hurting world...

Since I have a newborn and am limited to getting out a whole lot (you never know when I will need to nurse), I have watched more daytime TV than I ever have.
My conclusion...the world is in desperate need of a Savior=Jesus! This isn't meant in a negative way, but in a literal way. EVERYONE has hurt and pain, but people deal with it in different ways. The sad part to me, is that none of the people hurting so badly on these shows (Dr. Phil, Oprah...
I know, you don't have to say anything) seem to ever think about a God that truly loves them and of course the talk show hosts never mention that either.
Oprah yesterday showed a famous, male, childhood actor...who went down the path of extreme drug use, should have died, was molested by an adult male when he was young, had an absentee father, etc...luckily he is still alive and years sober now...but the whole time I watched his story, I couldn't help but think of the Devil. The Devil deceives all of us...
Twice on Dr. Phil this week...all I could think of was of what I mentioned above, the Devil. Case 1, you have a girl that is literally so brainwashed with anorexia and bulimia that she has torn her family apart and is killing herself with this disease. Case 2, you have a girl that takes away the pain with drugs (some prescription some illegal). She has overdosed and been brought back to life multiple times...in almost all of these cases, these people were in their 20's. How can life truly be so bad when you are in your 20's. Just wait until these young adults gain more responsibility and live more life.
Our life will always have pain and suffering...always. All I could think of is the need for Jesus! Jesus is the ONLY one that gives us HOPE. He doesn't promise a life without pain and suffering, but he promises an "outcome" or "afterlife" without pain and suffering. That is the hope we have and what sets apart CHRISTianity from all other religions.


Christianity gives us the answer...Jesus. He is our hope and savior.
Buddhism...tells you the answer is a life without pain and suffering... let me know how to do thaton your own. Not to be funny, but Tiger Woods is a great example of how Buddhism doesn't work. It is impossible to deny ourselves from desire if we don't have a reason or source to help us do that. Our will power alone isn't enough.
Hinduism...so you can believe in all gods...and if YOU are good enough, then you will be rewarded in your next life. I would hate to risk that...if you are wrong, then I can't imagine Hell being a reward. Once again, it's all about YOU.
Atheism...what point is life? Truly...and how do we know right from wrong? Maybe there is a moral code of understanding, but ironically that seems to follow the 10 commandments.
Islam...not all who practice this religion are extremist, I will admit that. But, this religion at its core is still based off of a HATE of Jews and Christians. Last I checked, there is nothing in Christianity that is about hate...Christ dying on the cross is about LOVE.

Get the point...we (all of us) need Christ! Unfortunately that lack of Christ (which the opposite of Christ is the Devil) appears to be everywhere. We live in a hurting world...just watch your local news tonight and tell me what you see...around here in Memphis, all jokes aside...the headlines are of murder, rape, lies, deception, drugs...need I say more? We live in a hurting world, but thank goodness we also have an answer to this temporary home...JESUS!

Money Well Spent???

I have copied an article down below...
Answer me this, (this is a personal question to ask yourself)...if you are on the verge of going bankrupt or in a financial bind, do you spend money on unnecessary things? I understand some may do this, but the wise decision would be to spend your money wisely correct? Before I say anything else, I realize history and preservation are important...but in this economy, I can't agree that it is money well spent. So, why is our government spending money on cultural preservation? And the bigger kicker...why are we giving money to countries like China and those in the Middle East to preserve monuments and mosques?

Does anyone else find this to be ridiculous, or is it just me? We are in an economic crisis, we are getting taxed out the wazoo, and yet we are once again giving money to other countries for unnecessary things! Here's the deal, taxes can be used for good...but there is a reason people are sick of giving the government more money...because "our" money (taxes) are being used for stuff like this. Take a look at the article below and decide for yourself!


U.S. funds restoration of global Islamic sites

Associated Press - 8/25/2010 7:50:00 AM

WASHINGTON - The good will tour of the Middle East by the imam behind the proposed mosque near "Ground Zero" is just part of the U.S. government's outreach to the Muslim world.

This year, the Obama administration will spend nearly $6 million to restore 63 historic and cultural sites, including mosques and minarets, in 55 nations, according to State Department documents.

That includes $76,000 for a 16th century mosque in China, $67,000 for a mosque in Pakistan, $77,000 to restore minarets in Nigeria and Mauritania, and $50,000 for an Islamic Monument in India.

But that's a fraction of the total in the 2010 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, which also will fund projects to restore Christian and Buddhist sites as well as museums, forts and palaces.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the U.S. program to restore Islamic and other cultural sites abroad is money well spent.

"Tax cuts for wealthy" vs "being for the poor"

I am on maternity leave, and have been watching a little television here and there. I believe it was yesterday when I heard some women on tv make a statement that I have heard way too often, "Obama is for the poor and for black people...Bush just cut taxes for the wealthy." I am paraphrasing some, but that was the gist of it. I HATE these types of generalized statements:

Let's break this down a bit...or atleast think about it. "Class envy" is ridiculous to me...we need people of all social classes, especially the "wealthy" who create jobs and opportunities for the rest of us. So, tax cuts for the wealthy isn't a bad thing...heck, we need that right now in the US. These "wealthy" business men and entrepreneurs need incentive to create jobs and hire people. Tax cuts put money in the hands of those how actually earn it (and not the government who usually unwisely spends it). So this isn't a bad thing...we (Americans) want people to spend money in our economy (after all, that is the problem going on now...people don't have money to spend and what they do have, they are holding on to it).

The next part is the whole "poor" issue...and "helping the poor" in terms of Obama and the Democratic party. I will say it as nicely as possible, but say it this way...is "helping" and "enabling" the same thing here? The poor (at least where I live), truly take advantage of government handouts. It's kind of a Catch 22 so to speak...yes, maybe this social class needs help and support...but they also need incentive to work, and to make something for themselves...not to just sit back and let us (taxpayers) pay for everything. Heck, I recently saw a commercial on tv saying that the government will pay for your cell phone...that is a convenience, not a necessity.

So, if you can truly tell me how the Democratic party and Obama are "for the poor"...then give me evidence. I just am truly unaware of this...it appears to me that they are holding these people back. On the other hand, tax cuts to anyone is a good thing...it helps our economy, which we desperately need right now.

Not very popular...

I was talking to a good friend a few days ago...he happens to read this blog and made a funny, yet truthful comment..."What I say on here (this blog) isn't very popular and would make a lot of people mad." I told him I knew that and we laughed. The thing is, and my friend agrees...the Bible isn't always popular. Jesus did offend people when he didn't say what they wanted to hear. To me, it's like being a parent. Yes, Jesus IS love...BUT, Jesus also punishes us for our own good. He gives us guidelines to make our life a little less crazy.
Okay, in no way am I Jesus...but I do my best to follow his teachings and stick to what he says. So, that is sometimes the point of this blog. I know what I say will not agree with everyone or be the popular thing...and I am truly okay with that. I just want to inform others of what is truly going on out there...AND if you are a Christian, what that means too! So, the gist of this is...being Christ-like and being truthful may mean that you offend some people...it may mean you disagree with others...and it may mean you won't be popular! Isn't that kind of what the Bible says though...
Christians will be persecuted..."right" will become "wrong" & "wrong" will become "right".

"False Facts"

I literally just copied and pasted the following article...but, it tells the difference in truth vs myth in the Proposition 8 ruling that took place in CA recently. Logic trumps emotion (in my opinion). Obviously not everyone will appreciate this article, but nonetheless, let it challenge your thoughts. There is a reason that the Bible declares homosexuality as a sin, along with many others. But as I was telling someone else recently, others "sins" aren't at the forefront of laws and politics like this one. The homosexual agenda is moving forward...here's an article that clarifies fact from fiction (at least according to the homosexual judge that ruled in this particular case). This article is long, but worth the time. Read it and see from yourself...the article came from the following link:
http://onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=1122842

Top 10 gay marriage false 'facts'

Frank Turek - Guest Columnist - 8/13/2010 9:55:00 AM

When one judge overturned the will of more than seven million Californians last week in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, he listed 80 supposed "findings of fact" (FF) as evidence that Proposition 8 violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Many of those 80 findings are not facts at all. They're lies or distortions.

Before we address the top ten false "facts" asserted by Judge Vaughn Walker, there is one real fact in his opinion that defeats the entire case for his opinion. Here it is:

"The evidence at trial shows that marriage in the United States traditionally has not been open to same-sex couples."

Since that fact is unquestionably true, how can Judge Walker honestly declare that Proposition 8 violates the Fourteenth Amendment? Certainly no one in 1868 intended the Fourteenth Amendment to redefine marriage. Only the most tyrannical form of judicial activism can get Judge Walker to his conclusion.

Second, Prop. 8 doesn't violate the Fourteenth Amendment because every person in America already has equal marriage rights. We're all playing by the same rules — we all have the same right to marry any non-related adult of the opposite sex. Those rules do not deny anyone "equal protection of the laws" because the qualifications to enter a marriage apply equally to everyone — every adult person has the same right to marry.

What about homosexuals? That leads us to Judge Walker's first false "fact."

1. "Sexual orientation is fundamental to a person's identity and is a distinguishing characteristic that defines gays and lesbians as a discrete group." (FF 44) This is the most important of the false facts because Walker's entire case collapses without it. The "fact" is false because it ignores the difference between desires and behavior.

Having certain sexual desires — whether you were "born" with them or acquired them sometime in life — does not mean that you are being discriminated against if the law doesn't allow the behavior you desire. Good laws discriminate against behavior. They do not discriminate against people. If Walker's false "fact" was a real fact, we'd have to redefine marriage to include not just same-sex couples, but also relatives, multiple partners, children or any other sexual relationship people desire. After all, those are "sexual orientations" too.

In other words, there should be no legal class of "gay" or "straight," just a legal class called "person." And it doesn't matter whether persons desire sex with the same or opposite sex, or whether they desire sex with children, parents, multiple partners or farm animals. What matters is whether the behavior desired is something the country should prohibit, permit or promote. And that's a job for the people, not judges.

2. "California has no interest in asking gays and lesbians to change their sexual orientation or in reducing the number of gays and lesbians in California." (FF 47) Other than helping them avoid disease and live longer, absolutely no reason. Statistics show that health problems are higher and life spans shorter for homosexuals. This has touched me personally (and perhaps someone you know as well) — a childhood friend of mine died from AIDS at the age of 36. How is it wise public policy to endorse behavior that leads to such tragic results? That's exactly what same-sex marriage does — it endorses homosexual behavior, which results in serious health problems and shorter life spans. Permitting unhealthy behavior is one thing, but endorsing it is quite another.

But won't same-sex marriage help reduce gay health issues? Not likely. See Judge Walker's next false fact.

3. "Same-sex couples are identical to opposite-sex couples in the characteristics relevant to the ability to form successful marital unions." (FF 48) What does "successful" mean? It has nothing to do with children, according to Judge Walker. In his "the stork brings children" universe, marriage is merely about coupling; procreation is just incidental to it. He thinks a "successful" marriage is merely about commitment, but he can't even support that case.

In another instance of special pleading, Judge Walker ignores the evidence that at least half of committed homosexual relationships are open as even the New York Times reported. (Other studies found even higher rates of promiscuity and infidelity.) This is so well known it's a travesty that Judge Walker claims exactly the opposite is true. The Times reported, "None of this is news in the gay community, but few will speak publicly about it. Of the dozen people in open relationships contacted for this column, no one would agree to use his or her full name, citing privacy concerns. They also worried that discussing the subject could undermine the legal fight for same-sex marriage." Maybe Judge Walker was worried too, and that's why he didn't bother mentioning this real fact with his false facts.

4. "Permitting same-sex couples to marry will not affect the number of opposite-sex couples who marry, divorce, cohabit, have children outside of marriage or otherwise affect the stability of opposite-sex marriages." (FF 55) Judge Walker cites just four years of data from Massachusetts to make that sweeping conclusion about the most important relationship in human civilization. The truth is that evidence from other countries over a much longer period shows a mutually reinforcing relationship between same-sex marriage and illegitimacy. And the disastrous results of 40 years of liberalized divorce laws show how monumentally important marriage laws are to the health of marriages, children, and the nation.

5. "Proposition 8 does not affect the First Amendment rights of those opposed to marriage for same-sex couples." (FF 62) It's too bad Judge Walker didn't look to evidence from Massachusetts for this false fact. If he had he would have seen that court-imposed same-sex marriage has severely affected First Amendment rights. Same-sex marriage may not affect heterosexual marriage behavior quickly, but it certainly affects the free exercise of religion very quickly.

Parents in Massachusetts now have no right to know when their children are being taught about homosexuality in grades as low as kindergarten, neither can they opt their kids out (one parent was even jailed overnight for protesting this). Businesses are now forced to give benefits to same-sex couples regardless of any moral or religious objection the business owner may have. The government also ordered Catholic Charities to give children to homosexuals wanting to adopt. As a result, Catholic Charities closed their adoption agency rather than submit to an immoral order. Unfortunately, children are again the victims of the morality that comes with same-sex marriage.

"But you can't legislate morality!" some say. Nonsense. Not only do all laws legislate morality, sometimes immorality is imposed by judges against the will of the people and in violation of religious rights. There is no neutral ground here. Either we will have freedom of religion and conscience, or we will be forced to adhere to the whims of judges who declare that their own distorted view of morality supersedes our rights — rights that our founders declared self-evident.

Think I'm overreacting? If this decision survives and nullifies all democratically decided laws in the 45 states that preserve natural marriage, religious rights violations in Massachusetts will go nationwide. In fact, it's poised to happen already at the federal level. President Obama recently appointed gay activist Chai Feldblum to the EEOC. Speaking of the inevitable conflict between religious rights and so-called gay rights, Feldblum said, "I'm having a hard time coming up with any case in which religious liberty should win."

6. "No credible evidence supports a finding that an individual may, through conscious decision, therapeutic intervention or any other method, change his or her sexual orientation." (FF 46) I guess thousands of ex-gays just don't exist in Judge Walker's special-pleading universe. Neither does renowned Columbia University psychiatrist, Dr. Robert Spitzer, who concluded that some highly motivated individuals can change their orientation from homosexual to heterosexual through reorientation therapy.

This is significant because Spitzer is no propagandist for the religious right. Quite the contrary — a self-described "Jewish atheist," Spitzer has been a hero to homosexual activists since 1973 when he helped get homosexuality declassified as a mental disorder. Recently, however, they've turned on him because he reported the truth.

Dr. Spitzer said that his 2003 study "has been criticized severely by many people, particularly gay activists, who apparently, feel quite threatened by it. They have the feeling that in order to get their civil rights, it's helpful to them if they can present the view that once you're a homosexual you can never change."

When asked whether the American Psychiatric Association should now change its position statements that say orientation cannot be changed, Dr. Spitzer said, "I think they should, [but] they will not be....There's a gay activist group that's very strong and very vocal and is recognized officially by the American Psychiatric Association. There's nobody to give the other viewpoint. There may be a few who believe it but they won't talk."

Dr. Spitzer then acknowledged explicitly that politics often trump the scientific facts at organizations like the APA (an organization cited to bolster Judge Walker's conclusion). He also said that the APA should stop applying a double standard by discouraging reorientation therapy, while actively encouraging gay-affirmative therapy that's intended to confirm and solidify a homosexual identity. Good point by Dr. Spitzer. After all, if people can be talked into it, then why can't they be talked out of it?

Sexual orientation isn't like race either. You'll find many former homosexuals, but you'll never find a former African American.

Of course Walker's "fact" even if true is irrelevant anyway. Marriage does not need to be redefined just because people can't change their sexual desires. Otherwise a legal "marriage" relationship must be created for every particular sexual desire.

7. "The gender of a child's parent is not a factor in a child's adjustment." (FF 70) Incredibly, Judge Walker says that this conclusion "is accepted beyond serious debate." Citing a study by the politicized APA, Walker never admits that not enough research has been done to evaluate the well being of children living with homosexual parents. And he ignored evidence presented by the defense that contradicted his "fact."

But does one really need a study to know that Walker is wrong? Was your father different as a parent than your mother? To say no is laughable. In fact, even Rodney Dangerfield could expose this false fact. "No respect at all — when I was a baby, I was breast fed by my father!"

Later in the opinion, Walker makes the unbelievable assertion that "gender no longer forms an essential part of marriage; marriage under law is a union of equals." Who sez? The imperial Judge Walker.

Questions for the Judge: Why do you assert that men and women are interchangeable as parents but not as sex partners? After all, if gender really is irrelevant to marriage as you maintain — if men and women are interchangeable — then why argue for same-sex marriage at all? Why not just tell homosexuals, "Gender is irrelevant to marriage, so instead of making a fuss, why not just go ahead and marry someone from the opposite sex"?

Why not? Because when it comes to their own personal gratification, homosexual activists like Judge Walker clearly recognize the big difference between the sexes. But when it comes to the more important priority of raising children, they say there is no difference between the sexes. Children are just going to have to take a backseat to their sexual desires. Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse sums up the attitude of homosexual activists well. She writes: "[Homosexual] adults are entitled to have what they want. Children have to take what we give them."

8. "Religious beliefs that gay and lesbian relationships are sinful or inferior to heterosexual relationships harm gays and lesbians." (FF 77) Really? Do religious beliefs that drunkenness is sinful or inferior to sobriety harm alcoholics? No, those beliefs help such people by telling them the truth about destructive behavior instead of enabling them with liberal fantasyland talk about how all behaviors and lifestyles are equal.

9. "Proposition 8 results in frequent reminders for gays and lesbians in committed long-term relationships that their relationships are not as highly valued as opposite-sex relationships." (FF 68) This is not meant to be offensive, but what if certain relationships really are more valuable to society than others? Clearly, the procreative committed relationship of a man and a woman is more valuable than any other relationship in society because it is necessary for society's very survival. To comprehend the impact of this, you just need to consider two questions.

(1) What would happen to society if everyone lived faithfully in natural marriage? Our country would thrive with a drastic reduction in numerous social problems including illegitimacy, crime, welfare, and abortion.

(2) What would happen to society if everyone lived faithfully in same-sex marriage? Society wouldn't thrive because it wouldn't even survive. It would end the human race!

This is not to say that such a law would cause this, but merely to point out that certain relationships are more valuable to a society than others. The truth is that homosexual and heterosexual relationships are not the same, can never be the same, and will never yield the same benefits to individuals or society. No law can change that fact; only deceive people into thinking so.

If this point offends you, then you have a problem with reality, not me. I didn't make up the facts of nature. I'm just admitting them — something Judge Walker and many same-sex marriage supporters seem unwilling to do.

10. "Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license." (Conclusion) The real fact is that Judge Walker fails to provide any "rational basis" for overturning Proposition 8 — no rational basis from the Constitution or common sense. While lecturing the people of California that their "private moral views" cannot be used to make their laws, Judge Walker has simply imposed his own "private moral view" that same-sex marriage must be sanctioned. That is objectively immoral and unconstitutional itself.

He claims that the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage "exists as an artifact of a time when the genders were seen as having distinct roles in society and in marriage. That time has passed." If that's true, that's not for him or any judge to decide. The people of California have said that time has not passed.

Disagree? Then you have the burden of persuading your fellow citizens to pass a constitutional amendment sanctioning same-sex marriage. That's what the amendment process is for! When judges short-circuit that process, we are no longer a free people who govern ourselves.

Those killed in Afghanistan...

It has been all over the news lately about the people killed in Afghanistan...I believe 6 of those killed were Americans. From what I remember, one was a prominent optometrist who has done work there for over 30 years (he spoke/was fluent in one of the most popular languages, Dari...
so he was well known there). Another was a dentist, along with several others. How awesome to be willing to take their special talents to help those in remote areas...and obviously be willing to die as well. It is heart breaking in some aspects, but admirable in others. Supposedly they had Bibles with them from one report I read, and ultimately that is why the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks and deaths...because of their Christianity.
This hits home in a minor way...there are several people involved in my church who have the same passion for Afghanistan. One is a doctor and his wife...they use their own money to travel over there atleast 4 times a year (and yes they have children of their own, as well as a "successful" life here in the US). BUT, their heart is God...truly. In fact, years ago when my husband had knee surgery, we received an email from this particular doctor (who was an elder at the time)...why was the email so special? Because this doctor was in Afghanistan...and took the time to remember us and email.
So, although the murders are terrible...there are still some willing to go to one of the most dangerous areas of the world, to encounter Islamic people, and ultimately to try to win them to Christ in discreet ways. I am thankful that God laid the Muslim world on so many hearts...after all, they (Muslims) are "lost" to Christ...so keep those willing to go do this work in your thoughts and prayers. I can personally vouch for some of these people...they are truly some of the most admirable people I have ever met.

Christian Counseling...

I majored in psychology in college, so maybe that is why I have always had an appreciation for counseling. I truly think it can help, if people are honest and give it a chance. My only personal experience with counseling came in pre-marital counseling, which I highly recommend. Let's face it, relationships, marriages, and other aspects of life can be tough. In order for something like that to be successful, it requires honesty. (The reason I mention it (honesty) is because I had a former friend go through the same pre-marital counseling we did, but was not honest at all about their situation...needless to say, it didn't work out so well)
BUT, if we are in need and honest about it...counseling can open up lines of communication that may seem difficult. It doesn't even have to be about relationships, but about illnesses, negativity, etc. I have a few people close to me that could really benefit from counseling...
SO, here is the reason for this post...if you or someone you know is in need of counseling, please know that God will be a major part of it. There is an organization for Christian Counselors...and I think that would be a good place to start if there is someone close by.
http://www.aacc.net is the website of the American Association of Christian Counselors. You can "find a counselor" near you or find other information. Hope this helps if needed. Now the hard part is telling those you love that this may be something they should look in too!

God's miracle of life

I am sitting in the hospital room (I just had my second child via c-section on Friday, and it is now early Sunday morning). The whole child birth process is intriguing in so many ways. My husband and I have both said throughout the last couple of days...how can people not believe in God? The child birth process is truly a miracle and so planned out and precise.
From the actual "growing" a child inside of you...to the way the baby gets the needed blood and food from the mom...to the way the child literally knows what to do once he arrives in the world. Within the first hour of life, the "sucking" begins...and the baby wants to feed. And along those same line of feeding...when the Mom actually nurses the child with her own body...the baby gets the best possible "food"...and not only does breastfeeding truly help the baby, but it also heals the mom. While nursing, you can usually feel contractions, which has 2 good implications: 1 you know the baby is "latched" on and nursing well, and 2 it helps shrink the uterus and heal it.

So, sorry if that was too much information for you this early Sunday morning. But GOD had it all planned out. He didn't leave room for anything...the childbirth process alone should be enough for anyone to turn their eyes to God. But not only that, the way God set the gift of life up...beginning from even the first hour. It's amazing to see God's handy-work everywhere. On the flip side, for those who don't believe...it takes much more faith NOT to believe in God's divine nature. All of the evidence is too hard to pass up!

Why it's not about R's & D's...

My previous post yesterday should be an example of why it isn't always about R's & D's
(Republicans & Democrats). People can run for any party they choose...the judge that overturned the Proposition 8 ruling (voted on by the people of California) was a Republican...a homosexual Republican. You may ask why I "threw in" the homosexual part...because it is a huge "conflict of interest" in my opinion...atleast when he is the judge ruling on homosexual interest and activism. So, let this be another political lesson...regardless of R's and D's, you have to know who you are voting for.

The other thing that came to mind out of all of this is Elana Kagan...the woman, presumed to be homosexual-regardless has a history of homosexual activism, and her becoming a Supreme Court Judge. This is a red flag to a lot of Americans...and let's face it, we as humans often let emotions trump logic. That is what I perceive to have been the issue in the California, legalizing gay marriage issue for that judge...
instead of letting his logic of allowing the citizens majority vote to be heard, he let his emotions ans personal situation get in the way. Almost everyone knows someone who is involved in homosexuality, including myself. That still doesn't make it right, at least not if you believe the Bible to be true. Emotion doesn't trump the Bible either!

Prop 8 and Cali...

So, correct me if I am wrong...but a while back voters in California got to use their right to vote on a controversial issue-gay marriage. Proposition 8 was the name of the amendment that was voted on back in 2008. California voters decided to vote AGAINST legalizing same sex marriage. Let's face it, the homosexual agenda is persistent. They aren't quitting and continue to push for their wants...regardless of what the Bible says and regardless of what the majority of Americans say. Undoubtedly a federal judge in California overturned this "voters" decision...so I really want to know, what gives ONE person, a judge in this case, the power to overturn something that citizens have used their right to vote on? I wish we would all have had the ability to vote on "Healthcare Reform" instead of the politicians...this is the problem with politics, we have to rely on others to make proper decisions on behalf of us. I know, that's what voting is all about...but what if you can't truly rely on the candidate you get to vote for? I am so annoyed with politicians...I truly think the majority are out of touch with what American CITIZENS want: Healthcare Reform, Legalizing Gay Marriage, Illegal Immigration, and the list goes on. At what point will our representatives speak up for the citizens that elected them? So, consider this issue in California just another "silencing" of the people...the majority oppose legalizing gay marriage, but this one judge decided against their voice and overturned it. What's the point of voting if it's going to be like this?

No Cable...update

An update on the lack of cable...it's been okay so far. We still have the main channels like CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox...and then there are some random channels like Retro TV offered (old school shows). It truly hasn't been that bad...to put it all in perspective: we are saving $50/month, we are getting rid of some of the "crud" that's seen on cable tv (with kids this seems like a good thing), & you can still access other shows via the internet if you wish. The negatives...the same channels do not always pick up (we just moved our tv to the other side of our living room and I have had to move the digital antenna around several times) & you are limited to what you see (but that can be good or bad). On the other hand, if you are like us and appreciate shows that old channels like HGTV offered, then there are some offered on these public channels too. I was surprised to see it truly...and there is a channel that appears to be devoted to kids too (qubo?) So...for whatever the reason...whether because you have children, you need to cut cost, you need to cut your dependence on tv, etc...it can be done! It's kind of been encouraging so far!