Makes me sad...unemployment

It makes me sad to know that some of my dear friends are caught up in this unemployment crisis. I wish so badly that I could do something to take their pain away. With the lack of finding a job comes lower self-esteem, financial hardship, and struggle to name a few. One of these friends is married with a child. Although she has a job, her husband has been unable to find a stable one. My heart just breaks for them and the struggle they have been going through. It also breaks for their daughter, who probably has no idea the situation her family is in.
So, here are my thoughts...be thankful if you have a job. Let's be honest, we all have tough days. But, those days have to be better than unemployment. Cherish what you have, even if it isn't your dream job. Next, think of helping others this Christmas. There are plenty of families out there who need help this season. So many people are going through similar stories.
Ideas of doing a little more this holiday season if you can:
-Giving to the homeless shelter (the one we work with gives basics to men & toys to kids)
-Adopt a family in need (these families are everywhere...if all else fails ask your church)
Buy presents for their kids, give them food for their Christmas dinner, or give them your time.
-Go to the advent conspiracy website...
http://www.adventconspiracy.org
-Volunteer at a non-profit organization (something like St. Jude or a homeless shelter)
-Pay for someone's food while in line at the grocery store.
**You get the idea...just do something to help others, especially if you've been blessed**

The Blindside...and adoption

Tonight was a "date night"...since we are visiting my in-laws, we got them to watch our daughter and went to the movies. (Kind of funny watching a movie about Memphis while being out of town) This movie definitely pulls at the heart-strings...it is an excellent movie. The summary if you haven't seen the previews on television: A homeless, black teenager is adopted by a very wealthy, white family in Memphis. A lot happens before and after...but the in the end of the movie, he signs a scholarship to Ole Miss (He goes on to become an All-American football player and gets drafted in the NFL...all a true story).
Driving back to the in-laws I couldn't help the small tears...I truly feel God called my husband and I to Memphis for a reason. (several reasons actually) It is crazy-but I moved to Memphis for a job, met a Godly-man at church whom I married, and we have an adorable daughter and great marriage. But that isn't all life is about...I also feel like God called my husband to teach in the inner city schools for a reason. The majority of those kids do not have a good family home life, if any home life at all.
We have been able to impact some of these young lives over the years (and obviously my husband more than myself). But is impacting truly enough...only God knows that. And I pray that we are at least planting seeds to further His kingdom. But, this brings up another issue that has kind of been mentioned on here before...adoption!
My husband and I both agree...we would love to adopt one day. We have talked about this a good bit over the years, but this movie helped put things in better perspective. On the way home, I asked my husband where he would like to adopt from...his answer, Memphis. Why look elsewhere when there are so many kids growing up here without a family. This is just our personal conviction, but one I can not wait to answer in the future. I don't know when God will call us to adopt. We have our goals in mind first...to hopefully have another biological child and then adopt after that. That is obviously our plan, but who knows what God has in store for our family.
My last plug...go watch the movie-The Blindside! It is a true story and is a glimpse of what our city is dealing with on a daily basis. God bless!

A Thankful Shout Out...

It's late...I have a busy, packed day of work tomorrow...and then a long drive to the in-laws. It's late, BUT...we here in America have so much to be thankful for. I don't think I have ever truly done this enough in the past, but please stop to think of all you are thankful for. We can easily start with the basics we take for granted...waking up and being able to breathe, family, friends, freedom, and so much more. First and foremost, we should be thankful for Jesus Christ and his blood. He gives the ultimate freedom and is the biggest reason we should be thankful. His action on the cross literally saved us from Hell. For that, I am thankful. I am thankful that I will never step inside the pits and depths of hell...God is freeing in that since. Accepting Him isn't simply to avoid Hell either, but to live a life full of grace, mercy, hope, love, joy, fellowship, freedom, and so on. Think of what you are thankful for, but remember the basics...the cross!

LUMP OF COAL OR DIAMONDS?

I spoke at a local homeless shelter last night. My message was inspired by a motivational text message I received from a co-worker recently. The basis of the message...How are we (humans) like diamonds? Here is a summary of what I said:
~Brief Overview of coal and diamonds. Both derive from carbon...the atoms in coal is arranged to look like horizontal lines or sheets of paper. After high heat, pressure, and time (millions of years) the atoms can change shape to look like pyramids...this turns into a diamond.
~Diamonds go through heat and pressure in order to form...as do people, we go through "heat and pressure" in the form of trials and sufferings. If we respond correctly to trials and sufferings, we become more mature. Romans 5:3-5..."Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
~Time is the next commonality of diamonds and humans. It is thought to take millions of years for diamonds to form. Humans develop throughout their whole life...as I stated last night, it's not how you start, but how you finish! I think time relates to perseverance (you can only persevere over time) so you can look back to the previous verse out of Romans, but I also have a good verse out of James. James 1:4 says, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
~Beautiful...when you think of diamonds you think of beauty. (There is a a reason that most engagement rings contain diamonds!) As Christians, we are to be beautiful...we were created in the image of Christ. We were intended for beauty. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
~In closing...are you on your way to becoming a beautiful diamond? or are you a lump of coal? Both begin the same way, from carbon atoms (As we are all created equally) The difference between diamonds and coal, is how they respond to heat, pressure, and time...

Cancer Debate...if you call it that

Here are my thoughts on this "new" way of preventative cancer treatment. (for those of you who aren't aware of the previous recommendations... mammograms were to be given annually starting at age 40 for women. This went along with the self breast exam and clinical exams given by doctors; atleast this is my understanding of it). This week, a "panel" began making radical statements about preventative cancer care...
They are suggesting that women, not considered at risk, do not have annual exams-but maybe every other year. They also recommend the age be moved to 50 to start these mammograms. WHY would anyone suggest to start screening later, when women die every day from this disease. After all, I attended a funeral/celebration of life last weekend because of this very disease. (The deceased woman was 50 and had been battling cancer for 11 years off and on...you do the math on that one.) Not to mention, while being in a doctors' office this week...one of the physician's former classmates had just passed away of cancer, at age 30. I personally feel these new recommendations are a slap in the face to anyone who has suffered, or anyone who has lost somebody due to cancer...particularly breast cancer.
Going back to the why...I truly believe this is about money & cost. Yes, preventative medicine costs money...but it also saves lives. Now for the conspiracy road...the government panel makes these suggestions-insurance companies begin to regulate this treatment, by not covering mammograms for younger women/or atleast not as often as before-since insurance companies make cut backs in this arena of healthcare, the government also does that...in the public option if it gets passed-therefore, the government controlled healthcare system rations who gets what preventative care...Oh, and I thought it was supposed to help with preventative medicine? Think about it...if the government influenced panel is making ridiculous suggestions, then imagine what they are going to suggest when they are in complete control? Do you really want them making these decisions for you?...because this is possibly just the beginning.
If you want the American Cancer Society's take...click HERE.

Character Assasination...

If you were a key witness in a trial, what do you think the opposing side would do...possibly go after your character? This was briefly touched on in church this past Sunday, so I wanted to dig a little deeper and just give you something to think about. Go back to my original question...what "dirt" could someone pull up on you that would destroy your witness?
Obviously this tactic is used in politics alot...we all know the political world gets dirty. Often times, flaws and associations of the past are made known to the public. But keep in mind, history is how we learn and predict about the future.
Can people change, absolutely! That is the beauty of it...Jesus and the Holy Spirit can transform lives. Simply think about what you currently do...could others hold that against you? Would you be embarrassed for your children or future children to know how you act? As always, if you don't think your life reflects that of Jesus...know you can change for the better with Christ. There is freedom that comes with a Christian lifestyle...Freedom from the possibility of character assassination due to sin.

A Witness...

What is a witness? Someone who speaks of what they have seen or heard...That is what our teaching pastor at church spoke about this morning, so I wanted to share a little bit. I started thinking about "our" witness to others...and as was stated in church, it is the responsibility of the church to be a witness for Jesus. Think about yourself & people you know who attend church, but look nothing like what the Bible teaches. Aren't we to be an example? I do believe what was stated at church, that the greatest threat is not secularism, immorality, politics, etc...it is the church. If we, as Christians, were living our life the way Jesus asked, then who wouldn't want Jesus? So think about that the next time you do something you know you shouldn't...we are to be examples. Keep in mind, you can still have fun as a Christian. But fun isn't sin...if you think sin is fun, you are being deceived. I encourage you, be a witness for Jesus...speak of what you see and hear...and how the Lord of this Universe has worked in your life. After all, it isn't about you...but Him!
Last I leave you with this (also from church this morning):
It shouldn't be WWJD, what would Jesus do? It isn't about just a moral and ethical teaching...but rather, what has Jesus done? Dying on the cross was and is the ultimate!

Jury Duty

A couple of weeks ago I received a certain piece of mail...JURY DUTY! Today was the day that I went for selection. It wasn't anything like I anticipated. Everyone I talked to told me to be myself...
opinionated! If you read my blog or know me, you know that isn't a problem.
I arrived at the convention center where I was told to report (In hind-sight, I should have thought about where the location of this event was being held...it says alot). As I approached the convention center, cars were everywhere trying to get into the parking garages. (Once again, that should have told me what was to come). So, I went in and...this summons to jury duty was being held in a HUGE room with 4,000 chairs! The main jury commissioner said there was 3,000 people there-this had been their second jury event of the day.
The kind of funny thing, one of the judges gave a jury duty pep-talk...some people rolled their eyes, but it was pretty good. He stated that the US is the only country that still does citizen juries and spoke of it being a right our country provides. I actually agreed with him...and if you have to pep people up for jury duty, he did a pretty good job.
Honestly, I was completely shocked at the people. I know I live in Memphis/Shelby County, and I know there is a lot of crime, but still...3,000 people is alot. So this is the way it worked (in case you ever get summoned for jury duty here)...they call out a bunch of weeks...you get to pick the week in which you want to serve...you line up against the wall...and turn in your information when you get to the front of the line. Unfortunately for me, I didn't get the week I wanted...they cut it off really quick. So, I went for the last week offered. I have a little time until then, but am curious to see what happens. Let's pray that whatever case I get placed on lasts 1-2 days. Working straight commission in sales, I can't really afford to be out of my territory much longer than that. Oh well...just wanted to let you know that jury duty in Memphis requires a lot of people!

Truly a blessing...

So I have been out of town part of the week. I literally just got back in town tonight from a national meeting. I can not help by brag about the company that I work for. They are such a rarity in today's pharmaceutical industry. The following is our mission statement:
To establish a new standard of respect and appreciation for the pharmaceutical industry.
This next part is our priorities:

Our company seeks to operate its business based on Biblical principles. By doing so, we will strive to place God first, our families second, our company third and ourselves last. As a company, we must profit to exist but we will not exist merely for profit. It is possible to position people first, maintain honesty and integrity and still profit.

The greatest part, is they truly back up everything they say. I have had the great opportunity to serve with this company for almost 7 years now, which is crazy since I am under 30. I love it...truly, I can not imagine any other place I would rather work. After winning an undeserved award, I spoke from the heart..."Where else can you pray, in Jesus' name, and it be okay? It means the world to me to work with a group of people with similar philosophy...that's what makes it so special. Honesty, integrity, doing the right thing, and making a difference in my territory. Just so you know, yes our industry can get a negative reputation...and rightfully so in a lot of circumstances, BUT we as salespeople work straight commission & drive our own cars. This is crazy to some people, but it is simply this...you work for what you get. If you don't earn it, you don't deserve it. It truly makes you appreciate what you accomplish, but gives the freedom to work hard, make good money, etc. I am completely convinced that there is no other company like the one I work for. I am truly blessed and just wanted to share!

Don't like where this is headed...

Healthcare Reform...it truly scares me. I just don't know or think that the majority of Americans know what actually just passed in the House. My brother-in-law and I were talking over the weekend...he used to work for the giant, Wal-Mart. He made a good point regarding the business aspect of it all: In this reform bill it is mandatory that all employers offer health insurance or risk a huge tax...so Wal-Mart for instance, would have to offer it to all of its employers (even part time to my understanding). So what does this mean...HIGHER cost of consumer goods. If Wal-Mart costs go up due to insurance, then that costs the price of consumer goods to go up, which makes us Americans pay more, which means there isn't as much money in our pockets to help this wonderful economy we have on our hands. That is just one aspect of this whole mess.
If our economy is in shambles...WHY are they proposing something that will destroy our economy? Do you think it is simply a power grab? I am convinced these representatives are not listening to their constituents...with all of the town hall meetings, tea party rallies (both local and in DC), phone calls to congressmen, emails to congressmen, etc...if that many people are against this thing, shouldn't they look at an alternative? Yes I realize that some people are for it, but I truly think most like the sound of "insurance for everyone"...and don't realize at what cost that phrase will come at. Nothing in life is free...if this thing passes through the Senate...just look for your taxes sky-rocketing, your consumer goods cost going up, a possible drop of insurance by your employer which will force you to the government option, which will then decide if and when you could get surgery if needed, I assume the unemployment rate would go up (because what incentive will people have to work if they can get the following free (or by taxepayer money): food via food stamps, income via social security or disability or welfare or unemployment, insurance via government, etc...why work? Maybe once or society is just sitting on its' butt will we realize how dumb it was to vote Obama in...maybe at that point Grossy Pelosi will be back in California where she belongs!

202-224-3121

202-224-3121
That is the phone # to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Surprisingly, it was very easy when I called...
They ask you for your zip code, then connect you to your representative. So, if you want to do something about this crazy takeover with our government but aren't quite sure how or what to do, then just call. Literally, they get your information and take your message. Simple as that...
After finding out the number, I finally decided to give a call to Cohen, our Memphis representative. As I've stated before, I think this healthcare agenda of the Obama administration is whack. There are other alternatives out there to reform healthcare for the uninsured (since that is their reason for overhauling the whole entire healthcare system). That is what I simply stated in my message...
"Please vote NO on this bill...I'm not saying that something doesn't need to be done, but this isn't the answer. We don't need government involved, just let the private insurance companies compete." That was a summary of my message.
So, I encourage you...take action if you don't like what is going on. If Pelosi gets her way, this bill will be passed in the House this weekend.
One more thing, you can go to your representatives website too...I also sent an email today and was able to go into a little more detail. Just know you have options to speak up...it's better than sitting back and doing nothing!

Encouraging to me...but don't judge me on this!

So I was reluctant to write this, but obviously found the guts to do so anyway. For those of you who don't know, I live in Memphis. As much as I would like to deny it, Memphis is a racially motivated city. Not in every aspect of course, but in many. This seems to always come up in our local government. Luckily this past month we elected a new mayor...thank goodness. Our old mayor kept the racial divide forefront, which is truly sad to me. He truly saw white people as his enemy, instead of realizing we could work together. If people called him out, or held him accountable...it was out of racism.
You can see where this is going...this is similar to what we see now in our federal politics. And honestly, I am tired of it. Are there ignorant people out there who think we aren't created equal because of our skin color...of course. For those people, I am sorry you have never had the privilege of learning we are all people and people of all colors have the potential to be good. I have played ball over my lifetime with people of all backgrounds. You can't stereotype one race.
Although I know my previous statement, I have done so lately when it comes to politics. My excuse, I see how the dominant race of Memphis operates. They tend to heavily vote down racial lines. While I think loyalty is great, I also think knowledge and logic are greater. Therefore, I have been so encouraged through my favorite talk radio station lately. As I have mentioned before, they speak from a Christian world view. Literally every day this week I have been blessed and encouraged by black callers proving me wrong...I love it. It has been proof that people of all backgrounds are being educated on what is going on in our government. I truly hope this comes across the right way! This is a great thing...anyone who can see past skin color and think about the policies is doing good. This is not just subject to white or black...this is everyone. Unfortunately I think the race card is played far too often, but hopefully people are realizing that it isn't about race for the majority of Americans critical of the current administration. After all, if it was about race...I wouldn't have voted for an African-American in our local election. And yes, even in Memphis there are choices.