It's curious to me. . .

I have been reading another blog for a few weeks and really like what I have been reading.  I find with each post, I learn something about God, myself, love, etc.  Recently this blogger bravely attacked a difficult subject.  Homosexuality.  Her post was picked up by the Huffington Post.  A lot of people have read it.  I was surprised at how many people posted on her FB page that they vehemently disagree with her and would no longer be reading her blog.  I am a little saddened and surprised by that.  I don't agree with everything I read.  I don't agree with any other person 100%.  I am willing to listen to an alternate view point.  How can I learn more about myself and others if I always ingest the same ideas?  How can I be certain of my belief if it is never challenged?  How can my faith grow if there is no grey area or sometimes even doubt?  Quite honestly, I don't know whether I agree or disagree with this blogger on this issue.  I do know that I will always love my children and accept them NO MATTER WHAT.  I don't have to approve.  I don't have to understand.  I do have to accept.  I'm their mom forever!  Maybe one day I can definitively say I believe THIS or THAT about homosexuality.  Until then (and hopefully even after), I will do my best to listen, to accept, and to love no matter what.  The other blog is momastary.  You should check it out!  http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/22/a-mountain-im-willing-to-die-on-2/

Growth doesn't always mean becoming larger . . .

I've spent the last hour or so in my closet going through my clothes.  Most of them are too big. This is a good thing.  It is very empowering.  It is also a little frightening.  I realize I'm going through some BIG changes.  Physically, yes.  But also emotionally and mentally.  I feel like I'm awakening from some sort of fog.  I've felt that for a while.  I'm becoming stronger.  I'm becoming more confident.  I'm seeing glimpses of the person I never thought I would see again.  Older.  Maybe wiser.  At least not quite as naive.  It is very empowering.  This awakening.  It is awesome, actually.  I'm feeling again.  Granted, I cry at almost everything.  Happy tears and sometimes sad tears.  That's OK too.  To be fully alive, one has to feel.  That means sometimes it hurts.  Much of the time it does not.  It is great.  I'm still working all this out.  Does anyone ever figure it all out?  But, it's a start.  A good start.    Why is it frightening?  Change usually is for me.  I like the comfort of knowing everything around me and how things will play out.  Change messes all that up.  It's Ok though.  Today I got this.  Tomorrow is still yet to be determined.  But, today I got this.

Put your money where your mouth is . . .

According to SCIWAY.net, there are over 4 million people in SC.  A little more than 1/2 of those 4 million are registered to vote.  Let's just assume for this purpose that 1/2 of the registered voters are registered Republican.  There is a Republican primary here on Saturday.  Over the past two days, I'm averaging 8+ calls from the candidates.  Imagine if all registered Republicans are receiving those calls.  Look at the print ads.  Received at least 4 cards for different candidates in the mail yesterday.  Look at the tv/radio ads.  Not just in this small state, but in all states with major primary action.  Think about all that money.  WASTED on politics.  I want a candidate who says, "You know.  Instead of using ALL this money to attempt to get elected, I'm going to donate it to Head Start or The Red Cross or The Salvation Army or (insert your local charity).  I'm not going to be nasty to another candidate.  I'm going to use this money and position for greater good and NOT for my election."  I know there are laws preventing the use of election money for this.  Just go with me to this fantasy place for a bit.  What would happen?  What would happen even if it were donated to offset the deficit?  I would vote for that candidate! In a heartbeat.  Republican OR Democrat.  That won't happen though.  We will watch as candidates burn through money while campaigning in states where the unemployment rate is still incredibly high, where the number of homeless continues to grow, where kids go hungry, etc and we will continue to receive 8+ unprompted and unanswered political phone calls a day.  WHAT is wrong with this picture??

Alert the Justice League!

I've found my super power!  Get this . . . I can grow hair at alarming rates . . . one at a time . . . in inconvenient places . . . several colors . . . but not on command . . . yet . . . Must harness this power to use for good.  BAM! Hair.  BAM! Another hair.  BAM!  You get the picture.

Challenge for 2012

I have always enjoyed being around pastor George Moore.  (formerly of First Presbyterian Church, Greenville SC)  He reminds me of my beloved Papaw in looks (totally white hair combed straight back with dark eyebrows) and in spirit.  He is one of those people who has a quiet and gentle spirit who is just easy and comforting to be around.  He visited our church yesterday morning to give an update of his interim pastor experience while in "retirement."  He relayed his appreciation for the written notes of encouragement he and his wife AND the church staff have received from friends at FPC.  I was challenged to send more written notes to people this year.  I have gotten away from that with e-mail and facebook.  I DO have all these note cards just lying around.  So, one of my goals for the new year is to send handwritten notes of encouragement to my friends, family, etc.  What is your challenge for 2012?