Not my best day...

Today was just one of those days...I seemed to focus on all of the negatives that happened as opposed to a couple of GREAT things. Let me start with the positives: My daughter turned 2 today (so hard to believe I have a 2 year old). Then, we had an ultrasound this morning of the 19 week old growing inside of me (we found out the gender and most importantly, the baby is healthy).

Those 2 things are obviously great, but I couldn't quit focusing on the other events of the day. I guess from the beginning this morning we were rushed...rushed to get to our appointment because of the traffic in Memphis. My original plan was to take a 1/2 day to go to the doctor and then to renew my drivers license since I have a milestone birthday coming up very soon. I came home after my doctor's visit to get a piece of paper I had been sent to renew my license. I drove about 20-25 minutes to a driver's testing center and surprisingly walked right up to the counter, without waiting in line. So here's where I got ticked..."I'm sorry ma'am, but we need a copy of your birth certificate." My response, "Although I've had my license since I was 16...I live about 25 minutes from here and don't want to have to go all of the way back." I know this lady was just doing her job, but seriously...frustrated was an understatement. So, I walked in my house...got my birth certificate and marriage license...then went to a different driver's testing center the lady told me would be closer. BIG mistake...I will never ever go back to this place. It was atleast 3 times as busy...the line was out the door...and the employees were super slow and somewhat rude. Needless to say, none of us there were happy. While waiting in line just to get a number to be seen, all of the computers shut down. So we had to wait just for those to come back on, which was atleast 30 minutes. Finally, I got through the line after just sitting down on the floor while in line. Finally, I got my license and left...after a 3 1/2 hour ordeal (including my initial drive to the first testing center) Needless to say, that wasn't my daily plan...I didn't leave that place until about 2, and that forced me to take a full day off from work.

So, the more I waited in line...watching our tax payer money hard at work (sarcasm of course) the more I got fired up. Literally I was almost in tears at one point because I was so frustrated and couldn't suck it up. I watched the government employees taking their time, not being in a hurry, and almost appearing to just "punch the clock". Then I started thinking, if we ever get to a government run healthcare system...do people really expect good things from it. It took me over 3 hours to get a driver's license renewed...so I can't imagine what the wait will eventually one day be in a doctor's office (I had an ultrasound and saw the doctor in under an hour today). I just don't think people realize what they are wishing for (those who are for government interfering in our healthcare. Next time you go to the post office, see how long it takes you to wait in line. (I also did this on Monday and literally saw atleast 30 people waiting in line.
Atleast the way our healthcare system is now, it is up to the doctor's office to do a good job...if you get frustrated there, you can always switch. (After all, that's competition) One day if we continue to go down the slow slope to socialism, we will not have a choice of which doctor we want to see...we will be appointed to a doctor. Trust me, I call on a lot of these people with my profession. There are a lot of great ones out there...But, there are alot that I wouldn't trust my enemies with. Anyway, I have to get off of my pity party of a day and focus on the great things this day started with...a birthday and great ultrasound!

Frog in hot water analogy...

I recently spoke at one of the homeless shelters here in Memphis...I wanted to give a somewhat quick summary of what I said: Have you ever heard the analogy, possibly myth, of how a frog reacts in boiling water? Supposedly, if you have water boiling on the stove and place a frog in it...the frog immediately jumps out. However, if you place a frog in normal water...then turn the heat up...the frog will just stay in the water. The result...a dead frog in boiling water.
So, think of this in terms of sin. We can look at someone in "boiling water" and realize they need help. But, if we are place in a gradual heating up process...we often times don't realize we are headed for death, or hot water. Do you see where I am coming from?
Sin is deadly, whether instant or gradual. We often times do not realize we are getting caught up in something that could lead us down a terrible and difficult road. So, we have to be aware...at all times...of what is going on. Let's be honest. Are we gradually sinning to where it becomes something so much more? We have all had friends or loved ones that we have witnessed. (some of which we have warned, others we have hoped would just happen to realize their mistakes)
Just something to think about and do a self reflection on...
the cool thing, is the God truly can transform us and take us out of the hot pot of water all together. In fact, one of the men on staff at this shelter had OD-ed on heroin in 2003...that was his wake up call. I have helped out at this place for years and never knew his story...to see and know him now...you would never think his old life was filled with drugs. God has transformed him and given him a passion for the Lord like I have rarely seen. God is good!

Let me clarify...

After reading a friend's blog on healthcare...I feel that I should clarify a bit. It is obvious that I do not agree with this deal overall, BUT I won't deny there wouldn't be parts of it that would benefit a lot of people. I can't imagine not having health insurance because of a pre-existing illness. No one can control some disease or prevent them I should say...there is a reason that St. Jude is huge in this area of Memphis. (and if a family can't pay, then they don't...that particular organization is amazing). On another note...are insurance companies without any blame? Of course not. Every type of company needs accountability. I truly do understand that some type of reform is needed...
Outside of being a doctor or healthcare professional...I am fortunate to get a great glimpse into the healthcare world because of my profession. So here it comes...
BUT- there is so much more to this whole issue than just doing away with preexisting illnesses, raising the age of dependents from 21 to mid 20's...some of this could be done without a 2,000 page bill. Let's face it...people thrive off of competition, and so do companies. As of now, if your personal doctor doesn't make the cut...all you have to do is go to the competition. That is one of the answers to the insurance company issue...make them compete. In theory, competition would lower prices and allow people to choose what kind of insurance they want.
The way I understand this reform bill that will probably be put into law:
If your employer doesn't offer health insurance they will have to pay a fine...which means if they don't offer it, you will HAVE to pay for it. I know a good bit of working Americans that truly could not afford to do this, several of them work in the healthcare industry (one I spoke with today). I heard an estimation that the average family of 4 would pay about $15,000 a year. If that is remotely accurate...who could do that?
Oh yeah, if you don't pay the fine for not having healthcare...you go to jail. (As if those are not overcrowded as it is).
Then you go back to the abortion issue...even if you are pro-choice, surely you don't think it is right for taxpayers to pay for that. Yes, Obama supposedly said he would sign an executive order to exclude that...but they said it wasn't in there anyway (I know that's what my representative said at the town hall meeting) Yet, in the letter I got later from my representative, it said abortion was included in the instance of rape, incest, or the health of the woman. Hmmm, what exactly is health of the woman? That could be any reason both physically and/or mentally...and although being put in any of those situations would be terrible, none of us should have to pay for something that is morally wrong to so many.
Sorry this is so long...although there are some good things being said out there about healthcare reform, there is so much more behind the good. Am I saying it will destroy us now....no, but if our government is not held accountable...this could be the beginning of a slide toward something terrible. Just ask those who have come to the US from other countries in search of quality healthcare...quality being the key word there!
So I am curious as to where this is eventually headed...when employers decide to take the fine instead of spending all of the money to cover insurance for employees...and the employees can't pay for insurance on their own (keep in mind, it isn't any insurance...the government will have certain requirements for the type of insurance whether you think you need it or not) what then? what happens when people can't afford this new healthcare...hmmm, do you think the public option will come back in to play then? You can't out rule it...no one knows yet, but it is easy to see how it is possible.
I know this issue will forever be controversal, but please let me know what you think whether you agree or not!

Unbelievable...no backbone

I just have to make a quick comment...it is unbelievable that some of the representatives that did NOT support this healthcare bill have NO BACKBONE! It's also scary to know how easy it is to "twist" arms to get something passed, or in the process of becoming legislation. This healthcare reform is not simply "covering the uninsured". That sounds great to everyone...BUT, in an already crappy economy...this is going to do more harm than good. If I heard things correctly, the way they "sold" this legislation was by letting all of the benefits of this package be seen up front within the next few years (while Obama is still in office). Then, the expense starts to show up after he is gone. Not only is this not fair to the President who takes his place...but it also gets the American people dependent on government, gets them to experience the benefits at little cost, then it will be hard to ever overturn it once people are dependent. Just a shame...I guess the governments' next stop will truly be the NCAA BCS legislation...then what next, mandate that we all buy broccoli everyday! Sounds crazy and extreme on the broccoli I know...but at this point, all they have to claim is that broccoli is good for the "general welfare" and we all MUST buy it. Yeah our government...you have NO BACKBONE!

Really...this healthcare is a good idea????

I am almost in denial about the healthcare decision being made this weekend...I am nervous that these bozo's in DC are gonna shove this thing in our face. If they only asked the people who are actually involved in our healthcare system...
One of the great benefits of my job is being able to talk with educated people...mainly doctors and pharmacists. I was fortunate to have a great conversation earlier today with a family practice doctor, so I wanted to share some of that with you all. What I have realized is that most people in favor of this reform do not see the whole picture. Think of all that is a stake for the majority of physicians out there...the government is wanting to cut their reimbursements, make certain demands on them, etc. The reality is (and I will use this doctor as an example) is that there are a lot of costs involved for doctors to operate. The majority come out with HUGE school debts, which they obviously should pay back. Then, you have malpractice insurance...this family practice doctor pays about $30,000 a year in malpractice insurance. That's crazy...it's most than alot of people make in a year. Keep in mind, this is for a family practice doctor...surgeons and those that form more complicated procedures will have 3 times this amount. Then, you have operating costs just to run their business. A lot of doctors run their own business...this particular doctor said it costs him between $100,00-$200,00 a month for costs to run his business. This includes the salaries, the electricity, and all of that...and I believe his part of paying for insurance for his employees too.
So, take all of this in mind when you think of healthcare reform...it isn't just about "everyone getting healthcare". That is what they (the government) wants you to believe. This legislation, if it passes, will destroy our healthcare system. Yes, it will be gradual...but it will be a disaster years from now!

You are not alone...

After a conversation with a friend earlier today I started thinking...why do people think they are alone, or are the only ones, when going through difficult times? I truly feel God gives us freedom in relationships...it is freeing to be open about our issues, difficulties, mishaps, etc. The more we bottle things up, the more Satan uses that to harm us...whether that harm come from internal thoughts (disappointment, loneliness, shame, and lack of faith in God).
The particular issue...infertility. No, I haven't personally had this battle...so no, I can't speak from experience. But, for some reason, God has allowed several people somewhat close to me to struggle with this issue. I wish I could put them all together to let them talk, but they come from friendships at different points in my life. Some are very open about their infertility, others are super duper private. I just hate that the Devil can use this issue to stir up insecurity, doubt, fear, lack of hope, shame, and so many more thoughts and emotions.
Obviously this isn't the only scenario that Satan uses...for everyone it is different. Recently for my personal standpoint...I have caught myself somewhat worrying about the future: how to deal with 2 little ones at home (which I have several months left until we reach that point), how to afford daycare for both, what to do to our small house to accommodate two kids...why do I get concerned about the future? My answer, because it is out of my control. The fact of the matter is that God has ALWAYS taken care of me and my family. Of course, it may not always be the ideal way in my mind...but nonetheless, we always end up fine. So, for any of you out there going through uncertainty, hardships, etc...put your faith and trust in Christ. You may not get the exact answers that YOU want, but God can and will work them out...you just may not realize it until after the fact.

seismic global activity

I briefly saw where a small earthquake that hit Hawaii today...and we all know about the more recent ones to hit Haiti and Chile. So, I googled "seismic global activity" and it took me to this website HERE. It's crazy to see how much really goes on...check it out!

Jury Duty...

Wow...what an experience! And no, I didn't officially get picked, but the jury selection was enough in itself. For those of you who think it is easy to get out of jury duty, think again if you live in the Shelby County/Memphis area. We started the morning in a group assembly of around 300 people, maybe more. After the introductions and roll call, we were appointed to a courtroom and judge. After filling out the proper paperwork, we went to our courtroom. Thank goodness I wasn't one of the first 20 people called, because they were the ones who mainly stayed on the case. Since there was 50 in our jury pool, the rest of us sat in the "audience". The judge explained part of the law, the began questioning those seated in front of him. A few people explained their hardships with serving, and he only accepted a couple of their issues. (which means only a couple were initially dismissed...the rest of them, he didn't allow them to be excused from serving) When someone was let go, they would call a name from the audience...which means we were all on edge. Then, the State began questioning the jury candidates, followed by the defense's questions. After, that...they let a couple more people go, which means they called a few more people from the jury audience. So, all that to say I wasn't selected...but those that were selected...as of this morning were sequestered (confined to a hotel without speaking to their family until this case is over) Thank goodness I didn't have to go through that...but I will be following this first degree MURDER case!