Parenting Tips for Single Moms

New Podcast!

Sisters' Podcast: It Bloggles the Mind!: Episode VII - Parenting Tips for Single Moms

In this episode, Katie provides some tips for single moms. Single moms have many needs that the Church is not always aware of, and here she shares about those and offers some suggestions on what the Church can do to help.

Too Soon?

The families of those aboard the flight don't think so, and the director, Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday, Bourne Supremacy) moved ahead only after getting approval from each of the families who had loved ones on Flight 93.

The trailer has already stirred controversy with some theatres pulling it when moviegoers complained that it is "too soon".

Excerpts of the director's statement from the UNITED 93 Official Website:

"Made with the full support of the families of those on board, UNITED 93 will track in real time the dramatic story of what happened inside the aircraft as well as on the ground..."

"UNITED 93 will take us through the events of 9/11 as they happen in real time - all the confusion, violence, courage and endurance of a day that changed our lives forever."

I hear things like "we will never forget" or "always remember September 11" but within our country today, I do believe many have forgotten. I do not see an urgency to stop the attack on, or defend our American culture, our way of life as Americans. I do not see a united America...oh yeah...remember that? For weeks after 9/11 cars were decorated with flags and "United We Stand" stickers and it became a national slogan for a while. A short while.

I see a country divided and I believe it is because many have forgotten, or choose to ignore, or pass the blame for the events of 9/11 and the events of years prior that led to that dreadful day. There is an all out assault on American culture and I pray that this country does unite and come together to ward off those people in this world who want Americans to die and the United States to cease existing.

Those on UNITED 93 were united (ironic?) in their cause. What if they had chosen instead to bicker amongst themselves?

Is a movie about UNITED 93 coming to us too soon? I don't think so. I welcome it. This country is in need of reminding that there are forces of evil out there vying to destroy us, and hopefully we won't destroy ourselves first.

I'm concerned that the people thinking this is coming "too soon" either are in denial

"They are reminded when their loved one is not at the dinner table, watching their children grow up..."

that we are actually under attack as a country, or are actually consciously trying to forget, pretend it didn't happen, and not deal with the issue at hand. I can respect the fact that some families were deeply impacted and may be disturbed viewing such movies, but these would not be the people who need reminded. They are reminded when their loved one is not at the dinner table, watching their children grow up, or sitting next to them on the couch settling in for popcorn and a good film.

It is not too soon. My hope is that it is not too late.

Need a reminder? Go here. (THE best memorial I've ever seen!)
UNITED 93 Official Website

Originally posted 04/02/06

Stupid Question of the Day - The Compilation

Over the years in retail, I have listened to a fair amount of "stupid questions". I know, I know, some say "the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked". Yeah, uh-huh, whatever.

I say "the only questions that are stupid are the ones that are asked before thinking".

So, borrowing from past posts, I present to you a compilation of some of the "Stupid Questions of the Day":

Customer: "I don't know the name of the song or who sings it, but it starts with a C"

Me: "The title of the song starts with a 'C'?"

Customer: "Yes"

Me: (not really believing that this person is standing there waiting for me to magically announce I know exactly what song they are looking for) "I think I need a little more to go on."

Customer: "Will your computer search for songs starting with the letter 'C'?"

Me: (still not really believing that this person is really going to search for all songs that begin with the letter "C") "Yes it will and it will pull up at least a million songs that begin with the letter 'C'".

The customer proceeds to begin his search for the song on the computer. He started with C.

I just don't understand how people like this manage to exist successfully in society.

**UPDATE** The rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrest of the story.....

After the man searched on the computer for about twenty minutes, I went over to "check" on him. He said "I REMEMBERED THE SONG" and it is something like "Can't Get Enough of Your Love". I said "Oh, that's Barry White. I found a Barry White CD with that song on it, played it for him on the listening point and he verified "that's it!"

Hmpf! I really thought it was going to be THIS!

Yay. Happy Ending.

A person enters the store, again hears music playing overhead, sees that we sell CDs and asks "What are you using to play the music?"

The answer:

"uhhhhhh, a CD player"

One of my co-workers shared with me yesterday the "stupid question of the month" that came from a customer.

I said "of the month?" and she said "it's too stupid to be the question of the day, it's definately for the entire month...maybe even more!" LOL

So what is the question?

Well, here's some background for those reading this that may not know what I do for a living. I manage an FYE store, For Your Entertainment. I sell CDs, DVDs and games. I LOVE IT!

Anyway, when one walks into the store which has a giant sign at the front that says FYE - MUSIC and MOVIES, the first thing one comes in contact with is the new releases for the week. Music CDs on one side, Movie DVDs on the other.

A customer walks into the store, with the new Jimmy Eat World CD blaring throughout the store, picks up a CD off the Top 20 endcap and asks (drumroll please.........................................)

Is this a music store?

BadaBOOM -- CHING!

This wasn't really a stupid question, but it was unusual:

After one of those very hectic days where it was difficult to even catch ones breath, we finally had a bit of a breather. About ten minutes before we closed my associate and I happened to be at the counter when a man approached. We asked what we could help him with and he asked "Do you have any Scandinavian imports?". Danielle turned to look at me and we both started cracking up! The guy had no clue why that question was so funny, so I had to explain that we've just had a real interesting night and someone asking about Scandinavian imports was the LAST thing we expected! LOL

At one time I was hiring for an assistant manager. These are some questions I get from people interested in work...mind you, these in particular is for a management position:

1. What does management do?
2. What is retail?
3. What is a keyholder?
4. What does "prior experience" mean?

*rolls eyes* If one has to ask these questions, why are they applying for a managment position?

I answered one young man's question "what does management do?" by listing things like "inventory management, loss prevention, human resources, training, merchandising, etc." He looked at me like I was speaking an entirely different language and then said "oh, I don't think I'm ready for that." I said "probably not".

UGH!

And we can't forget the questions that we get a few times each and every week:

"What time do you open?" (which in itself isn't a stupid question)

"In another 40 minutes"

"Oh, well, do you have....? how many do you have? Can you hold that for me? How much is it?"

If we open in another 40 minutes, we are NOT OPEN NOW!

And for Ticketmaster, oh, it causes the eye roll DAILY:

"I'm calling about tickets for the show."

"We are a Ticketmaster outlet, a walk-in service only, so we do not answer Ticketmaster questions over the phone. I can give you the Ticketmaster number if you would like."

"Well, do you have tickets for the show?"

"We are a walk-in service only, I can give you the Ticketmaster number."

"I just need to know how much they are."

"I can not look up Ticketmaster information for phone customers. We are a walk-in service only."

"Well, I live 40 minutes away and don't want to drive all that way to find out there are no tickets available.

"You can call Ticketmaster directly. I will give you their number. You see, I could say 'yes, there are tickets available in such and such seats' and you could still drive all that way and by the time you get here those tickets could be gone.'"

"Ok, well, give me Ticketmaster's number."

Ugh.

- - - - - - - - - - -

So, there you have it! A compilation of actual questions I have been asked as a retailer. Retail is fun!

So, now for one of my favorite all time quotes:

"Ignorance is curable, stupid is forever."

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

I got Justin a new alarm clock today to replace the one that broke last week.

He was so excited when he saw it, came and hugged me and said "thank you!"

He ran into his room, plugged it in, got it all set and then I heard a very frustrated "oooooooohhhhhhhhhhh grrrrrrrrrrrr!"

I called to him from the other room "what's wrong?"

"ohhhhhhhhhhh, I just got my new clock all set and when I stood up, I accidently walked across the cord and unplugged it!"

LOL

Christian Carnival CXIX

CXIX? Thats uh....100 + 10 and then....uhhhhhh, a 9? 119!

This weeks Christian Carnival is up at Brain Cramps for God.

Christian Carnival CXIX is #119 of the Carnival! Wow! That's a lot of excellent Christian posting! So, for some of the best posts of the past week from Christian bloggers, please be sure to check it out!

I submitted "The Day I Was Crucified", and there are some other excellent posts from others as well:

• I love what Carl says in his post "Are Being Defined or Refined?", he says "The gospel is an all or nothing gospel, either follow it, or deny it."
• Katy has an insightful post that caused me to think about how easy it is to live as though Christ is dead. He is living! So, Katy asks "where have you laid him?" in her post "Where?"
• Barbara ponders the fact that so often we live to please people, when it is Jesus we should be following. Jesus will never lead us astray! Her post examines the expectations society places on women, "Society vs. God in the Lives of Women", and how they often conflict with God's expectations.

There are so many great posts in the Carnival this week, so I highly recommend you head on over to the compiled list at Brain Cramps for God to check them all out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Invention Suggestion

My invention suggestion is: silent candy wrap/chip bags

When I go to the movies, or even as I am watching movies at home, I like to be absorbed into the movie or, "removed" from reality if you will.

Nothing jolts me back to real life and distracts me from the story playing out on the screen than some kid digging in a bag of jelly bellies or grabbing a handful of chips!

And the more discreet the kid tries to be, the more obvious and distracting and proloooooooooonged the scene becomes.

I don't like to get candy and stuff in noisy bags because I feel so rude and disruptive to those around me, but if the bags were "crinkle-less", I would be much more willing to indulge. (Of course, maybe it isn't such a good idea afterall! LOL)

Why must the wrappers candy is in or the chip bags be so noisy??

I demand silent candy wrap/chip bags!

The God I Serve

The God I serve is Love.

He is Grace.

He is Mercy and Forgiveness.

What does that mean to me?

His love for me can not be more than it is at this moment. His love can not be less. While human love is conditional, His Divine Love is unconditional. There is nothing I can do to make Him love me more, there is nothing you can do to make Him love me less. People have a tendency to love some people more than others, however, God's love is always the same, for everyone. People also find it easier to love someone who is nice to them, or treats them in a favorable way. God's love can envelope even those who despise Him. Jesus embraced His cross, He took my Sin upon Himself, and died for my sake. He became sin for me, and that sin was nailed to the cross. My sin died there and Jesus set me free from it. There is no greater love than that. (John 15:13)

God's Grace is amazing. When I recognized my sinful state for what it was, God's Grace is so amazing that there really is no shame. He even removes shame. When there is repentence, He can forgive and let me have a "do-over". I am reminded of the woman at the well (John 4:1-30), after Jesus finished speaking with this woman who had multiple husbands and was currently living with yet another man, the woman went to town to tell the people who she had just spoken with. She did not hide in shame, instead, she was bragging on Jesus and how he told her "everything she ever did". I find it wonderful that Jesus was able to speak in such love and compassion, that this woman instead of running off in embarrassment and shame, was able to walk away and speak to others about the Christ and His ways.

God uses the Holy Spirit to convict me of my sin and gently restores me. His still small voice can whisper to my heart, point out to me my sin, convict, and remind me of His love and amazing grace. His mercy and His forgiveness are gifts that He offers me to accept and I am so thankful to Him for that. His mercy exists because He has felt what I feel...He suffered as I suffer. Even as He suffered on the cross, He forgave. He forgives me for I know not what I do.

The God I serve offers His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. When I accept that He smiles.

I do not believe the God I serve smiles when I refuse His love and forgiveness. When I choose sin over an obedient life in Him, He does not smile. He hurts. His heart breaks for the unrepentant. I can't stand to think that I break my Lord's heart! Ever!

God will NEVER smile on sin.

The God I serve offers love, grace, mercy and forgiveness.

Thank you Father. May you give me faith and help me to remain obediant, that I may always feel your smile on me.

The Day I Was Crucified

For Easter, Katie gave me a gift. It is a book called "The Day I Was Crucified" as Told by Jesus the Christ, written by Gene Edwards.

Now, I am usually a reader of non-fiction, so when starting this book it was difficult at first to stop thinking so critically about this book. I would read and think to myself how can he know that happened? That didn't happen! or that's not right! Once I finally relaxed and accepted this as a creative exploration of Jesus' thoughts on the day of His crucifixion, I was able to just embrace the thoughts and ideas and enjoy the read so far.

Last night Katie and I read some of this together and we read something very wonderful and profoundly impacting!

Here is the scene: Jesus is hanging on the cross very near death as the battle is raging in the heavenlies. We hear His thoughts as He fights against World System, Sin, Satan, Law and finally Death. In the physical realm, Jesus has just spoken to the thief on the cross next to Him,

"Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour," (Luke 23:42-44)

Jesus physically dies and there in the tomb with Him lies World, Sin, and Law. Death also lay there, still and silent. This is the climactic part of the scene as Jesus is going "head to head" with Death in battle, and "all were awaiting".

The scene changes to the heavenly realm where angels are talking amongst themselves. They noticed that the door to their realm was missing, and they could look down upon the earth. They wondered aloud if that meant they would be able to go back and forth to the earth as in the days of Adam?

Or would they see mortal beings setting foot in the realm of the spirituals?

"I could not imagine," replied one of the angels.

One startled angel blinked and asked, "Pray tell what is that I see? Whatever it is, it seems to have only this moment appeared. It seems to be coming this way."

"Forbid that fallen man should gain entrance to the habitat of the heavenlies!" exclaimed a rather concerned angel. "But, what is that?"

"I have no idea" responded another angel.

"It is far to bright to be an angel"

It cannot be a human, can it?"

"Of course not! Fallen men are not allowed in the realm of thing spiritual under any conditions. Well, whatever it is, it is coming this way."

"Then we perhaps should prepare to make flight."

"Why?"

"Because! Whatever it is, so bright, so holy, we may not have a right to live in its presence."

"He stumbles, runs, and stumbles again. Look, no he is jumping. He is definitely...coming in...here!"

"I have never seen such conduct," mused another of the angels.

"As I said, we may have to find some other place to live. For one thing, has there ever been such purity and holiness?"

By now the entire angelic host had moved to the unguarded entrance to heavenly places. "What light!" The angels were dumbfounded with awe at the one approaching.

The author continues to describe the scene as it unfolds with the angels trying to understand the situation unfolding before them. They are curious, but cautious and unsure as to what to make of this creature that has now begun talking to them.

"I have never seen such innocence, purity, and perfection," whispered one of the angels. "He does not seem to be aware of how beautiful he is or how bright his light is."

The creature inquires "You have never seen anything like me, have you?"

"You are the first," stammered one of the angels, finally, "but...I have an idea you will not be the last. As to who you are...I would be pleased to tell you, but I do not know who or what you are."

"He told me that I would be here today. Is this today?"

The mouths of the angels fell open.

One said "At last we know who you are!"

Another said, "That is not possible. After all, remember what he was: He was an old thief. That old, cheating, lying thief."

"You are the first of the redeemed."

"You are the handiwork of Christ's redemption."

"You are the first of those for whom we have waited throughout the ages. We have long waited for this day to arrive."

"You are called a holy one."

I was delightfully fooled. I thought it was Jesus approaching the heavenly realm. It was not. It was the thief.

The thief.

Me.

Meme - Lifes' Simple Pleasures

Tagged by Barbara at Tidbits and Treasures!

Life's Simple Pleasures

In no particular order:

• Framily Nights
• Performing music (on my trumpet) to the best of my ability. What a rush!
  
• Blogging and surfing the Internet
  
• Dandelions in the sunshine
• WayFM
• Laughing with my best friend
• Studying God's Word with my best friend
• IM's with my mom
• Listening to Christian music that I like
• "white sock days" (my work uniform requires black socks, white sock days = days off)

I tag anyone who wants to join in the fun! Let me know if you've posted Life's Simple Pleasures and I'll link to you, or you can leave a comment and a link!

Justin in the Dogwood

This is a picture of Justin in the dogwood tree during it's Springtime bloom. He loves the trees and spends much time in the dogwood reading his favorite books.

The dogwood was so beautiful on this Easter Sunday and we had some friends over to celebrate the day with an Easter meal. Carol and Gwen were here and as usual we spent the majority of the time laughing! What better way to spend the day than laughing with friends! 

I'm a "Dweller"

Click the link below to listen to a small .wav file. Can you identify that sound?

LISTEN


What is your guess?

No...that's not it.

Try again.

LISTEN


Good guess, but nah...that's not it.

Hey, maybe if you try again three, four, maybe five times in a row listening to it. Yep, loop that puppy! That should help you make a more accurate id.

Got it yet?


...



...



IT'S MY CHECKBOOK!

UUGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!

This is me online banking.



How does an intelligent, responsible person such as myself do something SOOOO STUPID! UGH!

I might as well drive down the road and throw $ out the window!

As if the car repairs weren't enough!

... or the plumbing repair in the one bathroom!

... or the $2200 sewer line repair!

... or my VERY costly dental repairs!

Yep, like I have $ to throw out the window!

Sometimes I just want to be five again, when all I worried about was where my pink blankey was.

I want my pink blankey!

Pink blankeys make everything better.

I'm a dweller.

I can't shake the "stupids".

I can't believe I did something so dumb and made such a costly mistake. Ugh.

I'm gonna dwell on this one for awhile, I can tell.

I'm a dweller.

... and I don't have a pink blankey.

... or the $ TO GO BUY ONE!

My 5 Most Listened To CDs of the Last 5 Days

I've been seeing this "meme" around on some blogs, and I find it somewhat interesting to see what others are listening to, or the CDs they list. What I find somewhat frustrating is knowing what the lists consist of? It seems that rarely does a person share what and why they have those particular titles listed. I mean, is this a Top 20 of all-time? Is this what is currently in your player? Is this a list of your least favorite? What are people listing?

This is what I've been listening to for the past five days. I've been switching between them all, just finished the Plumb monopoly in favor of Flyleaf at the moment. Disciple and POD keep ending up and there somewhere for variety and Chris Tomlin is the standby when it's time to focus on God and worship Him.

Create your own Music List @ HotFreeLayouts!

Wow! Katie Read My Last Post and...

She really took me seriously when considering what a Christian should look like!

Wow! This also gives a whole new meaning to sister in "Sisters' Weblog"!

Actually, Katie is playing the part of a nun in a local production of The Sound of Music. I took the picture of her back stage in her costume and cut it out and placed her in front of the stained-glass window of a Cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium. Amazing what one can do with Paint.

In Not Of

"...for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world." (John 17:14)

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." (John 17:16)

Christians are not of this world. We are to live a life that is holy, or "set apart", and pleasing to the Lord.

"Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world...'" (John 18:36)

We love Jesus because He first loved us. He invited us to join Him in His Kingdom and those who chose life, who chose Jesus, are to live a life worthy of the Kingdom.

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." (John 15:19)

As Christians, our lives should reflect our Kingdom values. Our lives should be "set apart", they should be holy lives.

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world." (1 John 2:15-16)

I've been thinking about being "in" and not "of" the world a lot recently. I've pointed the finger at myself because I realize I am so eager to throw stones. I've been examing how I'm working out my salvation.

I've been asking myself what does salvation look like? What does living a holy life look like? Does it look the same to everyone?

I believe that a Christian's life should look different than a non-Christian's life,

"A life that is totally and completely dependent on God will always look different!"

just as Jesus' life looked different to the non-believers of His day. His disciple's lives looked different too. A life that is totally and completely dependent on God will always look different! A person who loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength, will live a life that expresses that relationship and I really don't see how it can be avoided.

I believe that if I grabbed a person off the street and had them spend the day with a non-believer, and then another whole day with a Christian, that those days would, or should, look different to the person off the street.

I consider whether my life looks different? I think some things do. Somethings, unfortunately do not. Other things, I know aren't different...especially my thought life.

What kind of things do I fill my life with that reflects the fact that I dwell in His Kingdom? There are a few different things about my life that I would say shows that I am not "of" this world. One is that I am very discerning about what music I listen to. I choose to listen to mainly Christian music, and music that carries positive messages. It's been quite awhile since I purchased anything secular. The radio is tuned to Christian music stations and mostly talk radio, but I listen mainly to my CDs which contain music that edify and glorifies God.

Television is another aspect in my Christian walk that has really changed. Basically, I haven't watched tv since 1999. I have a tv in the house, but no cable, which means we can receive one channel, the local ABC affiliate. I don't watch it. No one here really does, except now and then the news and Katie does enjoy Lost. I don't think the kids are being deprived either, at least not watching tv keeps them from being depraved!

I do watch movies, but again, I am very discerning about what I watch. I won't go to movies rated above PG-13, and I usually "screen" movies at Plugged In before going to view any. The movies I watch at home are Clean Films versions.

I am selective about what I read as well. Most of my reading material consists of Bible studies, theological studies and apologetics, and devotional material. Lately though, I haven't been reading enough of that stuff! I also read CCM magazine and enjoy Reader's Digest, and other Christian magazines I subscribe to. I do read a lot of blogs too!

Then comes my finger pointing. One way I do NOT do very well with leading a holy

"As a Christian, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit"

life is giving my body as a living sacrifice. I am not big on excercising and should probably do better taking care of this body. I have improved in my eating habits over the last year though. I consciously try to eat healthier foods, fruit instead of snickers bars, and water, instead of Coke. I'm not very good with the water drinking though! As a Christian, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and how we care for them should reflect that fact.

I'm not always the tidiest person around either. I wonder sometimes if Christians should work a bit harder to maintain a clutter-free life and keep things simple. I pile things. Mail piles up all over the counter and my clothes pile up on my dresser. This is definitely an area I need to improve in and should, since I should be preparing for my mansion in paradise!

Another area of my life that is probably not serving Christ well all the time is the addiction I have to this computer and the Internet! I don't do anything "bad" on here, it is just possible that I spend too much time here and not with God. Katie keeps reprimanding me for making this an "idol". ugh. She's probably right.

I wonder sometimes what my life looks like to other people. I wonder if they can actually see that I live for God? I do believe it should be noticable, and if it isn't, maybe I'm living too much like the world.

I am in this world, not of it. The world should "hate" me. If the world doesn't hate me, it is quite possible that I look too much like it.

My Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

I said that for the first time seven years ago today.

:-)

It was Easter Sunday and I accepted Christ at First Baptist Church in Marshalltown, IA.

It is a day I will never forget, nor will I forget the people who were, and many still are, so influential in my life by introducing me to Jesus, so that I might have a personal relationship with Him.

He changed my life.

Racy Music, TV Blamed for Teen Sex

Racy music, TV blamed for teen sex - wow. really?

BRILLIANT DEDUCTION!

A new study suggests that youths who are exposed to sexually explicit media when they are 12 to 14 are more likely to have sex before they hit 16.

That is pretty evident by the way some children, barely tall enough to see over the FIRST row of CDs in my store, bump and grind their way through the songs their parents occupy them with on the listening points. Some children even sing along to all the memorized lyrics. Ugh.

But, there is good news from this study:

the study found they were far more influenced by attitudes of parents and friends than media.

So, in many cases, we should be more concerned about the attitudes of parents.

Would that be the attitudes of parents BUYING this stuff for their kids?

Too Soon?

The families of those aboard the flight don't think so, and the director, Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday, Bourne Supremacy) moved ahead only after getting approval from each of the families who had loved ones on Flight 93.

The trailer has already stirred controversy with some theatres pulling it when moviegoers complained that it is "too soon".

Excerpts of the director's statement from the UNITED 93 Official Website:

"Made with the full support of the families of those on board, UNITED 93 will track in real time the dramatic story of what happened inside the aircraft as well as on the ground..."

"UNITED 93 will take us through the events of 9/11 as they happen in real time - all the confusion, violence, courage and endurance of a day that changed our lives forever."

I hear things like "we will never forget" or "always remember September 11" but within our country today, I do believe many have forgotten. I do not see an urgency to stop the attack on, or defend our American culture, our way of life as Americans. I do not see a united America...oh yeah...remember that? For weeks after 9/11 cars were decorated with flags and "United We Stand" stickers and it became a national slogan for a while. A short while.

I see a country divided and I believe it is because many have forgotten, or choose to ignore, or pass the blame for the events of 9/11 and the events of years prior that led to that dreadful day. There is an all out assault on American culture and I pray that this country does unite and come together to ward off those people in this world who want Americans to die and the United States to cease existing.

Those on UNITED 93 were united (ironic?) in their cause. What if they had chosen instead to bicker amongst themselves?

Is a movie about UNITED 93 coming to us too soon? I don't think so. I welcome it. This country is in need of reminding that there are forces of evil out there vying to destroy us, and hopefully we won't destroy ourselves first.

I'm concerned that the people thinking this is coming "too soon" either are in denial

"They are reminded when their loved one is not at the dinner table, watching their children grow up..."

that we are actually under attack as a country, or are actually consciously trying to forget, pretend it didn't happen, and not deal with the issue at hand. I can respect the fact that some families were deeply impacted and may be disturbed viewing such movies, but these would not be the people who need reminded. They are reminded when their loved one is not at the dinner table, watching their children grow up, or sitting next to them on the couch settling in for popcorn and a good film.

It is not too soon. My hope is that it is not too late.

Need a reminder? Go here. (THE best memorial I've ever seen!)
UNITED 93 Official Website

Back in the AA Gun Again!

Yes!

Ahhhhh, it felt so good to be back in the seat of the AA gun that became my trademark while playing Battlefield 1942. I tried flying...ugh...I was horrible. I am not a very good foot soldier either. I can be a decent engineer, but my skill is in the AA Gun. Pilots fear me. MWAAAHAAAAAHAAAAAHHAAAAAHHAAAAAA!

I've been a member with OSF, Outlaws of Sherwood Forest, since November 2003 as a player of Battlefield 1942, an awesome WWII game that I play online. I found OSF just surfing game servers one day and was impressed with the gaming attitude of its members so I applied and was welcomed in 2.5 years ago.

OSF hosts many games, so if you are a gamer looking for well-admined servers and fair rules for gameplay that is fair and balanced, check out OSF. You might like what you find! We host: bf1942, bf2, cs, dod, swbf so check out our game servers and join in the fun!

The McPassion

The McPassion

mmmmmmm

okay?

So, what do you think about the commercialization of Christianity?

I watched this. I wondered if I should be offended? I wonder if it is okay that I laughed?

Can't Sleep

Why is it when I know I have to get up early, I can't sleep?

I have an early morning inventory and have to be in Union City at 6:00am. In order to be there on time, I have to leave around 4:30am. I planned on getting up at 4:00am, but since I couldn't sleep all night worrying about the fact that I'd only be getting around 4.5 hours of sleep, I arose shortly after 3:00am!

It is not a good idea to work the closing shift the night before an early morning inventory.

Ugh.

Why are birds chirping at 3 am?

* * UPDATE * *

I get up at 3:00am because I couldn't sleep worrying about the fact that I didn't have a lot of time to sleep. I left my house at 4:30am to arrive in Union City at around 5:40am with enough time to pick up a quick breakfast and coffee, then headed to Sam Goody, where I was going to help with inventory.

When I arrived I was greeted with "bad news". It seems the inventory crew could only muster 3 members of what should have been 12 and that they wouldn't be arriving for a "couple more hours". *sigh* I said "April Fools?" LOL But then Shae, the manager, called his DM and said "This isn't an April Fools thing is it?" and then I knew it was no joke.

Shea, the manager, insisted on going ahead with the inventory because he is on vacation this upcoming week when it would most likely be rescheduled for. We waited around for a good hour while Shea was making calls and receiving calls and trying to figure out what to do, even though it was his desire to go ahead and do the inventory. I kept asking "how long will it take 3 people to scan this place? (While thinking it will take at least 8 hours! LOL). Finally, his DM, called it and cancelled the inventory.

Shea also said that they probably won't have me come back for the rescheduled inventory. Talk about a waste.

So I got up early, drove an hour and fifteen minutes to Union City, waited around an hour or so, and then drove back home. Talk about productivity.

At least I got to listen to Pastor Sipe's awesome message on strongholds, false teachers and conformity out of Micah.

I made it home around 7:45am, very tired, and went back to bed.

I've slept now and feel much better.