Child Abuse Comes in Many Forms

It's no secret that I have a strong yearning in my heart when it comes to children. Today, I was in the grocers when I saw a land slap her kid to the floor. I began to pray. Abuse is prevalent, even with all the awareness available to us. Parents take their frustrations out on their children and expect no one to say anything.

Had I had the opportunity, I would have probably called social services, but I'm not sure how much better the child would have been with the breakdown of our social services in this country. Let's pray for children who come from or are still in abusive families.

Facts Change- Trust Jesus

There are many facts that changed in recent years. All my life, we talked about nine planets, now there are 13 or more. All my life, we were told that butter is horrible for you, but recently we've learned that butter is better than margarine. I could go on and on.

I wonder if this is what will happen when Christ comes back? Someone will be off telling someone, all my life I was told God didn't exist and that Jesus Christ was just a man, but look at the sky, there he is and I cannot go with him!

Today is the best day to try Jesus. Facts change too quickly to gamble your life away on them.

Death and Taxes

Our neighbors love having get togethers and every time someone blocks a portion of our driveway. Yesterday, I decided I would say something again. I built up my nerve and knocked on the door. I thought I heard crying on the inside. After the second knock, she came to the door. She looked horrible. Come to find out, her sister had just died and everyone was over hoping to comfort the family. I felt like a schmuck. I told her what I needed and offered my regard before I left.

Death is more certain than taxes and it is never easy on the family. That's why preaching the Gospel is so important because then we have some solace to offer the family that has been left behind.

We're Pregnant!

We're pregnant! I cannot believe it happened as soon as we stopped trying. Between redecorating and the horrible issues we had with the plumbing, I just hadn't thought to try. But I found out today that we are definitely having a baby!

Psalms 1

Psalm 1 was the first Psalm I ever learned by heart. Please read and be encouraged, no matter what life may look like right now.

King James Version (paraphrased for clarity)

Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel/advice of the ungodly, nor stand/abide in the way/path of sinners, nor sit in the seat/fellowship with the scornful.

But his delight is in the law/Word of the Lord and in His law/Word does he meditate both day and night.

And this man will be like a tree planted beside the river/waters that brings forth fruit in season; his leaf will not wither and whatsoever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not the same but are like the chaff which the wind carries away.

Therefore, the ungodly will not stand/will not be justified in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly will perish/end.

My Short Stories

I haven't abandoned the first book that I began, but lately, I've been writing short stories for children, for teens, for adults, some very steamy. I tend to do it while cooking or waiting at the doctor's office or something. Anyway, today I realized I actually have 13 completed stories and after talking to some of my friends, I think I'll try to submit a few to various publishers to be made into an e-book. I have one that I really believe Red Rose Publishing will like. I have three I'm going to submit to Lanico Media House and the rest, we'll have to see. I will keep you posted, but please pray that my little darlings find a home. I think being a published author would kick my life into high gear.

Ode to David Todd

David makes me happier than I can imagine ever being. He does the things most men would never do for their wives. He holds my hand when I'm tired or achy. He works a full time job and still helps around the house. I never have to remind him of the trash, the lawn or the bathrooms. He's a dream and I love him.

Today, I pray for all my single friends. Don't settle for something other than what God would prepare for you Himself. He has a plan for your eventual marriage, for it to be a testimony of His goodness, mercy, faithfulness and kindness. Be strong and wait. Read 1 Corinthians 7

Passing of My Uncle

My great uncle died just a little while ago. He was 84 and still fit. Apparently, he died peacefully without being ate up with cancer or some other disease. God is a preserver of the upright and my uncle was a true man of faith and love. You will be missed, Uncle Joseph Nettle.

Workout Regimen

I weighed this morning and I am 182 lbs. I'm so pleased with the weight loss and with my workout regimen. Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need all the latest gear and fad workouts. All you need is a little time, determination and some open space either outside or indoors.

My workout consists of walking two miles a day, either outside or on the treadmill. I do 100 crunches a day, lately all in one setting in reps of 25. I do push ups some days, hit my stairs in my house for 10 reps, park at the farthest end of the parking lot at the mall and other stores, walk every aisle of Walmart while I'm there unless I'm in a hurry, and I swim regularly, at least twice a week. And of course, sex is a great workout too. It costs me almost nothing to get healthy.

This Generation

It is both sickening and saddening to see the state of our younger generation who think it's okay to be disrespectful of elders, to use physical and verbal abuse as weapons, to fill themselves with horrible music of drugs and violence, and to destroy the very essence of the English language.

Who is training our children today? Where are the adults? What are they doing? What are you doing? What can I do? Will this blog post make any difference at all in the grand scheme of things?

I hope you will read this and realize that we are responsible for how we train our children. We don't have to completely shut them off from the world. We need only show them Christ, keep them covered in prayer, and live a better life in front of them.

I Want...

I want to be used by you, God. I want to glorify your name all the days of my life by the life I live. I want to be an expression of your love in the Earth. In short, I want more of you and more of you and more of you.

I'm still not pregnant yet, but I know you hear my desires whether spoken or held in my heart. It will happen.

Discipline and Love for Children

Children need discipline but not so much that they never feel loved, appreciated, understood or wanted. Be sure that for ever word of criticism you give, that another five words of praise and love and adoration are shared too. Use wisdom because if you break your child's spirit, there's no telling how long it will take for them to recover.

I'm Late!!!

Well guess what is happening now? David and I have been trying to have a baby. As of today, I am three days late. I don't want to get my hopes up but if all stays as it is now, I'll test in another few days. David is bouncing off the walls with joy as if he's already seen a positive pregnancy test.

Life Offline

Time online is great, but more and more people are neglecting their physical life for their virtual one. Don't get me wrong, I see the appeal. You can reinvent yourself online, hide away and be protected by a digital persona. But your family loves and desires to spend time with the real physical you. Don't forget.

Car Accident

Tina and I witnessed a wreck this morning. The two children survived but it looked unlikely that either of the parents would make it. I keep reflecting back to those little children being pulled from the car, screaming because their parents' blood was all over them. It was a mind-rattling experience for us both but we stopped mid walk and prayed for them all.

Life is short. What are you doing with yours?

Down to 190 and Counting

Over the past couple of months, I've put in more dedicated work to lose weight. I started at 224 lbs and now I'm down to 190 in about 7 weeks of dieting and exercising. I started walking a quarter of a mile and now I am up to two miles per day. I try to do the majority of it outside, which helps me stay consistent.

I feel much better, my blood pressure is back to normal, I have a tremendous amount of energy and as an added bonus, my sex life is MUCH better.

If you have health issues, don't overlook your weight as a possible cause or aggravating factor.

Broken Spirit by Chrishawn Simpson

One of my diva sisters has released yet another book, a wonderfully written novel, Broken Spirit, that depicts the horrors of abuse and the miracle of survival.

This is a great read and I highly suggest you consider getting a copy soon. Visit her website, www.chrishawnthewriter.com and order a few copies or recommend to your book club.

Brisk Walk

A brisk walk can be worth more than twenty doctor's visits. We all too often want quick and painless fix to all our ailments. We hate pain, but no pain no gain. Get out in nature and enjoy the workmanship of God's hand. The fresh air will lift your mood. The sounds of nature will soothe you, and the walk make you healthier by cutting fat and relieving tension and stress. Try it. You just might love it!

Real Friendships

Friendships should be built off mutual respect and common ground. If you're in a friendship that causes you to bow down all the time just so you can be accepted, that's not a friendship. Friends don't dominate one another. They don't force their opinions. They don't cheat you of the joy of being yourself.

With a friend, you should be able to let your hair down, relax and vent without fear that it'll become a scandal. How is it that those who claim to want a friend are the very ones who show themselves as unfriendly everyday?

To get a friend, be a friend.

Completed Eight Chapters

My manuscript, while still untitled, has officially taken some shape as I completed my eighth chapter last night. I love writing, though I miss subbing at the school. I love the freedom to keep a certain pace when I begin the process.

Still, I'd feel much more comfortable if I could decide on a title that didn't sound like a sociology handbook. I'm in a toss up between "We Cry for Truth" and "What Your Child's Struggle Says About You"