The Great Pumpkin

I'm so excited that It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown is coming on tonight. For those of you interested, it's on ABC at 7:00.

Song

I love this new song by Casting Crowns.

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see


The last part is little kids singing.

Just a Few Thoughts

1. Happy 5th Anniversary to me and Wade. It's hard to believe it's been 5 years, but what wonderful years they've been! Oddly enough, the weather yesterday was pretty much exactly the same as it was in 2003. This is crazy, but one of my favorite memories of that day was meeting up with my friends at that gas station after we left. You know you have great friends when people you hardly know wish they "had meemaws." (You'll have to ask Christy for that story, but for now suffice it to say that we're somewhat famous.) Wade and I were going to go to the mountains this weekend to celebrate but decided not to. I wasn't feeling 100% this weekend, so we just went out to eat instead. Even so, we had a nice anniversary just spending time together.

2. Hormones are the devil.

3. I'm sure most everyone knows we watch a lot of tv at our house. Well, I've been noticing a trend in commercials. I'm sure this trend has been around forever, but lately it's been getting on my nerves. It's the way advertising reinforces gender roles. For example, cleaning products of any kind are presented with a woman cleaning something. Even Mr. Clean is used by a woman. And if it's a commercial for meat (think bratts), it's a man grilling. I know that it is true that women still do most of the cleaning and that men are usually the ones who grill, but would it hurt for someone in advertising to change things up a bit? I for one feel like I might be more inclined to buy your product if my "gender role" wasn't being forced down my throat. OK, that's even soapbox speak for now.

4. I wish we could take a week long vacation from work whenever we feel like it. Maybe one week per season. I think I'd pick this week for fall.

Success

Success

To laugh often and much;

to win the respect of intelligent people

and the affection of children;

to earn the appreciation of honest critics

and endure the betrayal of false friends;

to appreciate beauty;

to find the best in others;

to leave the world a bit better,

whether by a healthy child,

a garden patch

or a redeemed social condition;

to know even one life has breathed easier

because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

This is my favorite quote. It's contributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, but there is some debate about the authenticity of that.

Speech Therapy?

I think I have a speech problem (other than Weese Weathers). Every day I say the word "flash" more times than I can count (optometrist's office, you know). And almost every time the "sh" comes out with a sort of whistle. Now this is odd because I can't actually whistle on purpose. I sound like the beaver on Winnie the Pooh. I have no solution to my problem. Any advice?

Lean on Me

You know how they say that a song can take you to a certain place in time? That is so true. This evening I heard Lean on Me, and was taken back to the stage during Pageant practice. What a precious time that was! There's just a special feeling about it that is still almost tangible to me; if you were there, you know what I mean. And for those of you who were there, What's the song that Jessie always wanted to sing? I remember smiling about singing it every night just because she wanted to, but right now I can't think of the name of it. Aren't you glad that even though time can dim some memories, nothing can break the bonds of sisterhood?

Beatrix Potter

Did you know that today is Beatrix Potter's birthday? Google told me so this morning. I love Beatrix Potter. When I was little we had a huge book of her stories with her illustrations and everything.

Poison

I have never really understood why girls get so excited and scream their lungs out when they see famous singers/moviestars/whatever. Until now. We saw Poison in concert last night. I guess I somehow thought I was immune to this syndrome until I saw Brett Michaels in person. I mean, I'm sooo excited now just thinking about it, and I didn't even think I was that big a fan. But WOW! Let me just say that I think that Brett may just be the reason bluejeans were invented. And I may never forgive myself for leaving our camera in the car. (Just as Jennifer may never forgive me for going without her.) And for all you Rock of Love fans....side note: this is my only obsession with reality tv....Amber was there, not even 10 feet away from me. And, there will be a ROL 3. This one will be about touring/being on the road, at least that's what Brett said. And there will be footage from last night's concert on the first episode, so maybe I'll get to be on tv. I'm sure if I had flashed my boobs like lots of the other girls up front, I'd make the tv cut, but I'm just not that kind of girl....although for Brett Michaels.....JK. Anyway, all that to say that it was fabulous.

Thank you

I just want to say thank you to all of my wonderful friends who took care of me last weekend. You are the best friends anyone could have. At least now we'll have a good story.....Remember that time at Jennifer's that Heather passed out and hit her head? She wasn't pregnant or anything, she just had an infection. And even though she had to go to the ER and was sick, she stayed all weekend. Good times, good times.

And now, related to that, here's a little rant/question: Is it ethical for a doctor's office to make you come in for a followup and charge you for another office visit, even though you called like they said you should, and all you needed was a prescription? Couldn't they have just called that in for you? As I'm sure is obvious, this happened to me today, and I only spent aproximitely 1 minute with the doctor.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great weekend!

"Feminism run awry..."

to which the reply is "Patriarchal society run amuk." Believe it or not, those are actual quotes from a conversation (not an argument, just good fun) about cooking at our house last night. It seems that I always do the "woman's job" of cooking for us; but, alas, the alternative is far worse. I really don't think Wade can cook. His idea of something as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich is two pieces of toast with cheese between them. So it's in my best interest to cook. But don't worry, Wade actually does most of the laundy and a good portion of the cleaning. And most of the time I don't mind that I always cook.

A New Look

So I guess you've noticed my new look by now. I just hope you're glad I'm finally posting again. The page is still not up to date with links and such, but I decided that 4 hours on my home computer is enough for one night. My goal is at least a post per week. Let me know what you think.

Please be Patient

I've decided that I need to post much more often. Therefore, I've started working on changing some things about the blog, so please be patient as I work on my slow computer to do so.

Congratulations...

to David, Traci, and Lilly Kate! Anna Elizabeth arrived on Sunday and both she and Traci are doing well. So, I'm an aunt again and Lilly Kate is a big sister. Dr. Whatley said that the third niece/nephew is a sign that you're getting old, but at least he didn't ask when I was having one myself (I think he may be afraid of that). So now we're just waiting on Beth. And then Christy gets married. And then birthdays and Mother's Day...lots going on this spring.

Today is such a beautiful spring day! I'm feeling much better (I had some nasty bug that has been going around), the flowers are blooming, the temperature is just right, and it's Easter weekend! Also, five years ago today, Wade asked me to marry him. And for some reason today I'm nearly as excited about that as I was five years ago; I can't stop smiling! I know, I know...it's kind of cheesey, but I just can't help it. What a beautiful thing love is!

Happy Birthday, Ashley!!

Yesterday was one of those days when really wished I was back at the Judson sitting on the swing outside of W with an icecream cone and my favorite people putting off going to Dr. H's class. I think when I'm old, that's what I'll remember as the "good ol' days." I'm so glad J Day is only a month away.

Women's History Month

If you have time, you should check these women out.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/mindbodyandsoul/womenintheworld/staticslideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=3326194&imageindex=1

Happy MLK, Jr. Day!

I know some of you get to be off of work or school today to celebrate. Here's my tribute (from the MSN homepage) from my desk at work:

1. He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it.
-- "Stride Toward Freedom," 1958.

2. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
-- "Strength to Love," 1963.

3. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
-- "Letter from Birmingham Jail," April 16, 1963.

4. Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
-- "Strength to Love," 1963.

5. Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor.
-- "Letter from Birmingham Jail," April 16, 1963.

6. The means by which we live have outdistanced the ends for which we live. Our scientific
power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.
-- "Strength to Love," 1963.

7. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a
community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.
-- "Letter from Birmingham Jail," April 16, 1963.

8. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be
judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
-- "I Have a Dream," civil rights march on Washington, D.C., August 28, 1963. (Source: The New York Times)

9. Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. It is a weapon unique in history, which cuts
without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.
-- "Why We Can't Wait," 1964.

10. The security we profess to seek in foreign adventures we will lose in our decaying cities.
-- [Referring to U.S. Vietnam policy.] Address at Riverside Church, New York. (Source:
History Today, April 1998)

A Good Time Was Had By All...

I really had a good time this Meemaw Christmas! It was so fun and relaxing at the same time. Sometimes I forget just how much I love you girls! Really, I wouldn't trade you for anyone else. Thanks so much to each of you for just being who you are: truly special and amazing women that I'm so blessed to be able to call friends. Now (imagine a glass raised) here's to another year as friends, sisters, Meemaws!

God vs Science

This is an email that Brenda forwarded to me. I enjoyed it and thought I'd share it.


GOD VS SCIENCE
A science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, "Let me explain the problem science has with religion." The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"
"Yes sir," the student says.
"So you believe in God?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
"Sure! God's good."
"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you good or evil?"
"The Bible says I'm evil."
The professor grins knowingly. "Aha! The Bible!" He considers for a moment.
"Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"
"Yes sir, I would."
"So you're good...!"
"I wouldn't say that."
"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed
person if you could.> Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. "He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"
The student remains silent.
"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax. "Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"
"Er...yes," the student says.
"Is Satan good?"
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."
"Then where does Satan come from?"
The student falters. "From God"
"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"
"Yes, sir."
"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"
"Yes."
"So who created evil?"
The professor continued, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
Again, the student has no answer.
"Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"
The student squirms on his feet. "Yes."
"So who created them?"
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. "Who created them?" There is still no answer.
Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. "Tell me," he continues onto another student. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. "Yes, professor, I do."
The old man stops pacing. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"
"No sir. I've never seen Him."
"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"
"No, sir, I have not."
"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?"
"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't." "Yet you still believe in him?"
"Yes."
"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"
"Nothing," the student replies. "I only have my faith."
"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own.
"Professor, is there such thing as heat?"
"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."
"And is there such a thing as cold?"
"Yes, son, there's cold too."
"No sir, there isn't."
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet.
The student begins to explain. "You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees."
"Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer. "What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word." "In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. "So what point are you making, young man?"
"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. "Flawed? Can you explain how?"
"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought."
"It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it."
"Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"
"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."
"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."
The student looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out into laughter.
"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir."
"So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. "I guess you'll have to take them on faith."
"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life," the student continues. "Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"
Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.