of $700 billion dollars, I was interested to hear what Dave had to say. I have a huge amount of respect for him, and wondered how he felt about the plan our government was proposing. Mind you, he often tells people to make the hard decisions such as (LIVE like no one else, so you can LIVE like no one else) Essentially, make the sacrifices TODAY to stay out of debt so that one day you will have the money to purchase the things you desire and have worked hard for.

You can listen to his broadcast on specifics for the bailout plan via his website. However, in one of Dave's radio broadcast he calls Joe Biden a communist...which you can read by the comments upset a lot of people...Dave of course referencing Biden's comment to tax the wealthy to give to the poor. Dave was surprised that Obama/Biden just plainly put it out there...the wealthy should be taxed more or as Biden said be "more patriotic." Interestingly, if you read the definition for communism, it does seem as if our government (or those hoping to be elected) is wanting to completely control the economy...and put everyone on an equal playing field...take from the rich and give to the poor as to make things more balanced.
In the past I have always voted for less government control. I find the government to be already involved with more things then it should. So to hear the term "communist" concerned me, especially in connection with a candidate that is seeking to be elected. So I did some research on communism and studied their ideology...a desire to have a "classless society" and do away with capitalism. Interesting...
Then below they (Wikipedia Encyclopedia) had an article that read, "Christian communism"...so of course I was interested, and it referenced the verse where it talks about the early church, "...all the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need." Acts 2:44-45
So my heart wonders...Should we all be equal? Does the person described as "lazy" be given a free ride, and the rich person punished for his success? Should the government even be involved? Yes, people struggle...but should the government be the ones writing the checks. Or shall we as a body of believers seek out those in need and help them personally? Would we, if given the opportunity? Do we need to be taxed in order to be benevolent? It would appear, we need regulation to stop us from buying homes way out of our price range.
I'm not pushing any particular political candidate. The jury is still out...However, I wish I knew what the best course of action is for our country. I wish God would give us a clear path to follow...or has he already and we don't like His answer? I feel like I am American to my very core. In fact, my relatives can be traced back to the American Revolution on both sides. But is it getting to the point where "American" and "Christian" are further and further apart?
Just a side note: When Obama mentioned his father being from Kenya during the first debate, I thought of the many mission trips ACU has done in Kenya. I wondered if perhaps a missionary came across Obama's father's path and gave him the hope of coming to America. I think of the many Madgascar students that attend ACU and are going to church at Southern Hills. We never know whose future we might influence.

Homecoming!!!!

Give me your opinion...

My 10 year college reunion is happening Oct 24th-26th at Abilene Christian University. I'm considering buy tickets to fly down to Abilene to be there and bringing Ellie with me.

Here are the pros and cons...

PROs:
1. I would get to attend my class reunion and other Homecoming events such as the parade, the football game, Gata breakfast, etc.
2. I would have Ellie with me so Travis wouldn't be so overwhelmed.
3. I would get to see many precious friends I have missed since moving from Abilene, Texas to O'Fallon, Illinois (college friends, MOPS girlfriends, MOPS Mentors, church friends, etc.)
4. I would get to attend church there at Southern Hills.
5. I could show Ellie off to my friends.
6. It would be like a mini vacation since we didn't take one this summer...due to the move, pregnancy, etc.
7. Travis will be extremely busy before and after the trip with work...putting most of the burden of taking care of the children and our home on me. Taking a break and going to Abilene would be something to look forward to.

CONs:
1. The ticket to Abilene costs as of right now, $250, and I wouldn't have transportation once in Abilene. Would I do better to save that money and use it for other things?
2. I'm still exhausted because Ellie continues to wake up two times during the night. Would I be refreshed after the trip or even more exhausted.
3. It would mean leaving Travis, Carlie, and Mollie at home...way too expensive for us all to go.
4. Just the hassle of getting me to the airport, layovers, timing everything right...is something to consider.

Fun Times...

I just wanted to post some really cute pictures from our visit to Chicago. My mother had already planned to fly out and drive with me this weekend to visit Marcella, my sister...before Hurricane Ike. So I was thankful Houston/Hobby Airport was up and running Friday night.

It was actually not too bad of a drive...from here, we drove 4 1/2 hours north to Hindsdale, Ill. (a suburb of Chicago). Carlie and Mollie loved seeing their cousins again, and of course Baby Ellie was the star attraction.

My sister has a beautiful home and is so talented. She really is amazing! Her and her husband, Jeff, have incredible taste...and did most of the contracting/designing themselves. The weather was absolutely perfect and the kids enjoyed playing together so much. My favorite part was eating outside in the evenings and just relaxing as we watched the children play. My prayer is that Marcella and I will become closer now that we live in O'Fallon, Illinois. It has always seemed so hard to get our families together before...the cost of plane tickets, crazy schedules, etc. We always did the family trip to Galveston, but our family missed it this year because of the move and having Ellie.

Carlie was fast and furious on Emma's scooter. Then I captured this cute shot of Mollie throwing me the ball. Below is a picture of Mammy with Ellie.

Ellie continues to be such a joy. She now coos more than ever and I love to see her smile.

She actually knows the sound the letter "A" makes. She is GIFTED. LOL Just ask her and she will say "Ahhh." Carlie and I taught her that trick.

Inspiration from the book "Captivating"

I've started a new book study with some girlfriends from church and here are some quotes that inspired me from chapter 1. The book is called Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge.




"Then the time came when the risk it took...To remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."-- Anais Nia





Depending upon your state of mind, this quote could mean a lot of different things to you. For me, in this particular season of my life, I feel like it is encouraging me to be REAL with others, vulnerable...willing to show who I really am...being willing to take a risk and truly blossom.


pg. 12 "...In our heart of hearts, that place where we are most ourselves, we don't want to run away for very long."


Again, you could think of many things this quote could relate to, but for me...HOME is where I long to be. Of course, there are times when I can't wait to get away from the laundry and housework...but if I'm gone too long from my home and precious husband and children...my heart is eager to hurry and get back.


pg. 18 "Women don't fear a man's strength if he is a good man. In fact, passivity might make a man "safe", but it has done untold damage to women in the long run...example: Adam and Eve. His strength allows her feminine heart to flourish. His pursuit draws out her beauty. And a man in the presence of a real woman loves being a man. Her beauty arouses him to play the man. It draws out his strength. She inspires him to be a hero."


This is special to me because I think of my three precious girls. They are always wanting to "marry" Travis or calling him their prince. And rightly so...For in their eyes and mine, HE is our HERO. He is the one we look toward to keep us safe. He is the one who provides for us...the necessities and the comforts...our knight in shiny armor.


I learned an important lesson from watching my girls. As they would talk to him this way, it was almost as if, Travis rose to the occasion. He became what they dreamed of in a father.

You can make a difference!

Update on my parents' home. Thankfully, the upstairs (living quarters) is fine. The windows withstood the strong winds. Most of the homes in Galveston are built up on stilts to pass codes for flooding. So the bottom level (what we would consider a garage/basement)...where the lawn stuff is kept, the golf cart, extra fridge, etc. was damaged. Dad said they had to hire a crew to come in and remove about 4 ft. of sewage, dirt, trash, etc. from their yard. But as you can imagine...they are so relieved that there wasn't more damage...still no electricity though.
As you know from the news, they strongly encouraged residents to NOT come back yet, but give organizations like the Red Cross time to restore, repair, etc. I wondered where they got these wonderful volunteers, until I received this email from a precious friend, Heather Langless, that attended my MOPS group in Abilene...now living in Wisconsin.

"I just wanted to email to let you all know that my mom and dad will be leaving for about 3 weeks to work with the Red Cross in Texas, they will be helping the victims of Hurricane IKE. Were all very proud of them and hope they grow from there experience, its hard to see them leave because we will miss them and the kids feel a little sad not see there grandparents for awhile, but we cant be selfish, others need them more at this time. Lester and I wish we could go but our children our too young and need us, someday we will be able to do those kinda things. We will take them to the airport on Saturday, please pray for there safety and health while gone and while working in conditions that our not real great. They have been busy getting ready to go, they only found out on Thursday about leaving, this is my moms first time working with the Red Cross on a mission, my dad has been apart of them for long time. She had lots of paper work to fill out to get ready to go. PRAYERS PLEASE!! thanks Heather and family

Again, Heather...it is people like you and your parents that make all the difference. Please, tell them how much we appreciate their efforts. YOU ARE AMAZING!!!

Fired Up!

WOW...



"On Tuesday, McCain struck a populist chord against Wall Street greed. He called for a commission to probe the root causes of the country's financial mess — such as the high-level panel that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. And he reiterated that no more taxpayer money should be used to rescue private institutions such as the large insurer AIG."



---The Associated Press, written my Terence Hunt...Sept 16



When did Americans began thinking banks and insurance companies should be their "Sugar Daddies"? Oh, I really want to live in this 200K home (though, I can't afford it on my own), but I only want to pay $1,000/mth for it...so "Sweet Bankie, can you loan me the money? I may or may not be able to pay you back." (30 yr fixed loan or possible foreclosure) Then when Bankie can't makes his payments, he goes to his "Sugar Daddy" a.k.a the Government, and requests help. It is CRAZY!!! Let us consider this revoluntary idea: PAY FOR THINGS WITH CASH! I venture, we strive to get away from this "Sugar Daddy" concept of always thinking other people's money should help me live in the home I want, wear the clothes I "deserve", etc.

Did the government's decision to "loan" (Sugar Daddy concept) AIG 80+ billion dollars yesterday...so that they didn't have to go under....REALLY help the situation? Do you see them downsizing...now or ever? The beautiful building they are housed in...Was that a neccessary expense? It makes me sick that we continue to go to the government to bail us out when we find ourselves in a financial crisis. And who is this Government? Do they have the money or assets to back such a large loan to AIG? Yes, only if the hard working American continues to pay his/her taxes...which for our family is about 15% of our take home pay...MORE than the 10% the church is given as a tithe. Don't get me started there...

When did "welfare" began to go to the top CEO's in the country? Forget all this about "Bush only gave tax cuts to the top 1% of Americans." I'm wondering why greedy companies aren't paying for their own debt, and I'm getting taxed for it. I've already been nickeled and dimed by my bank. I believe there is greed and corruption happening in Wall Street and it needs to stop. In fact, perhaps the real problem is at home...our own greed, our own selfish desires...and the officials we elected are truly representing our interests.

It saddens me that I've haven't heard anything about making families stronger this election...especially not applying godly principles to the way we do business and treat one another. It isn't policitical correct to do so. The situation we are in is very complicated, and I'm sorry...it didn't get this way in just the 8 years Bush was in office. I don't claim to know a lot about politics or how Wall Street is ran, but using Bush as a scape goat...I'm not buying it.

My neighbor for example can't sell her home. She is part of this housing market crisis. She is trying to maintain a 2800 sq/ft. home for herself and her son...on a teacher's salary...and has been doing it for a year since her divorce. How long can that continue? She may go into foreclosure. But here is the thing, there is so much more to this picture than just having a hard time selling her home. The reality is that the bank owns her home until she has paid every payment. Her husband is gone...no child support. What is she to do?

Then my parents for example had a lot destroyed by Hurricane Ike. While they were without electricity they did not hear the recent activity on Wall Street...the crisis with AIG, an insurance company. She mentions, "I'm not too worried about the boat, it was insured." REALLY...If we can't trust the companies to truly have the assets available to help when we need them...then why make any payments to them.

One politician said, "It is the war that has done this. Invest that money here in America." I can understand that. It makes sense. Here is the thing, though. Investing more money here doesn't necessarily make top CEOs want to provide more jobs for hard working Americans. These companies that have the capablity of providing jobs locally have long sent their "work" to third world countries. The labor is cheaper there...and they will continue to do so because of greed. Hence, why when I looked at the label on my daughter's pants from Children's Place it said "Made in Kenya." So what incentive could we give to these top companies such as Walmart to go back to "Made in the USA?" Haven't heard anything about that either.

This is all coming from a stay at home mom...who usually chooses to watch Dora the Explorer vs. the news. As of late though, I've made an exception. I will tell you what I'm working on...a strong marriage, children who love the Lord, and paying for things in cash...learning to be content with what I have. Crazy concept, isn't it. Who represents me?

Here is the picture of the water damage. Weird looking, isn't it?

Hard to believe...

As luck would have it, as I was blogging yesterday about Hurricane Ike...our home sustained some damage. It really didn't seem that bad here...a lot of rain and some wind, but nothing strong enough to cause this.

Travis called me out to the yard, and said, "Look, at that!" I couldn't believe it. The siding just ripped off.

Earlier in the week we had some water damage. The water was trapped in this bubble against the wall. I used a pin to poke a hole in it to drain the water.

Needless to say, I'm so glad we are just renting. The house is pretty, but has had so many quirks since we moved in. Out of all the quirks though, the skunks almost did us in. We can still smell it occasionally.

I've got to call the property managers to come out and fix it. Thank goodness, Travis doesn't have to get up there and do it.

Before the Storm...

Before the Storm...

As some of you know, my parents have been living in Galveston for the last several years. I was awake Friday night when Hurricane Ike hit...watching the Weather Channel safely in my home. My parents were thankfully 2 1/2 hours away in Madisonville, where I grew up, SAFE!! I'm so grateful they were able to evacuate in time.

It was so scary watching it...an estimated 4 million without electricity. All I could think about was the elderly and those with small children. Were they safe? Could they get what they needed. As of right now, we still don't know the damage my parent's house sustained. I've never been in a storm...no tornadoes, no hurricanes, no earthquakes...so I count myself extremely lucky. In some ways it is hard to relate to what happen, having never experienced it for myself. I do know this though...my parents, the people I love most in the world, will soon go back and pick up whatever remains...count their losses...and try to get things back to normal. I'm sure the brunt of the work will fall on my Dad, since he likes things to be in order and is so good at fixing things. So I dedicate this post to them.

Mom and Dad,

You so often have been my Rock. When the waves of life come crashing in, I turn to you...to lean on...to gain strength and courage from...to know that whatever "THIS" is...it too shall pass. I honestly wouldn't know what to do without you. I love you both so much! I am so grateful you were able to evacuate and are safe. I wish so badly I could be there to help you get things back in order. I can't imagine how hard it is going to be to go back and see the damage. You both worked so hard to make it a home.

You made Galveston the coolest place in the world to the girls. There are so many wonderful memories we have made there with you and that we will cherish for a lifetime. So I'm posting some pictures from our past trips. I guess as a way to remember how special Galveston has become to us...and as a reminder that wonderful memories still remain to be had there.

With love,

Dorothy

Ellie slept for 8 straight hours! Hurray!!!

Ellie actually slept for 8 hours straight last night! AMAZING! Now, mind you, she didn't sleep hardly any that day, but I feel like a new woman having gotten more sleep. I was so excited to start the morning and refreshed. I'm trying to not get my hopes up that it will happen again tonight, but wouldn't it be cool if it did. LOL



I caught a precious moment on camera and wanted to share. The girls are finally letting Ellie into their club. At first they did not like Ellie requiring so much attention, but things are settling down and they are adjusting. Carlie and Mollie are taking turns loving on her, and she is enjoying their attention. See for yourself.

Two wonderful statements that girlfriends have told me lately...

1. I raised my bestfriends. --Coming from a mom that has two grown daughters now. They truly are so close, and it makes my heart melt to think I could have that relationship with my "Trio" one day.

2. The best gift my mom gave me was my sister! --It starts now when they are little, encouraging an atomsphere of sisterhood and being each other's bestfriends. Carlie and Mollie are so close now. I can't wait to see what happens when Ellie gets a little bigger.

I know my last post was depressing. My heart does long for friends here...close friends. You know the kind you can be real with. The friend who isn't afraid to offend you when you do something wrong, because they just love you so much. Lord knows, I need the accountablility. But as a precious mentor emailed me...this season is precious and to enjoy it...friendships with other women will happen.

So for now, I'm going to love on my little "Trio" and build an environment where we are the best of friends. Though, the move to St. Louis has been hard. It really has brought our family so close. My marriage is stronger than ever before, and I'm finding that Jesus is filling in those gaps in my heart.

Oh, Anne...

What a precious friend Anne is. Oh, how encouraged I was to read her last entry http://annejones.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-voice-are-you-listening-to.html I hope you visit it and read it for yourself. If we could only listen to the voice of truth. The song she referenced is one of my favorites.
It is late at night as I write this, 1:44 a.m. I just got finished feeding little Ellie. I can still hear her scooting around upstairs. Hopefully, soon she will fall asleep and have blissful dreams.
I guess I just want to lift up a prayer...a prayer for God to comfort me. For some reason today, leaving Abilene and the reality of that hit me like a ton of bricks. It is just so hard making friends. As I pulled out of the parking lot, several ladies waved at me...precious Mommies that have children going to Carlie's school. Women I have met over these last few weeks that have been so kind to include me in things...but as I pulled away...tears just welled up in my eyes, because I felt so alone.
All I wanted to do was go back to Abilene. Go back to my girlfriends they truly knew my heart and I didn't have to say a word and they knew when I needed a hug. I've just been so tired lately. I'm trying so hard to be intentional and call people...but most days I just want to come home and rest. Travis was so kind to remind that there was a time Abilene didn't feel like home and to anticipate all the wonderful things God will do here. I hope that is so.

God is not done working on me!

The study I'm doing, Experiencing God, is continuing to convict me. Here is one of my journal entries from it. With the move, it has been nice to start journaling again, because my heart has so many questions...so many things I just want to pour out and ponder on...but stuff I don't yet feel comfortable to share out loud. So I guess I'm writing here. Weird, isn't it? That I want to be known, but afraid to share face to face. Anyway...(bold print-from the book)
--God reveals what he is about to do...that revelation becomes an invitation to join Him...which leads to a crisis of belief...requiring faith and action on the part of the believer.
CRISIS OF BELIEF...in the study it describes how Moses experienced a "crisis of belief" when he continued to give God excuses for why he wasn't the right man for the job...not an eloquent speaker, etc. In my opinion, "crisis of belief" is anything that we think or say that hinders or distracts us from following God's invitation to join Him in His work. Hence, why FAITH followed by ACTION is the next part of the formula to actually "experiencing God." During my moments of crisis of belief...Satan was definitely involved. If I felt insecure because of past sin, Satan wanted that to paralyze me into doing nothing for God. During my college years, it definitely did. I remember feeling so unworthy...and not believing God could do AMAZING things in my life...so I settled for less than God's best. Can you relate? Why didn't I have more FAITH?
I think that is why I loved participating in the Bible study by Beth Moore called "Believing God." It was during that time that I began to say out loud the 5 statements to believing God: God is who He say He is...God can do what He says He can do...I am who God says I am...to the ultimate and final statement...I'M CHOOSING TO BELIEVE GOD! It was so powerful actually speaking those statements out loud...not just reading them, but actually believing them...saying them enough to where they penetrated your heart. To actively BELIEVE...HE IS ABLE to do what He wants to do and can do it through ME...was powerful...IS POWERFUL.
Now, I've never heard an audible voice; however, I do have a Bible. The Bible is designed to help you understand the ways of God. Then, when God starts to act in your life, you can recognize that it is God. Something this study has really convicted me of is to study how God handled situations and what He chose to do or NOT do for those He loved in the Bible...AND then apply that to my life.
Several of you know that for 3+ years we have prayed that Travis' chronic back pain would be healed. However, looking at Paul's life...he too had a "thorn in the flesh" that God chose not to remove. Perhaps, it isn't meant for Travis to be healed or perhaps my timetable and God's timetable are different. The book says God can come to our rescue, but He will only do it at the perfect time...to maximize His glory. I mean I hate to think this...but what would show more of God's power? Travis have back pain and a skilled surgeon fix it perfectly the first time or for Travis to have suffered for years...been to doctor after doctor with no relief...then God heal him? Or the book also brings up this point, GOD DEVELOPS CHARACTER TO MATCH THE ASSIGNMENT. How long was it from the time that God spoke to Abraham about having a son till he finally had Issac? 25 YEARS! Why did God wait 25 years? Because it took God 25 years to make a father suitable for Issac. God wanted to build a nation through Abraham. God didn't want to wait until Issac was born to make Abraham a man of character.
So God is building Travis' character and mine...for some future assignment...perhaps. Nice thought, but as Travis said, "It doesn't make the pain any easier day to day." He is right...life isn't any easier just knowing that. But I do know that everyday Travis chooses to get out of that bed, put on his shoes, get dressed, and work a long work day...his character is being built. Side note: with the presidential election coming soon, Travis was talking about John McCain's time as a POW (Prisoner of War) and the incredible physical and emotional turmoil that was...the beatings, etc. I can't even imagine...but to survive that and not want to take your own life to escape it takes a lot stronger person than me. Perhaps, it took that experience to prepare John McCain to govern a nation. Say what you will about George W. Bush, but I'm sure when his term in office is done...it will be a huge relief to him. To actually be able to wake up and not have the concerns of an entire nation weighing down on your shoulders.
I love this statement in the book, God may want to adjust your life and character in smaller assignments in order to prepare you for the larger ones. When we are willing to make the adjustments in our life and start to obey Him, we can come to know Him by experience. Ultimately, isn't that what life is all about? TO KNOW HIM...I mean 50 years down the road, I want to be able to say, "I experienced God...when I held Ellie during those many sleepless nights, when I had to correct one of the girls for disobeying when it would have been easier at the time to just ignore it, when I'm so exhausted from doing laundry, the cooking, the cleaning..." Can you tell what season of life I'm in? LOL I want to know that God is there. He is in the mundane. He is ever being My Shepherd...watching over me...guiding me to greener pastures. I truly want to hear one day, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matt. 25:21 My heart wants to serve...then I read this When God tells you a direction, you accept it, and understand it, clearly, then GIVE God all the time He needs to make you the kind of person that He can trust with that assignment. It is hard giving Him that time. It is hard being patient. It is hard being stretched and having to go out of your comfort zone. Will I be obedient though? And then I look at all the characters in the Bible and draw strength from the fact that God dearly loved them and yet still called them to that journey of faith...followed by action. My prayer is that I will never look at my present circumstances and question God's love for me. May every circumstance, every moment...be seen against the backdrop of the cross. It was settled at the cross whether or not God loved me. What specific ways has God expressed His love to you personally?

Campfire Stories

Travis has become an excellent storyteller. He has actually came up with this whole imaginary world with the main character called, Sivart...or his name spelled backwards. So during their nightly ritual of him sharing "The Adventures of Sir Sivart", I had to take this quick picture.

Sorry, I don't know how to turn it around.

The St. Louis Zoo

I'm way behind on my blogging. Please, forgive me. I've had just a few things keeping me busy these last few weeks/days. LOL.

Oh, Ellie needs some extra love...I'll be back in a minute.

Anyway, two weeks ago we finally made it to the St. Louis Zoo. It truly was remarkable. When I was growing up, I once dreamed of working at a zoo and making it as much like their natural habitat as possible. This zoo truly does. Unfortunately, now with three small children...traveling through all the "natural habitat" to see a tortoise...is a little bit comical. (Yes, after walking a quarter of a mile we got to see the tortoises) It made me miss the Abilene Zoo where I could see the entire zoo in an hour and your child could be feeding the giraffes and you be at the lion exhibit...and still be able to see each other. Not quite the same at this zoo.

Fortunately, this zoo must be extremely fertile, because we got to see tiger cubs, a baby giraffe, a baby donkey...along with many other animals.

Here are some pictures.