The Creativity of God

Here's a thought provoking post on racisim by Stacy McDonald, co-author of Passionate Housewives:


"I used to manage apartments (years ago) and when we would do any type of advertising or brochures, we were required to have X number of black people, X number of white people and an Asian or Hispanic person for good measure. This seemed so silly to me. If the person who owns the property is white and the majority of the people in that area are white, why should they be "afraid" to use white people in the ad? If it would have been a black neighborhood, they would have had no problem at all using all black people in the ad, so what's the difference?

In the world of "political correctness" there seems to be more of a tolerance for every color BUT white. If you are white, sometimes you feel like you have to either apologize for being white or "prove" you are not a racist by meeting your quota or by listing all the multi-racial friends you have. To me, THAT'S a racist attitude. Why pay so much attention to race that you even find it necessary to do such a thing? Why count?…

Let us state for the record, that we are NOT in agreement [with any form of racism] and are in fact vehemently opposed to any teaching that requires “racial purity” or separation based on skin color or any other "outward" characteristic.”

That was what we said then, and that is what we say now. Racism is wrong. And personally, I think the “politically correct” obsession with race is wrong too. If you are a Christian, you are my brother or sister. I should not care beyond that.

It wasn’t too long ago, when we still lived in Houston, that I left some items at a grocery store. I quickly returned to the store and tried to figure out which lane I had used to check out. I remembered the cashier and recalled our entire conversation. I was counting on the fact that she remembered me too, since I couldn’t find my receipt! The funny thing was, when I went to the customer service counter for help, and the employee asked me for a description of the cashier, I couldn’t give her one.

Getting frustrated, she asked me if my cashier had been black or white. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember! I began to tell her about the conversation we had – about the fact that she had a son in the military, she went to a ladies Bible study near the mall by my house, and how she was going to be working until midnight that night. Those things I remembered well. They finally were able to figure out who my cashier was, but the whole experience made me think.

This is how it should be. We shouldn’t be paying so much attention to skin color. We should notice more about the person and what’s important in their lives – who they are and if they are in Christ.

Relax and forget about such things. Enjoy your brothers and sisters in the Lord without concerning yourself with race or color. Remember that whatever package God gives us – it’s for His glory! Praise Him for His creativity!"

Read Stacy McDonald's complete post about racism here.

Financial Shape in 2008 Challenge

As I did some last minute shopping before Christmas I was amazed as I watched other people around me. Looking in their shopping carts or baskets I wondered how long it might take them to pay off those items in 2008. I was reading a post on Money Saving Mom's blog a few days back. Crystal was sharing about her Financial Shape in 2008 Challenge:

"Would you like to live on less, pay off debt, and save more money this year? If so, join in the Financial Shape in 2008 Challenge - a year-long campaign to encourage families worldwide to live on less than they make and take personal responsibility for their finances.

The first area of the Financial Shape in 2008 Challenge is committing to get on a successful, workable budget.

If you've never successfully lived on a budget before, never fear, you can do it! Over the next few weeks, I'll be walking you through how to set up and implement a written game plan for your finances. This is something my husband and I committed to do before we were married and it was about the best decision we've ever made! It has saved us so much money, so much stress, and so much time."

Read Crystal's complete post here.

$1-$2 for New Children’s Shoes

I reading a recent post on Money Saving Mom’s Blog and a reader had shared with her about clearance children’s shoes on darlingshoes.com that are $1-2 each pair. You can’t beat those prices! Someone had told the reader that the sale ends today but I didn’t see that posted on the website. These would be good gifts for baby showers! I have been told the shipping charged could be $10.00.

Click here to check out the deals.

Global Warming Hits The Midwest With a Powerful Punch

A New Beginning News by Jennifer Dean November 10, 2007

Since Sunday the Midwest has been feeling the powerful effects of Global Warming. Even as Al Gore was accepting his Nobel Peace Prize for his work on protecting the environment, scientist were engaged in new research on an amazing phenomenon of global warming. An ice storm has blanketed much of the Midwest since Sunday. This widespread storm has caused numerous highway fatalities and rendering life difficult for the thousands who are now without power due to the storm. Scientist are blaming this recent event directly on global warming and its strong effect on the recent air currents flowing from Canada. “We are seeing a new pattern emerging, “ stated an official at the newly formed Midwest Warms Up Weather Station in Kansas City, MO. He continued saying, “For the last few years it has become warmer and warmer as evidenced by our lack of snow fall. This event however strikes us as the strongest proof yet that we are doomed to ever warmer winters. This ice storm has created the largest layer of ice in recent history and effected more people than any other storm in recent history. Yes, it is global warming as work.”

Yes, I created the fictitious news story up. It is a tongue in cheek analysis of the global warming craze at it’s best. Let’s blame an ice storm on global warming! I have not studied global warming in depth but I do believe our world is warming up. I was just talking to my Mom the other day about how much snow we used to get in MO when she was a little girl compared to today. I do not have faith in the panics, expensive proposed projects, or political pundits who pound the global warming scare into our heads on a daily basis. If it is getting warmer I can face it if we are presented with some real facts. On the other hand it seems the only time global warming is brought up to blame any environmental ill on is when it is warm. Hmm..do I hear any talk about the effect of global warming on the Midwest when we are in the midst of a ice storm? No, it’s only brought up on a record high heat day, or during a drought. Never when it is truly cold! What happened to global warming this week? Is it hibernating?

Here’s a link to a real story about the ice storm we are experiencing here in the Midwest. These are the real facts, ice and all.

You’ll have to excuse me here. This global warming thought all came about when I was logging in to Blogger.com and saw the “blog of note” today is carbonfund.org, a nonprofit carbon offset company. They are trying to sell enviromental note cards as Christmas stocking stuffers (only from a carbon free printing company). Need I say more?

Remembering Pearl Harbor

On this day 66 years ago Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese forces. In remembrance of this day I will repost about one of my World World II heroes, Admiral Chester Nimitz.

Admiral Chester Nimitz
A few days ago I had stopped at the library and looked through the DVD’s. I have always enjoyed studying history and one title caught my attention. It was Pearl Harbor Admiral Chester Nimitz Thunder of the Sea from the History Channel.

My great-grandpa served in the Navy and was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed by the Japanese. When I was little Grandpa told me he had brought home a piece of a plane that had exploded nearby him. I never did ask him any questions about his service in the Navy, or about the time in Pearl Harbor. I really regret that. My Mom remembers he was a faithful member of a “Survivor’s of Pearl Harbor” group. When I watched that DVD I learned more about what happened during WWII. I didn’t remember hearing about Admiral Chester Nimitz and I must say I was amazed at the character of this man. My Dad’s side of the family was career military in the Army and Air Force. So I’ve heard some things about military life. Chester Nimitz was incredibly loyal to those who served under him, kind hearted, allowed his top commanders to do their jobs while he stepped out of the way, and he was humble. I was very impressed with the life he lived! Before the war broke out he was offered a job for $25,000 a year when he made $3,000 a year in the Navy. He declined taking the job to continue serving in the Navy. After he retired from the Navy he refused to write a tell all biography for a large sum of money. He didn’t want to be writing anything that would demean or criticize the men who had served under him. Needless to say, I added him to my "hero list" and would like to read a bit more about his life. This is just one example of bravery and sacrifice to country we can remember this day.

Faith In America-Mitt Romney’s Speech

Faith In America-Mitt Romney’s Speech

This evening I watched Mitt Romney’s speech with my sister and brother-in-law. I do believe that was the best speech I have ever heard from a public official. While I don’t agree with all his statements, I was very impressed that he was willing to give a speech on religious freedom. I thought Mitt Romney was right on concerning our Founding Fathers and the intention they had for this country in religious freedom and expression. He quoted John Adams as saying, ‘We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion... Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people.'

Mitt Romney also said, ‘"As a young man, Lincoln described what he called America's 'political religion' – the commitment to defend the rule of law and the Constitution. When I place my hand on the Bible and take the oath of office, that oath becomes my highest promise to God. If I am fortunate to become your President, I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest. A President must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States.”

Then Mitt Romney ended his speech by saying, "The diversity of our cultural expression, and the vibrancy of our religious dialogue, has kept America in the forefront of civilized nations even as others regard religious freedom as something to be destroyed.

"In such a world, we can be deeply thankful that we live in a land where reason and religion are friends and allies in the cause of liberty, joined against the evils and dangers of the day. And you can be certain of this: Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me. And so it is for hundreds of millions of our countrymen: we do not insist on a single strain of religion – rather, we welcome our nation's symphony of faith.

"Recall the early days of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, during the fall of 1774. With Boston occupied by British troops, there were rumors of imminent hostilities and fears of an impending war. In this time of peril, someone suggested that they pray. But there were objections. 'They were too divided in religious sentiments', what with Episcopalians and Quakers, Anabaptists and Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Catholics.

"Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot.

"And so together they prayed, and together they fought, and together, by the grace of God ... they founded this great nation.

"In that spirit, let us give thanks to the divine 'author of liberty.' And together, let us pray that this land may always be blessed, 'with freedom's holy light.'

My brother-in-law pointed out there must be something real about you if all 5 of your sons are willing to campaign for you.

I know there has been an outcry from some evangelical circles concerning his LDS faith, however in the present selection of presidential candidates there are some who would profess a Christian faith, yet deny the reality of standing for what is right and true in their public policy. For such a person I could never vote, it would be to deny all I believe in. I would be voting for the lesser of two evils so to speak, but none the less I would be voting for evil. I don’t know that I could call such a person himself evil, but that they are willing to uphold evil in their public office. I want to find a man to vote for who is willing to uphold (moral) truth while in public office, even if I don’t personally uphold his theological beliefs. What would you rather vote for:

1. A person who professes to be an evangelical Christian but is willing as an elected official to support abortion.

2. A man who you do not agree with theologically but who will support life as an elected official?

I for one will choose the man who will support (moral) truth in government policy.

I do not agree theologically point to point with the following men: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, or Martin Luther King to name a few. However, I do believe each of these men accomplished great good in their governmental offices or public life. I would not withhold praise for the good they brought to our nation, or ignore their faults on the basis of their theology. While I may strongly disagree with many portions of the LDS faith, I will not refuse to listen to or praise the great speech of tonight on those grounds. In the months ahead I will be watching to see if there is action that follows the words that were spoken. I would encourage anyone interested in the destiny of religious freedom in our country to listen to Mitt Romney’s speech or read the transcript.


My sister Caroline had found a new book in the library recently entitled, ‘A Mormon in the White House? 10 Things Every American Should Know About Mitt Romney’ by Hugh Hewitt. After listening to this evenings speech I think I will take the time to read it!

We Know It All

By moderation thinking we know it all. We are shocked to find an ancient people who had the same knowledge we do. This seems to fall in line with evolutionary thinking. In times past we were stupid cavemen. Now we have evolved into the brilliant humans we are today. Granted, scriptures does tell us that knowledge will abound in the last days. Does that mean we have the corner on all knowledge in our era only? I read this very interesting article about a 500 year old map.

Researches are baffled that this mapmaker had enough knowledge at his disposal to accurately display the world, specifically South America. It seems to me an amazing lack of humility on our part not to realize there are wonders and mysteries of knowledge that were discovered in the past. Some of this knowledge may be lost in time, we have not even rediscovered it yet ourselves. I look forward to the day with the Lord when we, as Christians, will be able to comprehend and understand the entire creation and mind of God.

By David Alexander Mon Dec 3, 12:19 PM ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The only surviving copy of the 500-year-old map that first used the name America goes on permanent display this month at the Library of Congress, but even as it prepares for its debut, the 1507 Waldseemuller map remains a puzzle for researchers. Why did the mapmaker name the territory America and then change his mind later? How was he able to draw South America so accurately? Why did he put a huge ocean west of America years before European explorers discovered the Pacific?

Read the full article here.

Out of the mouths of babes...

My brother-in-laws birthday is tomorrow and my sister and I were running into several stores with her sons this evening looking for Sean's birthday present and buying his Christmas presents. After supper her 4 year old son, Mosiah, started coughing, and didn't stop! He has been coughing at night the last few days but this was especially lengthy. Mosiah didn't seem to be doing it for attention. Caroline and I were asking Mosiah at the same time if he was okay. In between coughs he said, Mama, I need my vitamins!" Caroline has started giving him the liquid SuperKids Vitamins from Beeyoutiful that we now carry with New Little Blessing to see what she thought of them. Caroline and I burst out laughing when he said that. He was so serious. I think he has been enjoying that orange flavor more than she realized!

Gardening Len's Way

A little while back I was reading an article in Rural Missouri on a revolutionary style of gardening. It caught my attention! It was describing the brillant gardening idea called Gardening Len's Way.This man, Leonard Pense , lives down in Southern Mo where the soil is clay and full of rocks. He enjoyed gardening but found his garden was not faring well in such poor conditions. Mr. Pense came up with a plan for creating weed free raised bed gardens. I have lived in southern MO for a year when I was 14. My Dad wanted to have a large garden while we lived there. We did try! Our garden plot was new and full of rocks. Instead of weeding we said we were rock picking. When we drove along the roads in the Ozarks you could always tell if a garden spot had been there for sometime, all the rocks were picked out.

Where I live now the soil isn’t much better. It is poor clay soil and I tried several years in a row to raise some decent vegetables in it. I would get so discouraged over the results I would give up and let it go to weeds. A year ago I was cleaning house occasionally for a friend and noticed she had a beautiful raised strawberry bed that ran the length of her house. The soil was great, she had few weeds, and it was very easy for her to care for even with her poor health. Since then I have wanted to try some raised beds but never have because of the initial expense. For this year I had no garden at all and I missed having some fresh produce at the house.

This brings us back to “Gardening Len’s Way” Mr. Pense says it is a common sense way of growing an organic, weed free, raised bed, vegetable, fruit or flower gardens. A friend, Lisa, is going to take a class from Mr. Pense on this style of gardening and has already bought his notebook of information. She let me borrow the notebook recently.

Mr. Pense has given various plans for his cinderblock raised beds with instructions on putting them together. He gives ideas on supporting your plants, watering and feeding your plants, the special materials and formula needed for your weed free soil, and a page of resources.

Everything shared in the booklet is based on a raised bed of 4 feet wide by 16 feet long. The beauty of this size is the bed can be worked from both sides without stepping in the bed. It appears that a standard 4x16 bed would cost $417.00 to buy the special formula to garden in this manner. From what Lisa understands this soil can be used year after year adding a “soil vitamin” mix each year for approximately $25.00. That seems high to me but I suppose if you are using it year after year it would be worth it. I’m looking forward to seeing how Lisa’s raised bed will produce this coming year.

Mr. Pense gives the layout for an asparagus bed and a layout for fruit gardens. If you are a gardener I would highly recommend visiting The Gardening Revolution site and reading what Mr. Pense has to share. Here I have myself all excited to start some gardening and it’s supposed to sleet tonight! At this rate I’ll have cabin fever before our first snow fall.

Fall Helpers

My sister Caroline came over with her boys Mosiah and Israel last week. Living out in the country there is no need to be raking leaves. The boys however thought otherwise! They had a great time raking the leaves and playing.

Mosiah & Israel being Fall Helpers

Mosiah having fun....

Israel taking his job seriously

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Stem cell breakthrough defuses debate

I saw this article in the KC Star this evening about a new breakthrough in stem cell research. Since I am adamantly opposed to embryonic stem cell research I was excited to read of this new discovery!

The Car

Last night I was driving home in my car through rush hour traffic. All of a sudden my battery light came on along with other dashboard lights. My power steering went out, the brakes went mushy, and I could get zero power when I tried to accelerate. I was able to pull over into the right lane, put it in neutral, and cost up part of the hill in a parking lot. Since the brakes weren't working right I decided to leave it there until the tow truck came. There was just enough room for one car to get in and around my car. As a woman driving around who knows about zero concerning the mechanics of a car, I keep a Triple A membership for any occasion where I need help. The tow truck arrived shortly and brought the car and myself to a mechanic I trust. Then there was a little mix up as to who would pick me up. I was 50 minutes from home so I knew it would take a bit, but an hour and a half later with no one in sight....hmm. My brother-in-law thought my Dad was picking me up and Dad thought Sean was already on his way. I was simply frustrated to waste the evening but worse things can happen!
Overnight I was concerned I had another big car repair. I was hoping my car at 147,000 miles wasn't going to just fall apart piece by piece. I thing it is a great car and it looks nice inside and out. I really hoped it wouldn't be time to think about replaced it.
Then the mechanic called today. The embarrassing good news...I had run out of gas! My gas gauge (now proved)is not working correctly. Though it showed a quarter of a tank it was in reality sitting at complete nothing. Instead of spending $500 on a new fuel tank the mechanic told me to fill up the car at half a tank on my gauge. I felt quite stupid but was very thankful to come out with the price of a diagnostic test and car that is *mostly* working correctly.:-) At the end of the day I was still in budget and ready to roll. I couldn't be anymore thankful!

Little Musicans

Growing up in our family we were taught to have a love of music. It was many a Sunday afternoon that we spent singing hymns for a few hours. Before school each day we would usually spend 15-30 minutes singing hymns. Caroline is passing on this love of music to her children. Mosiah began humming hymns before he could talk. Then he started singing at home and in church. Israel has followed big brother. I will catch Israel humming hymns during the day, and he sings the words he can say at this point.

A few days ago my sister Caroline was playing the piano. Her boys came over and wanted to be part of the music in someway. Mosiah took some sheet music and turned a bar stool upside down to use as a music stand.

Israel took some sheet music and plopped down on the floor to sing along. How precious is this!

We Thank Thee O Lord For Our Mothers

I was cleaning through a pile of papers in my room and came across the words to this hymn that my brother- in -law wrote for the mothers of our church for Mother's Day. He had the fathers and children sing it to the tune of "We Thank Thee O God for the Prophets." I thought the words he wrote were beautiful. I know it blessed the hearts of the mothers that day! I think it should be added to our hymnal.:-)

We thank thee O Lord for our mothers

and those gentle hands that toiled all the day,

Tp train up a righteous generation

Whose deeds shall surely display-

That their hearts are one with heaven

And the Word of God is their staff and stay.

O we thank thee dear Lord for our mothers

That they sought to guide us in that way.

We thank thee O Lord for our mothers

and all the labor they've perforned the home to keep.

All the washing and cleaning and cooking

And laying their children down to sleep.

But let the hearts of the mothers take courage,

For though it seems their home-labors never cease,

Truly through your loving provisions

'Ere its night, your children lie down in peace.

We thank thee O Lord for our mothers

Though their shoulders have many sorrows borne,

In exchange for the sweet consulation

That a crown they'll receive from the Lord!

For surely goodness and mercy

Have followed our mothers all their days

And by the light of theri precious example

Our feet are straightened in the narrow way.

O sweet to our ears the name of Mother!

Such a sound does our heart good to be heard.

A name honored above many others,

A name truly to be preferred!

And blessed be the name of our Saviour,

Who entrusted our souls to such as these,

Whose whole lives are a grand testimony,

That the Lord Jesus Christ they sought to please.

Written by Sean Allen.