A Different Type of Survival: Fighting for Equal Rights

Ok....I'm sure I'm going to lose a few of you, but this needs to be said; so, here goes. This is my "soap-box" moment about the Supreme Court's ruling, today.

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States declared that same-sex marriages are to be considered legal, in all 50 states. That's a huge victory for the LGBT community....and a huge thorn the the side for the Conservative Christian community.

I'm not taking sides, here, but I do think a few things need to be addressed. Please allow me the liberty to do so....

A brief history lesson....

The rights of the Black Community

• The Civil Rights Movement has centered around granting black people the right to be human beings. A lot of folks believe that it all started in the late 1950's, but it actually started in 1863, when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
• The NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was founded in 1909 by a multi-racial group of activists, in New York City.
• MAY 17, 1954 - The U.S. Supreme Court's unanimously ruled in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas that public school segregation was unconstitutional, and paved the way for desegregation.
• Overriding President Ronald Reagan's veto, Congress passed the Civil Rights Restoration Act (1987), which expanded the reach of nondiscrimination laws within private institutions receiving federal funds.

Thanks to people who are racist, the Black Community is still fighting for certain rights.

The rights of Women

• On Election Day in 1920, millions of American women exercised their right to vote for the first time. It took activists, and reformers, nearly 100 years to win that right!
• In 1971, women won the right to practice Law.
• On September 13, 1994, The Violence Against Women Act was signed by President Bill Clinton. This law makes programs and services such as protections for victims who are evicted from their homes because of events related to domestic violence or stalking, funding for rape crisis centers and hotlines, and legal aid for survivors of domestic violence.
• In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed the first woman, Sandra Day O'Connor, to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ruth Bader Ginsburg followed her to the nation’s highest bench in 1993.

Women have been actively seeking equality for many, many years...and we are still fighting for our rights to equal pay for equal work, adequate (paid) maternity leave, reproductive rights, etc.

I saw this video today....before the news of the Gay Marriage ruling hit the internet. It's relevant to what I've just stated:

And here is a brief history lesson, concerning today's ruling.......

The rights of the LGBT Community

• The Society for Human Rights was founded in 1924; this was the USA's first known gay rights organization.
• In 1962, Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexual acts between consenting adults in public.
• In 1992, the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy was instituted for the U.S. military, permitting gays to serve in the military, but banning homosexual activity.
• And today....legally denying a same-sex couple the basic rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness afforded to heterosexual couples is no longer allowed.

Certain groups of people have been fighting for the right to live their lives the way they see fit, for a very long time....and, although, there have seen tremendous victories, in their battles, the war wages on.

As I've read the articles that are flooding my News Feed on Facebook, concerning the SCOTUS ruling, I've also read a lot of comments from Christians, posting virtual coronaries after hearing about this ruling.

• "The world is going to Hell!"
• "The Bible says homosexuality is a sin, so even though it's legal, God will never bless those unions!"
• "I feel sick...what's happening to America!"

I've been leaving my own "two cents" for those folks......

To all of you who are "throwing stones", I need to caution you.....

Don't get caught up in some "holier-than-thou" attitude toward how the world operates. Jesus told us not to judge others or we would be judge by the same standard we use on them (Matthew 7:1-2); proclaiming yourself as "town crier" over the coming judgment day is still sin, in God's eyes. It's not OUR place to decide who gets punished for what....that's God's job. 

All we are to do is love people, the same as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). It's best to just judge ourselves by God's holy standards; and pray that those who don't, get right with God, before it's too late.

And, to add to that......the Bible also tells us, in Romans 12:2, that Believers are not to conform to the behaviors and customs of this world; so, my advice to you would be...

• if you're not a homosexual, don't become one
• if you're against same-sex marriages, don't attend one of their wedding ceremonies

Other than that, this ruling should be a non-issues to you since it doesn't affect your life, or your walk with God, on any level. And, if you're truly concerned with their eternal future, witness to them how making Jesus your Lord and Savior changed your life for the better, and leave the rest to God!!

Furthermore, The Golden Rule applies here...human rights are for ALL humans, not just God-fearing, Conservative Christians.

Yes, the Bible says homosexuality is a sin; but God gave human beings free will....we are to point them toward Him, but it's not our call to decide that the LGBT community doesn't deserve the same human rights we enjoy.

They are human beings, too....it should be a no-brainer, guys!!

Leave the judgmental attitudes at the cross, and let God be God in YOUR life!

Ok....I'm getting off my soap-box, now. Have a blessed day!!

I miss you so much it hurts

It's been a year since my late husband took his life; and I still find it hard to breathe, without struggling through thoughts of what will never be, now that he's gone.

All month, I've been dealing with physical and emotional pain; I've seen in my dreams more often, this month, than I have since I was told he killed himself. I hope it gets easier to deal with, because I don't want widow's grief to swallow me up.

The two songs I mention below are break-up songs, but these particular lyrics sum up how I'm feeling....especially today.

"Make believing we're together, that I'm sheltered by your heart. But, in and outside, I've turned to water like a teardrop in your palm. And it's a hard winter's day, I dream away. It must have been love, but it's over now. It was all that I wanted, now I'm living without."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You held my hand and then you slipped away; and I may never see your face again. So tell me how to fill the emptiness inside. Without love, what is life? And anyone who knew us both could see, we always were the better part of me.  I never wanted to be this free! All this pain.....when does it go away? Then every time I turn around, and you're nowhere to be found, I know I've got a long, long way to go before I can say goodbye to all I ever knew.....to you."

My loves, please don't ever consider suicide as an option to end your problems....it only creates more! You always have a choice; so choose to ask for help, and get beyond the depression. You are loved, more than you realize!!

Love is in the air!!

Happy Valentine's Day, my loves! I hope you're all having a stellar day, today! You mean so much to me, and I appreciate that you're part of my life. You make this journey of mine worth living!!

Love on that special someone a little extra, today. My focus will be on my friends, my family, and you....because if I focus on the one person I don't have in my life, I won't enjoy this day at all. The end of this month marks the anniversary of the day my late husband killed himself; and I just don't want to deal with the pain my heart is trying to feel.

So, my goal is to focus on the joy of the day....and love on all of you.

This journey I've been on has been a roller coaster of ups and downs; I must admit, I prefer the ups. But who wouldn't....right?? A significant up has been getting to know all of you. I've grown fond of all of you, and look forward to sharing more of my ups (and downs) with you, as the years progress.

It's hard to believe it's been almost three years since I was diagnosed. I'm still looking forward to being cancer free for five years; but I have to stay in remission for that day to come. I'll keep you posted on how that develops!

And now, for some updates....

Christmas and New Years were wonderful! I spent almost an entire month at my youngest daughter's house. My granddaughter, Alice, can almost say her name! She says something that sounds more like "Ally", but it's close enough! LOL!

The last time I had been there (for her birthday week), she wasn't walking yet; but as soon as I got there, I watched her toddle across the living room, and was overcome. The only words that came out of my mouth were, "Oh my gosh!" and I almost cried. She's so precious!

Alice is really smart, too. She still doesn't talk, although she knows how; her Daddy says he was the same way, as a baby. He didn't start using words until he was around 2-3 years old. To be honest, Alice doesn't need to use words; when she communicates, there's no mistaking what she's saying. If you can't tell how she feels, by the look on her face, she's not shy about yelling at you. I corrected her a few times, and the look on her face said enough. As with all toddlers, she's not fond of the word "no".

And if she wants something from you, she opens one hand and points to it with the other, repetitively....until she gets what she's after. She's very generous, too; she likes to share her things with those around her, and she enjoys feeding Mommy, when it's mealtime. I was delighted, when she offered to feed me! Playing at the park was fun, too. I couldn't run around with her, but I sure got a ton of photos while she ran around with Mommy and Daddy. LOL!

I took this photo while we were at the park. My Little Angel is growing up!!

Good news!! I finally moved to Knoxville. I signed my lease before going to my youngest daughter's house; and have been officially occupying my apartment, since mid-January.  I must admit, the kitchen is the smallest one I've ever been in, but I adore it! The apartment even comes with emergency call switches, which I love. And the fire alarm works......really well! It's gone off (spontaneously) in the middle of the night, a couple times. LOL!

I've met some of my neighbors; they seem like decent folks. My neighbor across the hall is my hero.....my living room light blew out, and he changed it for me (being short sucks). And I had assumed I was the youngest one here....but have since met a few other disabled people who are younger than me.

I haven't been around town all that much, because my lower back and hips don't appreciate the fact that there are no flat sidewalks (or parking lots); I'm either walking uphill or downhill....and both hurt. The stronger I get, the easier it'll become; I just need to be patient with myself, while I adjust. I'm looking forward to discovering the wonder that is Knoxville! 

I have to be honest, I had mixed feelings about being out on my own. It's just me now, so I'm excited about the idea of being able to do things and go places, without worrying about someone else's schedule. But at the same time.....it's just me, now. I'm living alone for the first time in my life; and that's a bit scary. It's not as bad as I thought it would be, so I'm relaxing a bit more about it.

This is the smallest kitchen I've ever had, but it's a perfect size for me!!

I'm sitting in the recliner...not a bad size for a living room!!

Everything about this place is ADA approved!!

Can't wait to add some decor...my bedroom looks empty! LOL!

Another update for you....I have an Instagram account; if you have one too, come on and follow me! I've been whipping up some good stuff in my kitchen, so I figured it was time to branch out. You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

 Here's one of the recipes I've made; I adapted it a bit. The original recipe is called Morning Glory Juice; but, I made it a smoothie, because my juicer needs to be replaced. I love my Ninja!! This is the one I use.

10 strawberries
3 carrots
1 banana (not in the original recipe)
1 grapefruit (peeled)
1/2 a lemon (peeled)
2 tsp of powdered ginger (the original recipe calls for fresh ginger)

Juice them, or blend them like I did; I encourage you to try it! I shredded the carrots before blending them; it made it easier. And it is a bit pulpy (I didn't strain it). I'm also thinking about adding some raw honey next time, because it was a little tart for my taste. But it was amazing!!

 

Well, I'm all out of updates.....for now. Have a spectacular day, my loves! God bless you!!

Earth Day PSA

I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend! I have a PSA (public service announcement) to share with you...

Do you celebrate Earth Day? What’s your celebration like? A great way to “celebrate” the earth is to reduce our carbon footprint. Bill Gates says we can reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the number of people who live on the planet!

In this video, you'll hear him dance his way through it by touting vaccines and "reproductive services" (aka: abortions). What???

Instead of committing global genocide, how 'bout we all work together to take care of our planet??

Here’s the plan...

• Use cleaner transport
• Walk, bike, or take public transit (or carpool) whenever possible.
• Avoid allowing your car to idle. If you'll be waiting for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine (except in traffic).
• Don't take the drive-through (fast food junkies)....park the car and walk inside instead. Or, better yet...cook at home, and skip the fast food!
• Have your vehicle serviced regularly to keep the emission control systems operating at peak efficiency. Check your car's air filter monthly, and keep the tires adequately inflated to maximize gas mileage.
• Driving over the speed limit and excessive acceleration wastes gas (reducing mileage by up to 33%), money, and results in an unnecessarily higher carbon footprint. Slow down!!
• Combine errands to make fewer trips. Remove excess weight from your car. Use cruise control.
• Avoid short airplane trips-take a bus or train instead.
• Eat more local, organic, in-season foods.
• Plant a garden....it doesn't get more local than that!
• Shop at your local farmer's market or natural foods store. Look for local, in-season foods that haven't traveled long distances to reach you.
• Choose foods with less packaging, to reduce waste.
• Eat lower on the food chain...going meatless for just one meal a week can make a difference. Globally, it has been estimated that 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions are associated with meat consumption.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle!
• Recycle all your paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic. Don't forget electronics!
• Buy less! Replace items only when you really need to...like after they break, or stop working!!
• Compost food waste for the garden. Garbage that is not contaminated with degradable (biological) waste can be more easily recycled and sorted, and doesn't produce methane gases (a significant greenhouse gas contributor) when stored in a landfill.
• Buy recycled products, particularly those labeled "post-consumer waste."
• Adopt water-saving habits
• Take shorter, less frequent showers...this not only saves water, but it also saves the energy necessary to heat it.
• Don't use the garbage disposal...compost instead.
• Run the dishwasher and the laundry machines only when full. And, if you can, dry your clothing outside on a clothes line (this saves electricity)!
• Wash cars rarely, or better yet, take them to a carwash. Commercial carwashes use less water per wash than home washers, and they are also required to drain used water into the sewage system, rather than storm drains, which protects aquatic life.
• Avoid hosing down or power-washing your deck, walkways, or driveway.
• Regularly look for, and fix, leaks.
• Choose sustainable building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products.
• Explore green design features for your building, like passive solar heating, a rainwater catchment or grey water recycling system, and recycled materials.
• Choose efficient appliances, including low flow shower heads, faucets, toilets; also furnaces, air conditioning units, dishwashers, and refrigerators. ENERGY STAR labeled products are recognized as having superior energy efficiency.
• Choose furnishings that are second-hand, recycled, or sustainably produced.
• Plant drought tolerant plants in your garden and yard.
• Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products.
• Add solar panels to the roof of your home. This costs a little more than the above options, but many providers offer financing options which minimize upfront costs. Two examples are SolarCity and SunRun. If you live in a state with a Net Metering law, you could eliminate your electricity bill, or even earn money, by selling electricity back to the grid.

Every day can be Earth Day; if everyone on the face of this wonderful planet of ours would consciously make these points a part of their everyday life, our CO2 emissions would be drastically reduced...without reducing the size of the world's population!

Have a great day, everyone...and God bless you!! oxoxox

The Savvy Survivor - A New Chapter

First, I want to thank all of you for your love, prayers and support, since I announced the death of my estranged husband. It has, truly, meant a lot to me! One of my Twitter fans even said, as an encouragement, that now is the time for me to prove my title...The Savvy Survivor.

Typically, when I hit the emotional wall, like this, I would resort to binge eating, drinking alcohol, or smoking to cope with my nerves. I can’t do either of those, anymore...because they would do more harm, than good. So, I need to find another way to cope with this massive roller coaster of emotions I find myself on, at this time. A niece of mine, whom I’m very close to, suggested I vent in the form of a blog.

So, until I can function, again, as a normal human being, this blog will contain entries full of despair, confusion, grief, and anger, from time to time. Please bear with me, my loves...I pray I can breathe again, soon!

I met James two years out of high school...we had gone to the same high school, but ran with different crowds. The day we officially met, there was a connection almost immediately. And, even back then, we had some obstacles to overcome; he was often times, moody and distant, and I never could figure out why. The reasons he’d give me never made sense.

We broke up more times, during the 24 years we knew each other, than I can count! And, the only breakup that was my idea was the one that led to our divorce, back when our kids were little; the darkness he had allowed himself to get swallowed up by, had caused him to become violent, and I was genuinely afraid for me and the kids. I had no choice, but to leave.

Hardly anyone I know (family and friends), was able to understand why I kept getting back together with him...and our getting re-married blew everyone away! Some people even called me a fool. My family didn't like him, all that much, because of the way he treated me, when the darkness rolled in; what they still don’t understand, is that I knew him well enough to know the “asshole” behavior (pardon my use of terms) wasn't his fault...it wasn't intentional. I may have been the only one who could see that.

What was James' fault, was that he never sought help for this mental disease (I believe he was bipolar). He didn't want to be labeled “crazy”, so he never got tested for depression, or bipolar disorder, or anything of that nature. The only disease he got help for, was diabetes...it was a physical illness, not a mental one.

After we separated, this time, I found myself getting caught up in all the negative energy a few of my family members were sending out; he was being accused of plotting and scheming against me, and I joined in. How else would they see it, when James had convinced me to sign away the remaining child support he owed me, and then we fell apart (again)? I even questioned whether or not he ever loved me, at all....verbally, in an e-mail to him. And now, I wish I could tell him I know the truth; after speaking with a long-time friend of his, I know now, he really did love me. I'm sorry, I couldn't see it, then.

Why is it that we never really know someone, until after they’re gone?? I also found out from a conversation with my youngest daughter after she had contacted James' mother, he only abandoned me, when I told him I was diagnosed with breast cancer, because he didn't believe me...he and I weren't on good terms, at the time. I wish I had known that, then...I would have sent him my medical file.

If I could go back in time, to the day we met, and do it all again...I would. The only thing I would do differently is insist that he get help for his mental distress, and get on medication to control it, once I saw that breaking up had become a habit.

Knowing (now) how much he loved me, I could have shown him some tough love and not taken him back, until he got help....we would have avoided getting divorced, in the first place, if I had insisted back then. I’m sure it would have helped.

When it was good between me and James, it was SOOO good; but, when it was bad...it was just easier to hate each other. The emotional roller coaster he and I had been on, all those years, took its toll on our relationship, in the end. I know he loved me, as much as I loved him; but, the darkness that kept swallowing him up, always managed to build a wall between us. Until now, no matter how many time the darkness came between us, we managed to dig through the wall, and find our way back to each other.

This time, the darkness won.

And now, I find myself experiencing emotions I never knew I had; and ones I don’t want to feel! This morning, on my personal Facebook page, I made this statement, as if I were talking to James...

“It's been a week, since you took your life; and, even though, we weren't speaking to each other, I found a certain sense of peace knowing you were still out there....somewhere....being angry at me. What am I going to do, now??”

I’m lonely, and distressed; I feel empty and incomplete...angry, lost, guilty. And, I’m experiencing all of these emotions, and more, all at the same time; it’s dizzying! I saw a picture of James, from back in high school (senior photo), yesterday, and felt like I got punched in the gut!

I’m trying hard to focus on the good times James and I shared; but then I end up sobbing, hysterically, because the realization hits me...we’ll never have any more good times, together. Right now...I'd settle for an argument!

Father God, please help me get through this!!! Hold me in your arms, and help me to see that I will be alright, some day!!

Life Has Changed

I haven’t posted a blog in a while...I think it’s been longer than a month! Sorry about that! Here’s an update for you...

Last week, I went to Peachtree City, GA, and spent the week with my youngest daughter; I, finally, got to meet my granddaughter!! <3 It was the best week I've ever had...and I've got tons of pictures, too! Last week, I also celebrated my birthday (first birthday, officially cancer free); I’m 44 years old, now! Yay, me!!

Three generations of survivors, there! Breast cancer, a difficult pregnancy, and attempted suicide!

My birthday week was AMAZING!! I loved getting to spend time with my daughter, her boyfriend, and my granddaughter; and the boyfriend’s parents are such great people, too!! They not only picked me up, from the airport; they also dropped me off, when it was time to go home...and hugged me “good bye”! Love them!!

I have more pictures on my Facebook page (The Savvy Survivor)...including pictures of two birthday meals my daughter fixed for me! They were delish!! So was the vegan birthday cake...made from scratch!!

I was there from Monday afternoon, to Friday afternoon. Friday night, I had a strange dream, about my estranged husband (I mentioned him here); I told him he needed to be the husband he promised me he would be....his answer was, “I'm sorry; I can’t”. A few hours after I woke up, Saturday morning, I got told something that has changed my life, forever.

I was told he had taken his own life, Friday evening. Now, I understand why he told me he can’t be the husband he promised he’d be, in my dream. He had struggled with bipolar disorder (un-diagnosed), for quite a number of years; and was diabetic, as well. I’m coping with this, the best I can...we never resolved the issues that split us up. I’m also having a hard time dealing with the fact that he took his life, the day after my birthday.

My youngest daughter, and son, are his children; she's dealing with his death, much the same way I am...and, as of this post, I haven't heard back from my son.

The Bible says murder is a sin (Exodus 20:13), and killing yourself is murder. However, I am choosing to believe that God went to him, at his final breath, and he asked God for forgiveness; if that’s true, he’s in Heaven, waiting for me....and we’ll see each other, again, some day.

I made this, to honor him....

My loves, I am begging you....please don’t consider taking your own life, just because things may seem a bit difficult; suicide is not the answer, it just creates more problems!!

Talk to someone...reach out for help!! It’s there...someone will always be there to help you through the bad times! You're NOT alone!!

Thank you for your love and support; it really means a lot to me! God bless you!! oxoxox

It's Christmas Eve!

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 KJV)

As I sit and connect with God, this morning, He brings me to this Scripture, and it got me thinking.

I've often said that it’s not a great idea to assume what God’s doing, or thinking. That means you’re putting yourself in His place, and you believe you know more than He does (I'm guilty of this, myself...but I've learned my lesson!) Lucifer did that....and was thrown out of Heaven for it.

All the time, I hear people ask, “If God's so "all powerful", why does He allow bad things to happen? Why doesn't He just stop them?” Well...if someone comes chasing after you, with a big stick, aren't you going to run for cover?? How do any of us know that maybe God’s allowing all these bad things, because He knows they’ll bring us closer to Him??

The Bible says, in Psalm 9:9, many people are suffering— crushed by the weight of their troubles. But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to. (Easy to Read Version)

Now, I’m not assuming to know what God thinks, or anything...I’m smarter than that! LOL!! But, think about it...the Scripture, above, tells us He does new things to make life a little more bearable!

For instance, consider all these different Bible translations we have available to us, these days. So many people get offended at them, citing that the King James is the ONLY translation there should be; but, how do any of us know that it wasn't God’s idea to create easier to read versions of the Bible??

I’d consider that making “a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert”. Wouldn't you??

See...thanks to all those different variations/translations, more people are getting to know God, because they can finally understand what the Bible is teaching! Granted, some of those translations have left whole verses and chapters out (not good, folks!); but if you can’t understand...

“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:16-18 KJV)

you might be able to understand... “Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make friends with ordinary people. Don’t mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, and do your best to live at peace with everyone.” (same Scripture, but from the Contemporary English Version)

Folks, we’re not supposed to be fussing with each other over what God’s will is; it’s not our place to assume we know what God is up to, with all that’s going on in the world! That would be usurping OUR will, and claiming it's God's will. We’re only supposed to be concerned with how He wants us to impact the world!

That’s OUR job...the job of the Believer; and, the biggest impact would be to introduce the Savior to those who may not understand that that’s who He is.

We’re also not supposed to stand in judgment over anyone, for any reason, either, and I hear more and more Believers doing that! Jesus' own words to His followers:

Luke 6:37-38 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV)

Luke 6:37-38 Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. (The Message)

This is what we (the Believers) are supposed to be doing with our time...

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (KJV)

Mark 16:15 And then he told them, “You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. (The Living Bible)

The GOOD NEWS (aka: The Gospel) is that Jesus gave up His life, being crucified on the cross and resurrected from the dead, so no human being would have to spend eternity in Hell...we can all go to Heaven! The only “catch” is that you have to believe that...if you don’t receive what Jesus did for you, as the gift it was intended to be, you won’t make it to Heaven.

Not my rules, folks...just the truth!

Jesus even said it.... “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) The Father is God, and He lives in Heaven; none of us will ever get there, if we don’t believe that Jesus IS the Savior of the world.

The Apostle Paul taught us how to do that...

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

You don’t have to change how you live, or think, or dress, or speak. You don’t have to convert to another religion. And you don’t have to “be a better person” before you decide to believe and confess; just do it!! And, I know, some of you are thinking, “Why would anyone give up their own life, for me??” Simple...He did it, because He loves you; and He knew that was the only way to bring you Home.

That was the whole purpose behind His birth...He came down from Heaven to bring us Home!!

John 1:14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. (AMP)

And, wouldn't you say that a virgin birth was a "new thing"? It only happened once, in the history of mankind!

Enjoy your Christmas holiday!! And, God bless us....every one!

oxoxox

A Few Small Updates

Good morning, my loves! I just wanted to take a few minutes to update you on some things...the first "small update" is BIG news!!

My granddaughter has been born! She came into the world two days ago, and is the light of my life! Per my youngest daughter's wishes, I am not permitted to show you any pictures; but her name is Alice, and she weighed 8 lbs 2 oz at birth. She's beautiful!! And, officially speaking as a newborn Grammy...I can't wait to see my little angel; I'll be heading to Atlanta, in September, for the official meet-n-greet!

Next update....my chemo pill (Xeloda) is officially kicking my butt!! I was so tired, last night, I went to bed at 9:30pm (I can typically stay up until midnight). I've been able to tolerate four pills a day (haven't thrown up, yet); so after this bottle is empty, I'll take a break for a week, and start the next bottle, taking five pills a day.

My Oncologist wants to try and get me back up to six pills a day, if I can tolerate it. So far, on this reduced dose, the only side effects I'm experiencing are some minor hair loss and serious fatigue.

Last update...still praying that God will open doors for me to be able to move to Knoxville, by the end of the year. Of course, I understand that it's all about His timing, not mine. But, I've discovered that most of the apartments I qualify for have dishwashers, and some have washer/dryer hookups!

I've also discovered that there's a "Whole Foods" type store in the Knoxville area that will take food stamps (being on disability, I had to go on food stamps to be able to feed myself); and I'll be living within the city limits, so I'll be able to take the bus wherever I need to go...which will come in handy, since I don't own a vehicle! LOL!

I'm totally excited about the new life God has planned for me! And, I'm completely grateful that He continues to give me another day! I'm blessed beyond measure, and glad I can share my life with you!!

Have a great day!! oxoxox

The Longest Blog Post I've Ever Written

I don’t know who’s going to read this, or what your views are, as far as believing in a Higher Power; but, I believe in a being called God, and I believe in The Bible. So, as I explain what’s on my heart, I’m going to be using Scripture references from that book, to help me convey my message. I hope that, regardless of what your spiritual beliefs are, you will take time to read this. It would make me very happy to know that you were open-minded enough to hear me out, even though you don’t believe in the same Higher Power as I do.

I love you! I just want to make that clear…I don’t care who you are, or what there is about you that I don’t fully appreciate, I still love you. John Keats said “I have been astonished that men could die martyrs for their religion – I have shudder’d at it. I shudder no more. I could be martyr’d for my religion; love is my religion. And I could die for that. I could die for you.” I could, too!

The Dalai Lama teaches about peace, love and compassion. Jesus also taught about love. Jesus said, “and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” This is the Law of Love (Mark 12:30-31)…and this is the law I live my life by. Love is MY religion.

I have often said, I do not have to agree with certain aspects that make you who you are, in order to love you. And I stand by that! If one of my friends was a serial killer, I certainly wouldn't agree with their lifestyle, but I would still love them…same with an habitual liar; I don’t appreciate that quality about a person, but I can still love them, despite their shortcomings. Or, you may be one of those few who does something that annoys me, or makes me uncomfortable around you (I wish you wouldn't be that way!)…but I still love you, regardless.

To love someone does not mean you have to accept who they are, or how they live their life; that’s not what love is. If there is something about you that I cannot accept, it doesn’t mean that I don’t love you; and not accepting something about you does not make me judgmental, either! One of my favorite movie quotes is when Forrest Gump says, “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”

This is what love is…

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, or boastful, or proud, or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

"It does not demand its own way"…for anyone to say that we have to accept them for who they are, when we tell them we love them, is demanding your own way; and that is not love. That reminds me of the recent article about the homosexual couple who are suing a bakery for turning away their business; this couple is not walking in love, because they are demanding to get their own way, knowing that this particular bakery is run by folks who view homosexuality as a sin.

This belief doesn't mean the bakers are being bigots, or unfair; it just means they’re standing by their beliefs and what the Bible says. And, by law, they don’t have to serve anyone (even straight people), if they choose not to!

Love is not tolerant of sin, but will also not hold it against us (that's the patient part, and the not keeping a record of being  wronged part). Yes, I said “us”; I’m not perfect, but I try my best. Lord knows, I fail Him daily; I’m sure there are certain things about the way I live that upset Him, or make Him uncomfortable…but, I know He loves me.

He loves all of us, regardless of how we live our lives; but He doesn't want us to live in sin! I know He expects us to correct the things that He’s does not approve of, because we are His Children. That’s the key…do you love your parents? As a child, did it make you feel good, knowing that they were proud of you, when you lived up to their standards? We CAN be loving toward each other. It’s very simple, too.

If you know they’re uncomfortable with foul language…don’t use it, when you’re around them. If you know that dressing a certain way will make someone you know uncomfortable, when you’re around them, try to dress in a way that makes them feel more secure around you. If you know talking about politics, is a sore subject for them, don’t bring it up in conversation! I’m facing a moment in my life where I’m going to have to practice that very thing; I’m going to Georgia, the end of this month.

My youngest daughter told me her boyfriend’s mother wants to meet me, while I’m there. Yay…super excited about this!! I've also been instructed to avoid certain conversation topics…namely, God and the Bible. The woman is an Atheist, and apparently views anyone who discusses God, or the Bible, as being an odd sort. Since this will be my first impression, of course, I’m going to want to make a good one….I’ll need to dress well, be polite and respectful, and refrain from preaching.

Just to make this clear, I’m not going to approach her coming off as someone who is phony; but, putting someone in an uncomfortable situation, because you can’t (or won’t) refrain from talking about things they’re uncomfortable listening to, is not a loving gesture! That conversation becomes all about you, and what you know…not about sharing what you know with them. So, I've decided that the conversations she and I will have with each other will be anything she wants to talk about! I’m sure we’ll get along just fine...we even have something in common; we're going to be Grandmothers!!

With that being said, if I've made anyone uncomfortable with this Note, I do apologize! However, I think I've managed to keep it “user friendly” for anyone…including non-Believers. We are all human beings, after all. Which brings me to my next point.

I’m sure, by now, we've all heard about the Coexist Movement. But, do any of us truly know what this movement is all about? Those involved in the movement claim that all human kind needs to be tolerant of all religions; why is this movement only interested in uniting the world’s religions?? Do you honestly know what “coexist” means, or are you just regurgitating a mantra, because it sounds nice?

The Dictionary says the word “coexist” means 1) to exist at the same time or in the same place; and 2) to exist in mutual tolerance despite different ideologies or interests (of nations or peoples).

Well, by definition, #1…we already do! We’re here, in the here and now, sharing the same planet. And, #2…that will only happen when we set our differences aside and learn to work as a people, known as the human race. As long as we separate ourselves by way of religions, political affiliations, social status, skin colors, nationalities, invisible borders, etc. (notice I used more than just religion as a factor) we will never coexist. It just can’t happen. Until we’re dead. I believe in Heaven, and Hell; and the inhabitants of both realms coexist with each other….Heaven with Heaven, Hell with Hell.

In Heaven (as in Hell), or the After Life (whatever you call it), we are all the same…there are no differences between us; no political parties, no religious denominations, no alternate “lifestyle choices”, no separate races/nationalities; and no gender differences, or different skin colors, either. We are all THE SAME! The only difference between those who are in Heaven, and those who are in Hell, is that the folks in Heaven aren't being tortured for eternity….according to the Bible, anyway. Remember, I did say that this would be a reference for me, during this Note, because I believe in what it says.

I have a lot of young friends who are quick to tease about being sent to Hell. They’ll say something, or do something that isn't entirely wholesome, and then quip “I’m going to Hell for that!” This is one of those annoyances I mentioned, earlier. I was taught that the only reason any of us would go to Hell, is if we die without accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior…that, and deliberately living a wicked life, will send anyone to Hell! So, when I hear people tease about the things that will send them to Hell, it gets on my nerves! But, if they don’t know any better, who am I to judge them…and I love them, anyway! LOL!

And the one thing that I can’t stand about society, as a whole, is the belief that if you don’t accept someone’s lifestyle choices, mannerisms, views, etc. it means that you are a bigot, a racist, or prejudiced in some form or fashion. That simply isn't true; it just means you have differing ideals than the rest of us.

For instance, the American government now has the belief that if we disagree with anything the President says or does, it automatically qualifies us as being racist, because he’s black (well, half black). Now, I’m sure that there are some folks who are racist, and that’s why they don’t agree with him…but for those of us who are not racist, being called a racist simply because we don’t agree with him, is pathetic...ans insulting! I don’t like what he's doing to my country, at all…but he is a flesh and blood human being; therefore, I love him, as a fellow human….as my neighbor (refer to the Scripture reference (Mark 12:30-31) above).

Obviously, I don’t know if you believe in Heaven, or Hell, but because I do, I gotta tell ya…I’d much rather spend eternity in Heaven, than in Hell. Using what I've been taught, I’ll give you a description of both places…you can, then, see why I've chosen Heaven!

What is Hell Like?

• Think of the worst smelling thing, on the face of the earth, and multiply that by 1,000,000.
• The Bible describes Hell as a fiery oven, the pit of darkness, a burning wind, and an unquenchable fire.
• It also says that those who end up there, will NOT get another chance to enter Heaven. It’s too late for them; they chose their destiny, and they’re stuck with it.
• Everyone who is stuck in Hell will be tortured and tormented for all eternity…no rest, no refreshment, and no peace. And, there are different levels of Hell, depending on how bad you were, while you were a human being.

 

An artist's rendition of Hell

What is Heaven Like?

• In Heaven there is no sickness, death, poverty, hunger, loneliness, sadness, hate, etc.
• In the book of Revelations, the Bible describes what Heaven looks like. I think it looks beautiful!! (Revelation 21:11-27)

o   It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. (v 11)

o   The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. (v 18)

o   The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. (v 19-20)

o   The twelve gates were made of pearls - each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. (v 21)

o   And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. (v 23)

An artist's rendition of Heaven

There’s nothing beautiful about Hell, and none of us will be partying once we’re there.

However, there will be a HUGE party, in Heaven! According to the Bible, Jesus spoke in parables, so the people of that day could understand what He was telling them about God and the Kingdom of Heaven. In one parable, He said the King is preparing a Great Feast for everyone…the King had invited many people, but most had made excuses as to why they couldn't make it; and, there were some who deliberately tortured and/or killed the messengers the King had sent out to extend the invitation. Those who have rejected the King’s invitation will be thrown into the outer darkness (a reference to Hell).

I’m all about speaking the truth…I did say lying was a pet peeve of mine, right? I know some of you won’t accept what I've said, and you might even get angry with me for saying it, but I refuse to water down the truth. That would be like saying, “It’s not something I would do, but I’m not you”….instead of saying, “that’s not right, and you shouldn't do it!” (This is not being judgmental…this is called correction)

Folks…according to what I've been taught, God (or what/whoever it is) expects us to live a morally upright life. Morals are not subject to interpretation, either; right is right, and wrong is wrong. If something was wrong, back in the day…it is still wrong, in this day! And, to believe that morals change with the times, is to be a fool! Lusting after someone you’re not in a relationship with is morally wrong; as is being a liar, a thief, a bigot, a hypocrite, a murderer, a sexual deviant, etc. Wrong is wrong....period!!

Think of God as you would a good parent…a good parent will not tolerate their child’s bad behavior, even though they love their child; instead they will punish them, for what they've done wrong, and then discipline them to know why that behavior was unacceptable, and how to avoid getting into trouble again. They teach their children to raise their standards, because they want them to have a good life.

If we want to get to Heaven, we have to live our human lives by God’s standards…not by human standards. I’m just as culpable as any of you; I know I don’t live 100% according to God’s standards, but that is my goal. I want to live my life with the hope that one day He’ll look at me and say He’s proud of me for doing so well. Then I’ll be allowed into Heaven.

Here’s a list of the people who will NOT be allowed into Heaven, according to the Bible (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)….

• the unrighteous - one who violates justice; also one who is an habitual liar/deceiver
• the fornicator – prostitutes (that’s literally what the term for fornicator mean, in this verse!)
• the idolater – a worshiper of false gods; anyone who puts anything above God, in their life
• the adulterer – one who is faithless and ungodly
• the effeminate – men who don’t act like men (they appear, and behave, as women); also a man who subjects his body to unnatural lewdness

o   “unnatural lewdness” - indecency, unchastity, incontinence, fleshliness, vulgarity, lechery, wantonness, lubricity, lasciviousness, aphrodisia, bodily appetite, libidinousness, sensuality, licentiousness, voluptuousness, lecherousness, profligacy, dissoluteness, obscenity, salacity, scurrility, coarseness, carnal passion, grossness, boorishness, sensuous desire, vileness, salaciousness, pornography, fleshly lust, depravity, brutishness, lustfulness, carnality, ruttishness, pederasty, nymphomania, pruriency, prurience, incontinency, corruptness, satyriasis, corruption, raunchiness, unnatural desires, dirtiness, ribaldry, incest, indelicacy, incestuousness, concupiscence, eroticism, sadism

•   the abuser of oneself with mankind – one who lies with a male as with a female, sodomite
• A sodomite is a person who engages in lascivious behavior, is unloving/abusive to others, one who degrades or humiliates others, a person who engages in bestiality (sex with animals)

• the thief – persons who embezzles (misappropriates, misuses, cheats, etc), pilfers (steals, takes things that are not theirs to take, poaches); also, a person who does not care to instruct others, but abuses their confidence for their own gain
• the covetous – people who are not satisfied with what they have, and want more (especially if it belongs to someone else)
• the drunkard – alcoholics; those who intentionally get intoxicated
• the reviler/railer – a person who expresses objections or criticisms in bitter, harsh, or abusive language
• the extortionist – a person who commits extortion (coercion, blackmail, a shakedown)

According to what I've been taught, unless those people turn away from their sins, and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they are going to Hell (whomever they are); the choice to do so, or not, is theirs. God gave us all something called “free will”, which is the right to choose for ourselves how we want to live our lives.

You don’t have to accept that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins, and that we need to turn from those sins and live according to God’s standards, but I sure hope you do! This is why I will always share what I've learned, because I don’t want to see anyone go to Hell, when they die!

Once you've received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and have turned away from your sins, God counts you blameless, and righteous…so, if you are one of those people who are destined for Hell, and you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (and you turn away from your sins), nothing you did prior to that moment matters anymore, and you are now destined for Heaven, now that you are “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17)!

And, if you slip up, all you have to do is repent (apologize for goofing up), and try harder to abstain from sin, from then on. I make it a practice to do that, several times a week…because I just don’t know what behaviors I've done, that He’s frowned upon!

If we could all learn to live by the Law of Love (Mark 12:30-31) and stop being so critical, compassionless, and/or verbally abusive toward each other…the human race would accomplish SOOOO much! And, yes…even non-Believers can love their neighbors, as they would love themselves.

Sorry this one was so long…but, this was something that was laying heavy on my heart, and I just knew I needed to share it with you! God bless you for reading it all the way through!! LOL!!

Love you!! oxoxox