Blogthingy: Who Should You Vote For?

Your Issue Profile: 60% Obama, 40% McCain

Truth be told, you're not really satisfied with either of the candidates. You could vote for either of them. You are the typical coveted swing voter. You may want to narrow yourself down to a particular set of issues in order to pick your president. Or start looking at third party candidates. One of them might suit you better.

Should You Vote for Obama or McCain?

This is totally true. I don't think that either of them is a safe choice. I do like Obama. I think he has a lot of charisma. I think McCain is too old. I am not very liberal in my thinking, though. It is so hard to know what America needs right now. But, I think change is probably for the best.

What do you think?

Weekend Review: The Giants

Pastor Henry Schorr was back preaching on Saturday night. I love him so much as a preacher. His sermons stay with me throughout the week and I am constantly thinking about them. This week's was no exception.

He was talking about Caleb and how Caleb lived his life. The main passage was: in Numbers 14, which you can read HERE. The part he focused on this week was:

" 'If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.' " Numbers 14:8-9

Caleb and Joshua were the only ones who believed that God could handle anything, including some "Giants" living in the Promiseland. He had rescued them out of Egypt, after all. What were a few giants to God?

The point is that as a believer, we need to be living in peace; laying down our giants and burdens in order that God can deal with them. We must believe that God can take care of them, instead of trying to take care of them on our own.

I know you are thinking: "Why is she sharing this with us?"

For the past little while, I have been struggling with the fact that I am not working. I spent 5 1/2 years and a ton of money in order to have a teaching career. Yet, I am not teaching. I know that I am doing what God has wanted me to do, but I sometimes feel like I will miss my career altogether if I don't work - even just a little bit. I feel like if I am not working than other people are taking my jobs. There will be nothing left for me when I want to return to teaching.

All of this came to a head this weekend. I love staying at home. I can't imagine anyone else raising my children. But, it is the beginning of the school year and I am, again, not working. I am going to get on the sub list, but even then I will only be working a little bit, and only if my dad is able to watch the kids.

Then my friend emails me this quote:

"Your profession is not what brings home your paycheck. Your profession is what you were put on earth to do. With such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling." Van Gogh

I know that I am called to teach. And I am doing that, even though there is no money involved. I know that God is in control. Even though my career path seems to have taken a detour, God can handle the detours of this life. Thanks be to God for godly friends who continue to encourage me. I will perservere.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Top Ten Fridays: Things Heard At VBS

And now, without furthur ado....

Top Ten Things Heard at VBS:

10) "As God's children we..." followed by various verbs including: share, give, love...

9) "Mommy, can I talk to the people?" as Aidan reaches for the microphone so he can talk to everyone in the sanctuary....Our little star!!

8) "Ranny!" as Emma runs after Granny in the church. She was all about Granny this week and is currently having a sleepover with Granny and Grandpa.

7) "I'll help Granny with the computer, Mommy!" as Aidan goes to the laptop and starts helping Granny with the powerpoint slides. He is a techno wizard.

6) "I'll wait until everyone is listening before I start..." as I wait for the kids to stop talking and listen to me as I talk at the front of the church. I have a lot of patience.

5) "Hands out, and up, then together and then put the apples in the basket" as we fold our hands to pray for the morning or for the rest of the day.

4) "Mommy, I'll sing and you do the tricks(aka actions)" as Aidan stands up besides me on the platform and sings the songs perfectly. I was NOT allowed to sing at this time because he could.

3) "Today's treetop critter is...."as I describe our little animal figurine the kids would get to take home from VBS each day.

2) "Let's find out what's for snack, Emma"...Emma: "Nack" as she toddles off to the kitchen leading the way. She ran up and down that church, putting miles on. Of course everyone loved her. Who wouldn't??

1) "How old is your son, Amanda?" as Aidan entertains everyone before and after the mornings with the microphone.

Some runners-up:

"This program is not good!"
"I don't want to organize next year!"
"I miss organizing this!"
"Every tree in the forest will join in the chorus..."
"Get your homeboy self ready!!"

All in all it was a great time, but I am wiped. My mom will be back to organizing it next year. The lady that did it this year, did a really good job for her first time...but said that my Mom could have her job back next year. She did offer to help, so that's good. We always need help. I may even tackle the dramas next year...

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am going to be resting up. So tired....

Rainforest Adventure!

It is that time of year again. The time where their are 50 kids, name tags, singing and a lot about God. Yes, it is Vacation Bible School this week.

My mom did not organize it this year. That is a switch. As a result, we are not doing the VBS that we usually do (Group's VBS). Instead we are doing the Rainforest Adventure. (It is not good, so don't worry about rushing out to see what it is like, or anything!)

Today was our first day. We were out of the house be 8am and then not home until 12pm. We are all tired and I still have laundry to do today. (And cleaning the floors!!)

It went alright, but we all miss Group's VBS with Chadder's Theater, the good snacks, the good worship songs.... I am leading the singing again this year, and it is just not as much fun. Aidan has been standing up and helping me with the actions, though, which is very cute. Emma just walks around the sanctuary, in her own little world.

One day down, another four to go. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

Jonathan and I have been watching "Heroes" season one. It is really good. I really like it alot.

Anyway, I hope you are all having a good day.