tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11404123062699391572024-03-13T18:48:52.331-04:00Life on Purpose and PrincipleEvery day matters so live it on purpose. LOPAP is a place where I share the things that matter...God, heart issues, marriage, parenting, homeschooling, healthy eating (through Purposeful Nourishment) and anything else that life throws my way. Get cozy. Grab some coffee and stay awhile, because stolen moments of refreshing have a purpose too.King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-36143840159068374732013-09-18T17:19:00.001-04:002013-09-18T17:19:06.596-04:00Makeover! My Blog Has a Brand New Look!Life on Purpose and Principle has undergone a complete makeover! You can find me now at <a href="http://ohsweetmercy.com/" target="_blank">Oh Sweet Mercy</a>, come on over and check out the new look!King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-82974277208047507562013-07-08T22:14:00.000-04:002013-07-08T22:14:26.833-04:00A Committment...I just purchased a domain name. It's mine for a year. It's a committment!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
God has given me a love for writing and photography, and while this blog has been fun and relatively easy, it is time to streamline my stream of consciousness into one place. I've cut the clutter in my house dramatically, it's time for some cyber-decluttering as well. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thankfully, I have a friend that can help me with this process. Because I don't have a clue what I'm doing! She swears I will love wordpress (which I have always hated), we'll see. In the mean time, stay tuned for changes and The Big Move to my (soon to be announced) new domain. </div>
<br />
If you'll excuse me, I will now go freak out. Just for a minute.<br />
<br />
Good night!King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-88963869628552366962013-07-08T14:23:00.005-04:002013-07-08T14:23:46.643-04:00Booksneeze Review! Downside Up by Tracey Mitchell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingonpurposeandprinciple.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-downside-up-transform-rejection.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DldLRmuz_tg/UdsDE-glZEI/AAAAAAAAAwc/PbmVpas0xPU/s1600/Downside+up+cover.jpg" /></a></div>
I just <b><i><u>devoured</u></i></b> this book!! Hop on over to my Book Review blog and read why, then get yourself a copy! Just click on the image of the cover...King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-83587948054483430692013-06-15T19:00:00.000-04:002013-06-15T19:06:46.492-04:00Grandbabies, Moving, a Marriage and a Graduate...Oh My!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is June 15, so we are half way through the month that marks the halfway point of the year. That means that six months of 2013 are gone. History. What? How did that happen? Where have I been? Well, I've become a grandma, a mother-in-law, drastically downsized, and celebrated my youngest stepson's graduation. All within four months. Doesn't seem like that much to look at what I just typed but mercy-sakes-alive I feel like I've just escaped a hurricane...albeit mostly unscathed. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've wanted to blog more, but there just hasn't been time. Too much to do! I can't remember too much of the first quarter of the year...I was holed up and hibernating as usual. Except for March 28, when our first grandchild was born. No way I'd forget that! That little guy started out at 4 lbs and 7 oz...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfBhTEVMFCc/UbzsvFsu9pI/AAAAAAAAAwA/1ta679oVYGM/s1600/894533_4557649746528_1784891254_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfBhTEVMFCc/UbzsvFsu9pI/AAAAAAAAAwA/1ta679oVYGM/s320/894533_4557649746528_1784891254_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Grandpa and Jr, just a couple days old<br />and soooo tiny!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...but look at him now: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2WaKKXPQK0/UbzeAZvaRpI/AAAAAAAAAtI/ojX-DGKGzAE/s1600/DSCN2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2WaKKXPQK0/UbzeAZvaRpI/AAAAAAAAAtI/ojX-DGKGzAE/s320/DSCN2755.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Isn't he precious? He's about 2 1/2 months here and almost 9 pounds!<br />He's also rolled over already and just continues to amaze us all.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He is just so cool. I get all verklempt every time I'm around him. Just love him to pieces! And I'm completely proud of his parents, they are doing a great job!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
April started off with a few trips to the hospital as the grandbaby was there for a bit (born 6 weeks early). The next thing I know, we are moving out of our ginormous, old, five bedroom house and into a super cute teeny, tiny two bedroom. Thank goodness it was only six blocks away, that made the move so easy. Still, I had a house full of stuff I didn't want to move and had to get rid of, plus deciding what I could and wanted to keep, get it packed and all that fun stuff that goes with moving. Makes me tired to just reflect on it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a virtual "tour" of our new digs:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bvg7eFnxNQ/UbzeB8GGn2I/AAAAAAAAAtk/OlB1TpGnRVA/s1600/DSCN2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bvg7eFnxNQ/UbzeB8GGn2I/AAAAAAAAAtk/OlB1TpGnRVA/s320/DSCN2757.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The "Cracker Box", which sounds infinitely better than<br />"Sardine Can". </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcFqCj-YjBU/UbzeCo9gKnI/AAAAAAAAAtw/_fmJApiLeWI/s1600/DSCN2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcFqCj-YjBU/UbzeCo9gKnI/AAAAAAAAAtw/_fmJApiLeWI/s320/DSCN2759.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Welcoming Committee, sans furball<br />Say hello, Sister and Mister</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h75bFo6bGmM/UbzeC8NX4vI/AAAAAAAAAt4/QCih7S94DMo/s1600/DSCN2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h75bFo6bGmM/UbzeC8NX4vI/AAAAAAAAAt4/QCih7S94DMo/s320/DSCN2760.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Step inside into the kitchen, which is about half of<br />the downstairs. Seriously. So actually it's a pretty<br />nice size, as long as you have a small table. Which<br />We do. We also have a Mister who loves to be in<br />every picture. And a dishwasher! I'm in heaven!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pC4QNI804nk/UbzeDFE8seI/AAAAAAAAAuA/5ZmWU0IZJko/s1600/DSCN2761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pC4QNI804nk/UbzeDFE8seI/AAAAAAAAAuA/5ZmWU0IZJko/s320/DSCN2761.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is Friday, so I have our table ready for the start of Shabbat.<br />Since it stays light until midnight these days, thanks to my<br />favorite Dumb Stupid Time, we do our Sabbath-welcoming<br />around sundown, looooooonnnnggg after supper. No, we are<br />not Jewish, we just desire to honor Yahweh's commandments<br />and I don't see anywhere in His word that the Sabbath was<br />changed from the seventh day, so we honor the Sabbath and<br />rest on Saturday. It's wonderful!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2F-22DCHq5I/UbzeDxw_t6I/AAAAAAAAAuM/euXK9IDhDbc/s1600/DSCN2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2F-22DCHq5I/UbzeDxw_t6I/AAAAAAAAAuM/euXK9IDhDbc/s320/DSCN2762.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Moving on, we have Mister and Sister and the furball in the<br />living room. There is just enough room for the four of us<br />to lounge around, but still room for company! We just have<br />to sit vertically, is all.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3tBUJkzsag/UbzeEErHdzI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/fCKMZY4ChJg/s1600/DSCN2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3tBUJkzsag/UbzeEErHdzI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/fCKMZY4ChJg/s320/DSCN2763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not sure if this gives any indication of size, but it's the view from<br />the other end.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNHmKI5qdtQ/UbzeE3KtgAI/AAAAAAAAAuY/C8Ap8wssbBU/s1600/DSCN2765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNHmKI5qdtQ/UbzeE3KtgAI/AAAAAAAAAuY/C8Ap8wssbBU/s320/DSCN2765.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not much to show here, it's a teeny, tiny bathroom.<br />When Sister saw it she said "That's not a bathroom,<br />that's a closet with a toilet in it". Apparently, the<br />tub and sink are extraneous. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCOjPLQdHI4/UbzeHPMPibI/AAAAAAAAAvI/plZKVK4LF94/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCOjPLQdHI4/UbzeHPMPibI/AAAAAAAAAvI/plZKVK4LF94/s320/DSCN2769.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Going upstairs, you land in the kids' "room". Yes,<br />they share a room. I was concerned a bit that it<br />might prove to be disastrous, but really, it's going<br />exceptionally well. Mister stays out of Sister's stuff,<br />which is a miracle. Sister wisely reduced her<br />possessions to something more managable.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-vdfP2oovM/UbzeGgyjYbI/AAAAAAAAAvA/VH9kjyO-BWg/s1600/DSCN2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-vdfP2oovM/UbzeGgyjYbI/AAAAAAAAAvA/VH9kjyO-BWg/s320/DSCN2770.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our room is the other room upstairs-with the door. I <br />wish the cable hook up thing was on the other side of the<br />room, it would have a better "flow" to have the bed<br />against the other wall, I think. Since we have about<br />five miles of co-ax cable crammed behind the tv, I'm<br />thinking we could pull it off. Not sure I want to ask<br />Hubby to move furniture yet, though. I love the cozy<br />feel of this space. And, I found a use for the homemade<br />wrap I used to carry Mister around in when he was a<br />baby...as a "swag" valance, I think that's what you'd<br />call it. Mister is sharing his ducks and blankets with<br />me, isn't that so sweet? </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk4_mzP80sk/UbzeIJRHRwI/AAAAAAAAAvY/U5paA_ukRgk/s1600/DSCN2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk4_mzP80sk/UbzeIJRHRwI/AAAAAAAAAvY/U5paA_ukRgk/s320/DSCN2772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The tiny-ness of the house is balanced out with a humongous<br />back yard. We're going to put in a fire pit some time soon.<br />We love campfires! If we were going to live here longer, or buy it<br />I'd want to put in a garden.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xc3-0TTy7s/UbzeIWA50kI/AAAAAAAAAvg/vmnnqlE3LCo/s1600/DSCN2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xc3-0TTy7s/UbzeIWA50kI/AAAAAAAAAvg/vmnnqlE3LCo/s320/DSCN2773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lots of potential here for flowers and stuff...if I had a proclivity<br />for that sort of thing instead of killing plants! I have a pallet there<br />leaning up against the house that I plan to plant culinary herbs<br />in, as soon as I can get to it. And look...central air!! Aaaahhh</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ5gAl8ifvI/UbzeI_6kOiI/AAAAAAAAAvo/1q89H9PODrE/s1600/DSCN2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ5gAl8ifvI/UbzeI_6kOiI/AAAAAAAAAvo/1q89H9PODrE/s320/DSCN2774.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So, instead of a regular kind of garden, I have a Container<br />Salsa Garden on my back steps. A couple of Roma type tomato<br />plants, a cherry tomato, two bell peppers and two hot peppers.<br />I have some mint growing in the window well to the left. Just</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><i>got them planted...late as usual, but hopefully we'll have enough </i></i></div>
<i>
to do some spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce and salsa!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have known me for any length of time, you know that organization has never really been what you'd call my "strong suit." I think I did a pretty good job of letting go of things we really didn't need. I know that my husband was surprised a few times with how easily I agreed to get rid of some things. Truth be told, I was surprised too. There was still a lot of work involved to get things packed and moved (in less than two weeks), plus unpacking and figuring out where to put things. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The task now will be to not accumulate a bunch of stuff in the year or so we live here before we head west. I know that this move, I reduced things to things I didn't want to live without in this new home. The next move will require more difficult decisions, because neither one of us wants to move all this stuff across the country. When it comes right down to it though, there isn't that much that I couldn't walk away from if need be. I'm going to take time over the next year to find and consolidate those precious things that can't be replaced...ultrasound pictures of the kids and special mementos and such...and limit myself to what will fit in a decent sized box. As we get closer to moving, I'll do the same with books and other things that I would like to take but need to take less of. The kitchen things will be kind of hard though, cast iron pans are almost irreplaceable...when you consider the time and effort put into seasoning and maintaining them!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's nice to know that I am less attached to "stuff" than I used to be. I think I used to see my "things" as part of me in a sense, and it was hard to get rid of them with that kind of perspective. Now when I look around, I just see stuff for the most part. And <b><i>stuff is just stuff...it has no power over me other than what I give to it.</i></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The night we moved into our new home, Number One Son stopped by to tell us he and his fiancee were getting married...the next day at 4:00 in a town an hour away. Hubby didn't take that so well, but in his defense he was exhausted from moving all day! And to spring something like that on him at that moment...well...yeah. Thankfully, they put it off a couple of days at least so we could be there. There was no way we could have been there on the original day, so I'm glad they moved it so at least some of his family could be there.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv33DGdkxuM/UbzsuWt26-I/AAAAAAAAAv0/ua5Tj2RfIlg/s1600/919404_10201216319758028_112002131_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv33DGdkxuM/UbzsuWt26-I/AAAAAAAAAv0/ua5Tj2RfIlg/s320/919404_10201216319758028_112002131_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr and Mrs Number One. Hoping and praying for a long,<br />happy marriage for them!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next up, my youngest stepson's graduation! Of course that meant planning and putting on an open house, for which I agreed to make meatballs. I love making meatballs, really! I had 15 pounds of venison and hamburger I mixed up to make them. Yum! Hubby cooked up some chicken wings at his job, and their famous Pit-tatoes...which I discovered are NOT gluten free. So, consuming those and veggie dip made with Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (which I discovered AFTER I ate it...) and coupled with several days of extreme busyness before and after the party...well, I felt pretty much like I got run over by a very large truck. It took several days for me to "recover"! But it was a great party, our Marine was able to come back and surprise his brother, my Arizona in-laws were here and got to meet their GREAT-grandson, and my stepson made out like a bandit. Plus, the weather was absolutely gorgeous! Our Marine's high school graduation and open house two years ago was in weather reminiscent of what I imagine sitting in the foyer of hell would be like. Sooooo hot!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjY-qDds8MA/UbzeAHyfvRI/AAAAAAAAAtU/WkGdntuwZDk/s1600/DSCN2660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjY-qDds8MA/UbzeAHyfvRI/AAAAAAAAAtU/WkGdntuwZDk/s320/DSCN2660.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Four generations of Yoder boys! Jr is on Great Grandpa's lap,<br />next to Grandpa with Mister, and our Marine. In back are<br />the Graduate and the Number One Son, who recently made<br />me a mother in law. It was so nice to have all the boys <br />together again!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, yeah...I've been kind of busy. I think that finally, things are put together well enough, although there's a few projects that I have yet to complete. They aren't essential, but I'm hoping I can get them done. And I love having waaaay less space to maintain. Housework is getting done in half the time, or less, and everything pretty much has a home. I have really enjoyed this Sabbath, because I really felt like I could REST. Last Sabbath was not restful at all, but I enjoyed the opportunity to be a blessing to our Graduate very much. Today, I could just rest and not even think about anything on any "to-do" list. Aaahhh...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before I sign off...I must leave you with another picture of our sweet grandbaby...I just can't get enough of him!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6fAnVDYidY/UbzeATO_djI/AAAAAAAAAtY/6mEccRGlQQk/s1600/DSCN2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6fAnVDYidY/UbzeATO_djI/AAAAAAAAAtY/6mEccRGlQQk/s320/DSCN2727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-67447782951219091392013-06-01T17:38:00.000-04:002013-06-01T17:38:29.725-04:00GODS AT WAR by Kyle Idleman: A Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a lifelong bookworm, I just love getting <b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">free</span></b> books to review for <a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/" target="_blank">booksneeze</a>! Hop on over to my book review blog and check out my review for <i><b>gods at war: defeating the idols that battle for your heart</b></i> by Kyle Idleman, author of <i style="font-weight: bold;">not a fan. </i>Just click on the book cover image below: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingonpurposeandprinciple.blogspot.com/2013/06/review-gods-at-war-by-kyle-idleman.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMsWtuPWb2o/UappjZhSH1I/AAAAAAAAAsw/eoA_kM8VjA0/s1600/godsatwarcover.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-20829616556767097642013-04-24T23:23:00.000-04:002013-04-24T23:23:01.062-04:00Moving and Downsizing WooHoo!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
After five and a half years in the house we are in as of the time of this post, we are saying goodbye to Gigantic, Old, Dusty House and hello to Teeny, Tiny, Considerably Less Old and Hopefully Less Dusty House. I can hardly believe that a week from tomorrow is Moving Day! I haven't started packing yet, and I'm not even remotely stressed. Some of you just may have experienced stress reading that last part about not packing with only a week until moving day...I'm sorry to have stressed you out! Oddly, this is the first move I can ever remember that I did not have some kind of dread deep within, even when the move was wanted. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am very thankful to have a home to live in, a home that is safe and comfortable. And if we owned this home and had the money, it could really be fixed up nicely. I love the old, dark wood here. I love being close to the library and the butcher shop. But I won't miss the dust! There's not much you can do about dust in a house that is over one hundred years old. Battle it or give in...and honestly, I surrendered. It was just too much. I also will not miss living on a very busy road. Our new house has a dishwasher and central air, and I can't tell you how happy that makes me!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are only moving six blocks away, and it's temporary...until we move to Arizona in a year or so. It will help us accomplish two very important steps in getting to the Valley of the Sun...save money and get rid of stuff. Obviously, we'll need money to move across the country. And I am NOT taking all this junk with us. I'm tired of dragging it around with me. And the way this is working out will make it fairly easy to downsize. First, we move essentials...beds, couch, kitchen stuff...then we figure out what we have room for and move that. The rest of it will get sold, given away or thrown away. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's true I've struggled with clutter and KTMS (Keeping Too Much Stuff). I even did a post a while back about being SOS (Sick of Stuff). And it's also true that I could have gotten rid of said stuff at any time...you know, I Can Quit Any Time I Want To...but it's much easier when you just don't have room for it. I know I'll have to make some tough decisions, but it's just stuff. I'm tired of feeling choked and suffocated by stuff that just sits around collecting dust.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So now, I need to plan the moving strategy, then see if it matches my husband's. Most likely it does not, since men and women think completely differently. But one thing I love about our relationship is that most of the time we work very well together. We've learned when to give and when to take and when to leave the other alone (most important!), and I know even if our strategies are not identical, we'll get through the move just fine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm going to post this and get back to Pinterest. I can't believe some of the things you can do with pallets...amazing, I tell you. I've got ideas for summer projects...</div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-24611139778584987852013-04-17T17:53:00.000-04:002013-04-17T17:53:55.465-04:00Moving West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2G6suJFbSts/UW7dgC0c6AI/AAAAAAAAAqo/AYc2TAnE8HA/s1600/AZ+OR+BUST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2G6suJFbSts/UW7dgC0c6AI/AAAAAAAAAqo/AYc2TAnE8HA/s200/AZ+OR+BUST.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Have you ever packed up and moved across the country? Was it the best thing you've ever done or a total nightmare? If you have kids, how did they adjust to leaving their family and friends nearby? If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've made the decision to move to Arizona next year. Yes, that's right...this summer-hating, sun-avoiding, lover of ice cold air conditioning has agreed to move to Arizona, to the Valley of the Sun. Have I lost my mind? Am I having an identity crisis? Perhaps...but here's the reasons (in no particular order) why we've decided to do this and why I've agreed (and, gasp, even encouraged this).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><b>MY HUSBAND IS S.A.D.</b> He <i>needs</i> the sun like the rest of us need air and water. I dread the winter, because he hibernates. I feel like a single mom a lot, and that makes <i>me</i> sad. There's a saying that goes "when mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy", but I think that applies to daddy as well, at least at our house. When daddy's happy, mommy's happy, and the kids are happy. It all rolls downhill.</li>
<li><b>IT'S BEEN A LONG-TIME DREAM</b> My husband has wanted to move out there for years. His dad and brother live there, and I know he would love to be closer to them and do more with them. I always used to tell him "THERE IS NO WAY I WILL EVER LIVE IN ARIZONA. EVER. THEY HAVE TOO MUCH SUN, TOO MUCH HEAT, AND THEY HAVE <i>SCORPIONS</i>!" You know how they say "Never say never"? Yeah...my life is fraught with examples on why that is good advice..."I'll never have kids" (I have 5)..."I'll never drive a minivan" yep...drove one for six years..."I'll never get married again" well, I did...and I'm glad I did!</li>
<li><b>THEY DON'T DO DUMB STUPID TIME THERE</b> Yes, that's right. I want to move to a dry, scorching, land of blazing sun and scorpions to escape the stupidity of "daylight savings time." <b><i><u>I hate DST that much</u></i></b>. I know I'll have to adjust to a new time zone, but I'm thinking waking up at six am in Arizona, when it's 8 am in Indiana, will instantly turn me into a morning person. Maybe not, but at least I won't have to suffer for months on end in the spring anymore. </li>
<li><b>I CAME. I SAW. I FELL IN LOVE.</b> I've been out there twice now...I know, I know...two times? Big deal! But, I just fell in love with the landscape...mountains and cacti and palm trees. Desert landscaping in the yards...no more mowing!! And who can resist a desert sunset? Not this girl. </li>
<li><b>AIR CONDITIONING</b> I told my husband that as long as I didn't have to leave the house during the day, and our car had good AC, I could handle it. Once that scorching sun dips down below the horizon I think I could handle the heat. My skin reacts to the sun much like a vampire's. And besides, it's that dry heat...</li>
<li><b>THE OLDER KIDS ARE GROWN UP AND MOVED OUT</b> We've wanted to move out of the area, at least, and out of state, for years now but stuck around because of the school system the older kids were in. The youngest of the oldest has finished school and moved out and since we homeschool our kids, school systems are not an issue for us. Which is good, because apparently, Arizona schools suck.</li>
<li><b>DESERT STARGAZING, CANYON HIKING, AND OTHER SW NATURE THINGS</b> My daughter longs to go out to the desert and gaze at the stars we can't see from where we are now. I share the same desire. She's also a rock hound and loves critters of all kinds. And what boy doesn't love sand? There is a lot of cool naturey things there that you just don't find in the midwest. Like Black Widow spiders and Palmetto bugs...those are almost deal breakers...</li>
<li><b>WE DON'T WANT TO DIE WHERE WE ARE </b>It's not like Indiana is <i>that</i> bad, but honestly, I'm just tired of living here. I was born in the county I live in, and aside from a couple years living in a neighboring county...<i>just</i> inside it...I've spent all of my 41 years living here. I'd love to experience something different before I die. And the desert is vastly different.</li>
<li><b>WE'D BE CLOSER TO OUR MARINE </b>My middle stepson has escaped the Midwest and loves living in California. I wouldn't want to live there, since they'll probably fall off into the ocean some day, but to each his own. We don't think he'll be back here, and we miss him. It will be nice to be closer to him, and to a Marine Mom I met online and have become good friends with. I know another Marine Mom from Ohio that said she'd join us out in Arizona, which would be way cool!</li>
<li><b>THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO DO THERE </b>I checked out various city websites there and was blown away by all the activities they have there. Maybe it's just the town we live in, but there's just not much of anything to do here. No wonder teenagers get bored and break into cars. Just sayin'. There's also way more homeschool groups there, and they look like they're pretty active. There's a few around where we are, but I haven't found many that are very active. Well intentioned, sure...just lacking on follow through.</li>
</ol>
<div>
We've set a date of mid-June next year, but since we've got some youngin's wanting to get married the first of June, and another youngin wanting to get married in May...we might have to push it out further. If we do that, I'd say let's not be stupid and move in the middle of the summer. I hear it gets <i>really, really</i> hot out there. I'd say lets be moved out there by my birthday in November. That would be the best birthday present ever!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUfmHL3cXlY/UW7k-jxfp-I/AAAAAAAAAqw/NR1ZlnIuiEo/s1600/arizona+flag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUfmHL3cXlY/UW7k-jxfp-I/AAAAAAAAAqw/NR1ZlnIuiEo/s1600/arizona+flag.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="initial" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 2em; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Arizona State Flag...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.666668891906738px;"><div class="initial" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 2em; text-align: justify;">
The top half of the flag represents the 13 original colonies of the United States and the western setting sun. The copper star in the center of the flag identifies Arizona as the largest copper producing state in the union.</div>
<div class="initial" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 2em; text-align: justify;">
The lower half of the flag is a field of blue, the same Liberty Blue found in the United States' Flag. The red found in the rays of the setting sun is also the same shade of red found in the United States' Flag. The Blue of the lower half of the flag and the yellow of the western setting sun are the Arizona State Colors. The red and yellow colors found in the rays are the colors flown by the Spanish Conquistadors led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in his unsuccessful search for the Seven Cities of Cibola in 1540.</div>
<div class="initial" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 2em; text-align: justify;">
The Arizona State Flag was adopted by the Arizona State Legislature on February 27, 1917. The blue, red, yellow and copper flag was adopted despite numerous dissenting votes and then Governor Campbell's refusal to sign the bill.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-71357313303604205482013-04-15T22:19:00.000-04:002013-04-15T22:19:50.159-04:00GIVEAWAYS!! Who Wants Some Free Stuff?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKQWjJEnJO0/UWyzmOgo2jI/AAAAAAAAAoA/t-ws0Iv2UJA/s1600/free+burst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKQWjJEnJO0/UWyzmOgo2jI/AAAAAAAAAoA/t-ws0Iv2UJA/s1600/free+burst.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Who wants to win some free stuff? Well, I've got two great giveaways to tell you about...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My friend the Homesteading Hippy is giving away an awesome prize package! Check out her post on...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://harrisheather.com/?p=3223" target="_blank">Living a Less Trash Lifestyle</a>,</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> and enter to win some way cool EcoJarz lids and stainless steel straws to help you use less disposable crap. It's a good thing, I tell you! She's got several ways to earn extra entries, and the giveaway ends in just 5 days, as of this posting [Monday, April 15]. Let's quit TAXING the environment and start being a BYOC kind of society (; What's BYOC? Head on over to her blog and read all about it!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And, the second giveaway is one I'm doing myself on my Purposeful Nourishment blog. I got so excited about CC Dolch All Purpose Gluten Free Flour that I wrote the company and told them how much I loved it and that I recommended it on my blog. Well, they linked to my blog on their website and sent me some flour and a very nice reply to my email. They're a great, family-oriented kind of company that takes great care of their customers! I am convinced I've found my "forever flour" and will be a loyal customer for sure. So, since they were so kind to send me some GF love, I'm going to share it with some lucky reader! Check out my post at </span></div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.25em 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="http://purposefulnourishment.blogspot.com/2013/04/giveaway-win-bag-of-cc-dolch-gluten.html" target="_blank">GIVEAWAY!! Win a Bag of C.C. Dolch Gluten Free Flour!</a> Giveaway ends on April 30, 2013!!</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, go get yourself entered to win some terrific prizes! </span></div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-4068291381938021312013-04-02T13:14:00.000-04:002013-04-02T13:14:12.347-04:00Grandma Has Taken on a New Meaning<div style="text-align: justify;">
My husband and I recently became grandparents. At 41. I really didn't see that coming down the pike! I suppose technically I'm a "stepgrandma" but that's quite a mouthful. I'm fine with grandma, or whatever cute little way our grandson says it. The other grandma (on our side of the family) wants to be called Mamaw, so that's a nice way to never be confused about whom he is talking about. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know I'm completely biased, but then what parent or grandparent isn't? This little guy decided his birthday would be six weeks before what the doctor said it should be and was 4 pounds and 7 ounces, 18 inches long. He is the most precious little thing! I happen to love little babies, they are just so adorable! Our daughter was born 5 1/2 weeks early and weighed in at a whopping 3 pounds 13 ounces, our son was only 10 days early and outweighed his sister at 5 pounds 8 ounces. It is just amazing to see perfectly formed fingers and toes and ears and lips and noses in miniature. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He had some trouble breathing and eating at first, and was transferred to another hospital with a better-equipped NICU. But each day he is doing better and better. The ventilator was removed after a couple of days, today they removed the IV and he is able to breast feed three times a day, although the feeding tube is still in place. If he keeps improving with his feedings and gaining weight, he should be able to come home this weekend. I can't wait for him to be home and his family to all be together. I know how hard it is to leave the hospital without your baby, especially your first one...our daughter was in the hospital for 12 days before she could come home. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One thing I have really enjoyed is watching his father interact with him. My stepson gets this soft look on his face and you can just see how much he loves his son. It makes me get all verklempt to think about it...I'm even getting all teary-eyed typing this. So many fathers walk out on their kids, especially when they are young and the pregnancy was unplanned. I really believe he is going to be a great dad, and his mommy will be a great mom. They're young and have a lot to learn, but they work well together and they both love their son to pieces. That's a good start! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My last name is a popular Amish name, although we are not Amish. And when you put Grandma in front of it, it sure sounds old. And Amish. But it's a name I proudly accept! Grandma conjures up images of softness, love, and cookies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Realizing that <i>I am grandma</i> sure puts a new spin on "grandma" now. I still think of my own grandma, or my mom or mother in law when I think it or say it. And when we're all in a room together it might take me a bit to respond to that until I'm completely used to it. But I'm OK with it. Really and truly...he is such an amazing little guy and I look forward to watching him grow, and watching his parents grow with him. It's a beautiful thing!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-89581719973977015602013-03-12T10:46:00.000-04:002013-03-12T10:46:40.622-04:00It's That Time of Year Again<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyone who knows me knows how much I hate, loathe, detest and despise DST. I've had some friends tell me they missed my annual spring rant and rave on Facebook, since I gave that up some time ago. They all think it's funny. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, we are not amused.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In fact, we are downright pissy. And tired. And counting down to November 3, the Glorious Return of my beloved Standard Time...in 236 days. Yes, I am counting...I have a countdown app on my phone. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I purposely did not do much ranting and raving about Dumb Stupid Time this year, as an experiment. Do I feel crappy because I talk myself into it? Or do I feel crappy because I don't handle the stupid time change well. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's see...today is Tuesday. The Dumb Stupid Time change was Sunday. I could hardly stay awake Sunday morning at church, and felt tired and dizzy all day. My dishes are piled up. So is the laundry. I spent all of yesterday in my pj's and robe. Haven't showered in two days because I don't have the energy and don't really care. All I want to do is sleep, because then I don't feel dizzy and out of sorts. And mostly, I just want to scratch people's eyes out. Go ahead, Mitch...get within arm's reach, I <i>dare</i> you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are a lot of people out there who love Dumb Stupid Time, they don't understand how anyone could not like it. There's other people out there who think people like me just need to "suck it up and deal with it" because it's "only one hour." These are the people who have no problem adjusting to the time change, so they think everyone should be like them. Here's a news flash for you...not everyone is like you. Haven't you noticed that yet? We look differently, act differently, react differently (if you are allergic to peanuts, then does everyone have to be allergic to them? No, that is ridiculous). So why does the way the Dumb Stupid Time change affects different people have to be the same? It doesn't, that is moronic. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maybe you have no trouble with it. That's lovely. Goody for you. But quit saying to the rest of us who do have trouble with it to "suck it up" because it's "only one hour." Actually, it's not "only one hour", as the change to Dumb Stupid Time messes with our natural Circadian rhythms: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; padding: 5px 0px; text-align: justify;">
"While we generally think that the time changes enforced by the DST transitions are 'only an hour,' they have far more drastic effects if viewed in the context of the circadian clock's seasonal changes," Roenneberg said. <b>"This seemingly small hour translates to a repeat of 10 weeks in the annual progression of the relationship between our sleep-wake cycle and dawn</b>--four weeks in spring and six weeks in autumn. In effect, it's as if the entire population of Germany, for example, is transported to Morocco in spring and back again in autumn."</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; padding: 5px 0px; text-align: justify;">
Indeed, "after taking the seasonal adjustment into account, our results show that <b>the human circadian clock does not adjust to the DST transition," Roenneberg said. "This is especially obvious in the late chronotypes in spring when one looks at their daily activity patterns. Essentially, their biological timing stays on standard, winter time, while they have to adjust their social schedules to the advanced clock time throughout the summer."</b></div>
</blockquote>
And<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">In a second study, they analyzed the timing of sleep and activity for eight weeks around each of the two DST transitions in 50 people, taking into account each individual's natural clock preferences, or "chronotypes," ranging from morning larks to night owls. <b>They found that the timing of both sleep and peak activity levels <u>readily adjust to the release from DST in autumn</u>, but that the timing of activity <u>does not adjust to the start of DST in spring, especially in those who like to stay up late and sleep in</u>. (emphasis mine)</b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024123249.htm" target="_blank">Daylight Savings Time Disrupts Humans' Natural Circadian Rhythym, Science Daily</a></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am definitely a night owl, and I can absolutely attest to the fact that Dumb Stupid Time jacks me up. And not just for a few days or a week while I "adjust." It takes months, if at all. I get to where I can at least function somewhat, but the fatigue and odd feeling of living in a parallel universe never completely goes away. I don't enjoy spring or summer at all so that "extra" hour of daylight means nothing to me, other than it ruins 75% of my year. Every year. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks again, Mitch. I'm still mad at you and so glad you're not our <strike>dictator</strike> governor anymore. Go rot in all that extra daylight.</div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-39021148513631750372013-03-04T15:28:00.002-05:002013-03-04T15:28:53.109-05:00REVIEW: The 5 Money Personalities by Scott & Bethany Palmer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sS6rRP0OhXo/UTUDouBE6pI/AAAAAAAAAlg/UVjNm10sVpI/s1600/5+money+personalities+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sS6rRP0OhXo/UTUDouBE6pI/AAAAAAAAAlg/UVjNm10sVpI/s1600/5+money+personalities+book+cover.jpg" /></a></div>
Hop on over to my <a href="http://readingonpurposeandprinciple.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-5-money-personalities-by-scott.html" target="_blank">book review page</a> for my latest <a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/" target="_blank">Booksneeze </a>review! I've read The 5 Money Personalities by Scott and Bethany Palmer, and I think YOU should read it too!King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-34523337957618060842013-01-22T20:17:00.001-05:002013-01-22T20:17:03.873-05:00Another New Year, What's New?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i250sgBTUbY/UP85cufxfNI/AAAAAAAAAj8/V5hjpLxjgMA/s1600/MC900444920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i250sgBTUbY/UP85cufxfNI/AAAAAAAAAj8/V5hjpLxjgMA/s200/MC900444920.JPG" width="155" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's hard to believe yet another year has flown by! My baby will be FIVE next month, my firstborn will be THIRTEEN...my head is spinning. There's been many changes in the last year or so, mostly in the spiritual and emotional areas for me. Good ones, thankfully! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As God continues to bring healing and restoration in my "inner man", my housekeeping improves. I realized this week that it actually bothers me to have dirty dishes piled up. Oh, it "bothered" me before...just not enough to motivate me much to do something about it until I absolutely had to. This is definitely a new, and welcomed, development.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God has been opening my eyes about some things, which I plan to blog about in the coming months. It's amazing what happens when you let go of what you have always believed to be true...what you've always been taught or assumed is true...and allow Yahweh to reveal the truth that He established in the beginning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have some big milestones approaching...a high school graduation, a grandbaby on the way, another one leaving the nest, a new teenager in the family. I'm looking forward to what this year has to offer...and I'm sure when I look back this time next year, it unfolded differently than I thought it would. Life has a funny way of operating like that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once again, we've made changes in the area of food and nutrition...some rather begrudgingly in the beginning, but are turning out to be good changes. I've got another new "tool" in my kitchen...<b><i>check out my post at my nutrition blog, <a href="http://purposefulnourishment.blogspot.com/2013/01/cooking-on-fly-with-perpetual-stock.html" target="_blank">Purposeful Nourishment, on Perpetual Broth</a>.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I continue to try and purge the clutter in the house. It now seems to be mostly contained to closets, porches (ugh...that front porch I spent so much time cleaning is in need of another purging but it's not as bad as the last time!!), unused rooms and some corners. I cleaned out the desk today, and while there is still too much in the drawers and files, I threw out a trash bag full of papers and junk that I'd been holding on to..."just in case." Every time I go through the desk, I am able to let go of a little more. I know what would really kick me in gear is to get a different desk. Then I would HAVE to get rid of stuff!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a load of stuff to take to Goodwill, but since I haven't been there in quite some time, I haven't taken it with me when I leave town. I should just take it down to the drop off box here in town. I'll have to add that as a weekly task to my <a href="http://www.shesintouch.com/" target="_blank">S.H.E. system</a>...which I've been using again with success. The dishes are done and the house in order when I go to bed unless there's just been some kind of crazy going on here. And since that just neeeevvveeerrr happens....well, it has happened a bit less it seems, since I've been more on top of my game around here lately. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">New Year's Resolutions have never been my thing, and this year is no different. I just have an overall goal, every year, to become and do better than what I was and did last year. Not so overwhelming when I think of it like that!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you have had a positive start to 2013, and whatever comes your way you will be strong and equipped to handle it. Here's to a great year!!</span></div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-32790201655356459732012-12-18T15:43:00.000-05:002012-12-18T15:43:20.894-05:00BOOK REVIEW: Everyone Communicates Few Connect by John C. Maxwell<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pBugP34Rvwg/UNDTIGWC96I/AAAAAAAAAjk/kCDc6JyKAZY/s1600-h/everyone%252520communitcates%252520cover%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="everyone communitcates cover" border="0" height="118" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-esy0QufZ9p4/UNDTMR37R-I/AAAAAAAAAjs/xuWOQ1Ezy5E/everyone%252520communitcates%252520cover_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="everyone communitcates cover" width="80" /></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">WHAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE PEOPLE DO DIFFERENTLY</span></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
“Talk is cheap. Everybody does it. The question is, how can you make your words matter and influence any outcome? How can you <i>really </i>connect with others?” In a world where communication is lightning fast and every moment of every day is seemingly saturated with messages, how can you make sure <i>your </i>message connects with its target? Do you even understand what connecting really means? John C. Maxwell explores the ins and outs of connecting and effectively communicating with those around us and offers his proven method – Five Principles and Five Practices – to help you do just that.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I was eager to get this book and improve my communication skills by actually <i>connecting</i> with people. However, I just couldn't get into it. Communication is a two-way street, so either Maxwell's writing just didn't do it for me or I possibly have some subconscious aversion to improving my communicating skills. I intend to give this book another go when I get the chance, but for now all I can say about it is that it didn't connect with me, although the following excerpt, perhaps, gives me insight into why:</div>
<blockquote>
<i>Insecurity</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<i>The final reason people often place too much focus on themselves and not on others is insecurity. I admit, this was not one of my problems as I started my career. I grew up in a very positive and affirming environment, and I did not lack confidence. However, that isn't the case for many people.</i> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
<i> </i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i>Chew Keng Sheng, a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia's School of Medical Sciences, believes that the underlying reason for immaturity and ego-centeredness, especially among public speakers, is insecurity. “I can remember the first few times when I was asked to speak,” wrote Keng Sheng. “I was literally shaking. When the speaker is insecure, he will seek approval from his audience. And the more he wants to seek approval from them, the more engrossed he becomes in himself and how he can impress others. As a result, he is more likely to fail to meet the needs of the moment.” What a negative cycle that can create, especially if a person doesn't receive or recognize the desired approval.</i></div>
</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
Insecurity is something I am familiar with, and has been an undermining factor in many personal endeavors over the years. Perhaps overcoming insecurity is the first step for me to begin honing my communication and connecting skills. I am thankful that, as Maxwell puts it, “it's a skill anyone can learn.” </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
Maxwell's Five Principles are Connecting...<br />
<ol>
<li> increases your influence in every situation<br />
</li>
<li> is all about others<br />
</li>
<li> goes beyond words<br />
</li>
<li> always requires energy<br />
</li>
<li> is more skill than natural talent<br />
</li>
</ol>
His Five Practices are Connectors...<br />
<ol>
<li> connect on common ground<br />
</li>
<li> do the difficult work of keeping it simple<br />
</li>
<li> create an experience everyone enjoys<br />
</li>
<li> inspire people<br />
</li>
<li> live what they communicate<br />
</li>
</ol>
<div align="justify">
These are all principles and practices that anyone can learn to develop and perfect, but the first step in doing so would need to be identifying roadblocks to learning the skills needed to put them into practice. While I did not “connect” well with this book, I would still recommend it to others as I think it was more of a problem on my end than with Maxwell's.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<em><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection</strong>: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <</em><a href="http://xn--booksneeze-0oa.com/"><em>http://BookSneeze®.com</em></a><em>> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <</em><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><em>http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</em></a><em>> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</em>King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-78175725910826516802012-10-29T18:39:00.000-04:002012-10-29T18:40:50.087-04:00Another GF Day at the RanchWell, ok...we don't live on a ranch. I wouldn't mind it, we could have chickens if we did! But, it was another day of GF eating here for us. Realized I had consumed something that most likely had gluten in it last night and now I'm more convinced that going GF was a good idea. Tried a new pasta. Come see what we ate today (and the recipe I made up for Millet Meatballs!) over at <a href="http://purposefulnourishment.blogspot.com/2012/10/our-gluten-free-table-today.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: orange;"><i>Purposeful Nourishment</i></span></b></a>. See you there!King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-24334726123448170112012-10-28T15:28:00.002-04:002012-10-28T15:32:14.488-04:00No Grain, No Pain<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xycZ0fNN8CY/UI2EyfilK1I/AAAAAAAAAhA/6-z2WV_bxiw/s1600-h/white-death-flour2.jpg"><img align="left" alt="white death flour" border="0" height="171" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CHNGMp_pqCQ/UI2Ez-zpMqI/AAAAAAAAAhI/wPKEgaNuwo8/white-death-flour_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="white death flour" width="244" /></a><em>There is nothing more scrumptious than the heavenly aroma of freshly baked bread, blanketing my home in total comfort. I’m a big fan of bread, and many things made with wheat. In fact, I just recently ordered a 50 pound bag of organic soft, white wheat berries…and I wasn’t out of the last bunch I ordered. I was thinking ahead, you see. Sometimes, I think I really shouldn’t think…</em></div>
<div align="justify">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div align="justify">
To make a long story short, God has convinced me to go gluten-free. For how long, I do not know. I’ve been having issues with keeping my blood sugar normal, and in my investigations on how to fix that I’ve come across interesting information regarding a connection between gluten sensitivity and high blood sugar. Yes, I know High Blood Sugar has a shorter name, but I can’t go there right now. That’s a whole other post. Probably filled with a lot of whining and profanity, to be perfectly honest.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Anyway, I have noticed that I consistently have much higher blood sugar readings after consuming something with wheat or oats, and while oats don’t have gluten, unless they are specifically labeled gluten free, they may have become contaminated in the processing if other grains containing gluten (such as barley and rye) are also processed on the same equipment. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I have wondered for some time if my son, Mister Wiggles, has some kind of gluten issue, but just didn’t want to do the elimination diet. It’s a pain in the butt, it’s expensive, and it’s hard when you’re not at home and everyone around you is eating whatever they want. As I read what I just typed, I am thinking “What a bad mother I am! I’ve thought my son had an issue, but it’s not until <em><strong>I</strong></em> have a serious problem that I do anything about it. So selfish!” Be that as it may, what’s done is done and here we are today. This week, the kids and I started doing the GF thing, my husband is doing SLG (Significantly Less Gluten…ha ha!) as long as he eats at home, as will anyone else dining at our table for the unforeseeable future. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
In the interest of saving time, both yours and mine, here are some links to informative sources of information regarding gluten:</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<a href="http://www.gluten-free-diet-help.com/gluten-sensitivity-symptoms.html" target="_blank">Gluten-Free-Diet-Help.com</a></div>
<div align="justify">
<a href="http://kalishresearch.com/a_gluten.html" target="_blank">Kalish Research - Dr. Daniel Kalish</a></div>
<div align="justify">
<a href="http://www.celiaccentral.org/research-news/Celiac-Disease-Research/134/vobid--2264/" target="_blank">Gluten Sensitivity vs. Celiac Disease - What Do We Know?</a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Already, in just a few days (five, to be exact) of not eating any gluten…aside from the little girl I babysit giving Mister some animal crackers, and me eating some Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (containing <a href="http://fitforreallife.com/2010/04/06/modified-food-starchgluten-intolerance-or-not-eat-at-your-own-risk/" target="_blank">MODIFIED FOOD STARCH</a>…oops…)…we are already seeing indications that this is a better way for us, specifically, to eat. Mister is noticeably less wiggly (he’s still a boy, and still ornery…I think that is just the way he is), Sister reports feeling less tired and more alert, and I just feel better in general and have not had such high blood sugar levels.It’s still too high, so just eliminating wheat/gluten from my diet isn’t going to magically fix things, but I think it’s a step in the right direction. I also have noticed my jeans are a bit more loose, and regardless of the reason that is a good thing.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
It appears that gluten sensitivity is genetic, and when I look back through my family line, particularly my father’s side of the family, I have to wonder if this is something in my family. It can take up to a year to really be “fully healed” from the ravages of gluten problems, so it will be an interesting journey for sure. I am encouraged by the initial changes in just a few days and plan to continue with our GF diet.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I’ll be posting recipes, so be sure to check <a href="http://purposefulnourishment.blogspot.com/2012/10/gluten-free-what-can-we-eat-then.html" target="_blank">Purposeful Nourishment</a> and see what we’re eating!</div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-30408385772866500112012-09-05T17:06:00.000-04:002012-09-05T17:06:11.794-04:00S.O.S. Challenge Update<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xBlQLkCHoNs/UEe98ocWOAI/AAAAAAAAAgk/37KuJu6X7ZA/s1600-h/sos%252520island%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="sos island" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eAK_i9Gzle4/UEe9_iRXiAI/AAAAAAAAAgs/hJMPsZn3G2c/sos%252520island_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sos island" width="199" /></a><em>It’s finally September! I so long for the shorter days, the crispness in the air and the lovely scent of autumn on the wind. The urge to bake is revving up again, and I dream of breads and anything pumpkiny emerging from my oven once more. Sigh…</em></div>
<div align="justify">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div align="justify">
It’s also the beginning of my Sick Of Stuff decluttering challenge that I’ve recently imposed upon myself. Are you curious about how I’m doing? Let me tell you!</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Even though I said I would officially start this September 1st, I found myself loading up bags and boxes of Stuff in the last couple weeks of August and taking them to Goodwill. One drawback of dropping stuff off at the store I usually go to is that they give you coupons. They always ask, and actually, I could say no, but…well, I just don’t. I will have to work on that. The good news is that even though I did shop there a couple times, I brought back home WAY less than I took in, so I’m still ahead.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
It’s a good thing I started early, though, because my dear honey hurt his back at work the other day so I’ve been busy taking care of him, plus we just had a few busy days already this month and I haven’t taken out a bag or box every day so far. It’s only the 5th, and I’m pretty sure that what I took out in August covers all of September so far. And, today I dropped off two garbage bags of Stuff – one I had loaded in the van last night but forgot to drop off while we were out, and one large, black trash bag full of toys and kid’s books and some things in my kitchen I finally decided I could let go of because actually, I hated them. I don’t know why I hung on to that infernal Pampered Chef potato masher that I couldn’t stand for so long. Every time I used it I grumbled about how much I didn’t like it. But now, it’s gone, and the things in the drawer it once resided in are all things that I use often and don’t make me mad. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I look around at all the things I KNOW I could get rid of, and still feel that “but I might need it some day” urge to hold on to them. It’s a process, I know, but I’m trying not to get overwhelmed by the bigness of it. I’m trying to focus on what can I part with right now, today? Even if it is just one thing, that is one less thing cluttering up my space and collecting dust. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Books will be the hardest to part with. And I know, I could get a Kindle or something, but I just love real, honest to goodness books. I love the feel of them, the smell of them (as long as they don’t smell musty, dusty or smoky!) and you just don’t get that in a Kindle. But many of those books don’t get read, so I’m just going to have to find a way to part with them one way or another. I thought maybe it would be a good winter project – read a book one more time for old time’s sake and then find a new home for it. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Overall, I am happy with what I’ve done so far. I don’t know that you can see a huge difference, but just knowing I’ve removed a bunch of Stuff that I didn’t love or use feels great. You can, however, see a big difference in the toy area and the shelf where we keep the kid’s books. It’s progress, and that’s always a good thing.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I’m going to continue to remove something from my home every day, even if it just gets to the back of the van to go to Goodwill, at least it is out of the house. I will remember to drop it off every week, since I’ll have to have room for groceries. “Odd-sized trash” week is coming up for our town, so I hope to have some trash to load up out front. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Well, there you have it, folks. I’m plugging away at my challenge and am trying to keep focused on the wide, clear, open space I long to have in my home – so I can breathe!</div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-63472117973537349142012-09-02T17:40:00.001-04:002012-09-02T19:02:22.669-04:00Testing....<div>
Trying out the blogger app for android. Commentors lamented over photo placement, so I'm uploading a few photos that I have taken and posted on <a href="http://www.streamzoo.com/user/intrynsic/" target="_blank">streamzoo</a>. <br />
Conclusion...may be useful for quick, on-the-go posts with one picture, but I certainly won't be using it all the time. No way to place photos where you want or add captions...boo. Oh, and twice now I've had publishing errors, BIG boo!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NMtwHuQoxxQ/UEPSKI1VpOI/AAAAAAAAAgE/3KctPvZqtMw/CYMERA_20120611_162853_wm.png" /><br />
<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uggWXIWmkc0/UEPSMHk6NmI/AAAAAAAAAgM/VaTK_ysB_RY/2012-08-31_14-40-26_HDR_wm.png" /><br />
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FBInlHB6n8g/UEPSNgtGKtI/AAAAAAAAAgU/52-0Tz-a4mY/mormingglory_wm.png" /></div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-13105348572490090282012-08-27T15:11:00.000-04:002012-08-27T15:14:00.731-04:00It’s Over,Facebook. For Real This Time<div align="justify">
<em><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HuH6IQhEOg0/UDvD9Ga2qaI/AAAAAAAAAfs/orOK-jixT-g/s1600-h/broken%252520heart%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="broken heart" border="0" height="156" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--AaRO2ncX-M/UDvD-2Mm-yI/AAAAAAAAAf0/x_w-_H6ZkVI/broken%252520heart_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="broken heart" width="103" /></a>About three years ago, I entered into a relationship with Facebook. It was fun at first. Became an obsession for a while. Then, things began to change. Subtle at first. Things you get used to after a while, and forget why you were so irritated to begin with by the change. But this </em><span style="color: blue;"><strong>time</strong></span><em>, Facebook crossed the </em><span style="color: blue;"><strong>line</strong></span><em>. </em><br />
<em><br /></em></div>
<div align="justify">
I knew it was coming. The signs were everywhere. Other people were talking about it. It’s not like I had no warning at all. But, when I still hadn’t been Timelined, I thought maybe they had forgotten about me. Or, maybe they were afraid of me…as I am not afraid to complain about things I don’t like. Just ask anyone who knows me about my feelings on Mitch Daniels and <strike>Daylight Savings Time</strike> Dumb Stupid Time. It’s been like six years since that stupid practice was forced down my throat and I still hate it. Loathe it. Detest it. But, that is a rant reserved for for two times a year. The second time is coming in approximately 65 days. Yes, I count the days until we cast off the insanity and resume to normal time keeping. Which is in 69 days, but I usually post something about it a few days ahead. <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I digress. Stupidity makes me do that.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
There are some people who actually like the new Timeline format. Others don’t care one way or the other. And many, many who hate it. Those who like it accuse those who hate it of just being resistant to change and we should just suck it up and get over it already. These are probably the same people who say we need to be tolerant of other people’s views. Hmpf. Just another example of the bigotry of the Tolerance religion – we must respect other people’s views and beliefs…except when they differ from Ours. <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I have good reasons for leaving Facebook – for real, for good – this time. I’ve been trying to break free from the FB habit for some time, but I must admit it has a pull, a certain addictive quality, that makes it difficult to break away. Much like leaving a cult…or a gang. Or trying to kick a $3000 a day cocaine habit. There’s just something about it that makes us feel good. <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Is it because we are all incredibly <strike>nosey</strike> curious? Is it because we are somehow able to feel a sense of connectedness, of community, of family, better over a cold and impersonal internet connection than we can with the people around us who are warm, breathing, bodies of flesh? <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Some say that “<a href="http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/facebook_timeline_rollout_delay.php" target="_blank">It's been suggested that people who love Timeline are narcissistic, because Timeline makes it a pleasure to design and curate a digital timeline of your life</a>.” I would also suggest that Facebook in general appeals to the narcissist in all of us. Finally, we have a free forum in which to espouse our many views on life and religion and politics, mostly free from reprisal. We are instantly “published” without the thoughtful work that goes writing a book, or even a quality blog post – spur-of-the-moment status updates can be the equivalent of diarrhea of the mouth. And, if we don’t like what someone says about our obviously superior views, we can delete their comments and unfriend them. Problem solved. <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Yes, I’m just as guilty as anyone for spouting off my views on Facebook. And I believe I am right about what I believe…why would I post something I don’t believe to be true? Or morally right? And yes, I have the audacity to disagree with other beliefs and views. I have the audacity to believe they are wrong, at times. That is my view, my belief, and it is just as valid as the opposing views and beliefs, right? According to almighty Tolerance, it should be. However, anyone with any kind of intelligence and discernment (and a Facebook page) can see that “Tolerance” is rather one-sided. </div>
<div align="justify">
Again…I digress. Induced by the stupidity of hypocritical “tolerance.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
All of this rambling is to say that I’m just completely over the whole Facebook experience. Facebook doesn’t care about its users, it cares about turning a profit. It does that by selling information that users readily hand over. There is no such thing as privacy on the internet, regardless of “privacy policies”…if you go online, you have to give out information at some point. If you choose to do that, then you can’t whine because someone else does something with it. The world is full of unscrupulous people, greedy people, people with cold hearts that only care about themselves. It’s not a world I want to be a part of, frankly.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Facebook takes up too much time. I’ve had several occasions where I quit logging in (but didn’t deactivate my account) because the dishes weren’t getting done and people were running out of clean underwear. That just really isn’t good. I’m a SAHM, my job is to take care of my family and home. Anything that interferes with that just really has to go. <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Sometimes, it takes something drastic to get us to change our bad habits and selfish ways. When Facebook decided that every user would be forcibly switched to the new Timeline, I decided that was it. I will not change voluntarily, and when they do switch me, I’m pulling the plug on my FB account. Surprisingly, it took the better part of a year for them to get around to changing my profile. As providence would have it, it was at the beginning of the month of Elul on the Hebrew calendar. A month dedicated to reflection, repentance, prayer and study. And there is just no room in all of that for the distraction of Facebook.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I will, of course, miss some things. Or, people, rather…as a Marine parent, the support of a Marine Moms group on FB has been amazing, and I’ve met some terrific ladies there. I have family around the country, as well as friends, that I rarely see, but can easily connect with on FB. Why is that not enough to keep me on there? Because real relationships require cultivation and maintenance. They require work. It is much more meaningful to get a real, honest to goodness letter from someone instead of a quick post on their “wall” or a tag in a comment somewhere. It says you care enough about THEM to take time out of your day to make an effort to let them know they are important to you. It’s not easy in this busy, electronic world we live in, true…but I think we need to reclaim some compassionate humanity and let go of cold, electronic indifference. <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I can not, of course, end this without addressing another large reason for telling FB to go jump off a cliff. As someone who does not particularly like change all that much, I most definitely do not like it forced on me. My inner child stomps her feet and fumes and pouts and spouts off about it. You can’t make me like or accept something by forcing it on me. And to think that everyone on FB is going to blindly accept whatever you throw at them is just ridiculous. At least for now…the sheeple are coming along, of course. But this woman is no sheeple and I will not be “coming along”. <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Not having the ball and chain of Facebook around my ankle has been nice. I’m kind of in a deprogramming mode – I <em>want </em>to log in, to see if anyone misses me, to see what I missed…and yet, I don’t. I thought I’d log in after a week to retrieve some information, like a message I recently received that I want to keep, some email addresses of people I really want to stay in contact with, and tie up some loose ends in a group I created. But, I’m liking not being on Facebook so much, I just might not! <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
So, for those who think I’m just being silly and resistant to change…well, think what you want. Facebook is not mandatory (yet…have you seen <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2012/08/06/beware-tech-abandoners-people-without-facebook-accounts-are-suspicious/?commentId=comment_blogAndPostId/blog/comment/1016-16026-7626" target="_blank">this about a German article</a>? Apparently, people who DON’T have a FB or other social networking account might be “suspicious”. I just might be on a List somewhere now since I don’t have a Facebook…) so I don’t have to have a FB account if I don’t want to. And I have no interest trading my personal information to use a site that forces me into a box of conformity. I would think that for the valuable trade-off of personal information to feed to their advertisers, Facebook could at least throw its users a bone and allow for some personalization. Give them a choice in the matter, so they don’t feel so…<em>violated.</em> Make them feel like you care and they might not complain so much. <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Bottom line is…I have a real life. Sorry, Facebook…it’s you, and you have to go. And don’t ever call me again, I mean it.</div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-40233465291340891952012-08-14T17:46:00.002-04:002012-08-14T17:46:14.173-04:00The S.O.S. Challenge<div style="text-align: justify;">
S.O.S. can mean several different things...Save Our Schools, HELP!!!, Switched On Schoolhouse. Anything with an S-O-S configuration, really. Right now, for me, it is an acronym for Sick Of Stuff. It's time to get serious about Stuff around here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I've gotten older, wiser, and more free of debilitating emotional issues, I have found that I'm somehow a better housekeeper. Do not read I'm A Perfect Housekeeper and My Home Should Be Featured In BHG there, please! I just mean that my home does not look like my bedroom did as a child...most of the time. If the kids have been running amok, well, it might look kind of like that. But, in general, you can see the floor and dont' have to walk on Stuff or shovel a path through Stuff to get around. The OTHER horizontal surfaces around here, however, typically have lots of Stuff on them. And I hate it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For instance, my kitchen counter is a long L-shape wth a stove at one end. There is a particular corner that I have dubbed The Black Hole. Not sure why, actually - black hole implies that things go in and are never seen again. I guess it's more of the Event Horizon thing...if it gets close to that particular area, it ends up on The Pile. I do usually see it again, when I get sick of the Overflowingness and decided to "declutter" the Black Hole. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have wanted Simplify for a long time, but I'm not sure what has held me back...and still does. When I'm away from our home, say at church for example, I get this overwhelming desire to go home and start Chucking Stuff. I feel up to it, I feel Inspired and Motivated. And, I get home and find that I just can't do it. Even though I haven't touched the papers in a certain file in my file cabinet for at least two years, I can't bring myself to throw them away. It's pathetic. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yet I long to be Free Of Stuff. I hate the choking, claustrophobic feel of all these things. Things that gather dust. Things that stare at me and remind me how disorganized I am. Things I am in bondage to, because I can not throw them out or give them away. Things that aren't worth much of anything, really. Sometimes, I think about things like What if there was a Natural Disaster and We Lost Everything. Would I survive? Of course I would. I don't really NEED most of this stuff! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And so, I have decided to challenge myself to fill up a box or bag every day of Stuff to remove from my home. Whether it goes to the trash can, consignment shop or thrift store doesn't matter. It doesn't even matter what size of box or bag, as long as something goes out of the house every day. It's just got to go. I'm calling it the SOS Challenge. I'm going to start this September 1, 2012...feel free to join me and share what your're doing! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love freecycle, but I can't wait around for people who may or may not show up to collect whatever I'm freecycling....I know myself too well. That may work for you, but it won't for me. There's a Goodwill drop box a few blocks from me, and if I have a small bag, I can also get some exercise and ride my bike down to drop it off. I also go to an area that has a Goodwill store (and I get coupons when I drop off my donations...wait, that would probably work against me!). And if nothing else, I can set it out by the road with a "FREE" sign and it will probably be gone in no time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Any challenge needs an outline, rules, goals....I'm going to think on those things and post what I come up with in a few days. For now, I have to work on psyching myself up for this challenge. To get rid of whatever it is that hinders me so I can get rid of all this Stuff that does not make me happy or serve a useful purpose in my life. </div>
King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-70219421407190415282012-04-12T12:16:00.001-04:002012-04-12T12:16:43.044-04:00Conversations With Preschoolers: Applesauce<div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6U4j0_dzFiE/T4b944d62oI/AAAAAAAAAe0/71Ky3fFUF_4/s1600-h/2012-04-12_12-06-25_HDR%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="2012-04-12_12-06-25_HDR" border="0" height="200" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cWvH34daQcM/T4b95a1YuiI/AAAAAAAAAe8/X7qheCqu7GE/2012-04-12_12-06-25_HDR_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2012-04-12_12-06-25_HDR" width="150" /></a>The following is a real, actual conversation with a real, actual preschooler. It is a great example of the conversations that I have on a regular basis, particularly with this preschooler. They always leave me feeling a little dizzy and like I’d just been sideswiped by an invisible sock monster. Or something equally absurd… </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
THE PLAYERS</h3>
<div align="justify">
Preschooler #1 is also known as Mister, but he’s not acting in this scene. Preschooler #2 is not related to us at all, she hangs out at our house frequently. The 11 Year Old is my moody daughter.</div>
<h3>
SETTING THE STAGE</h3>
<div align="justify">
The 11 Year Old came out into the kitchen and spied some organic cinnamon applesauce, recently purchased at a lovely clearance price. She asks, “can I have some applesauce?” Since we had just had a hearty quinoa breakfast, I said “not right now.” Then I went into my bedroom to gather up laundry…</div>
<h4>
SCENE 1 </h4>
<blockquote>
PRESCHOOLER #2: Dawn…<br />
ME: What?<br />
PRESCHOOLER #2: Can I have some applesauce?<br />
ME: What?<br />
PRESCHOOLER #2: Can I have some applesauce?<br />
ME: I just told The 11 Year Old she could not have applesauce, why do you think you can have some?<br />
PRESCHOOLER #2: Well, we want some stickers!</blockquote>
<h3>
CURTAIN </h3>
<div align="justify">
If there is a connection between applesauce and stickers, I can not figure out what it could be. I just looked at her and shook my head.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
We have conversations like this a lot. I shake my head…a lot. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I guess I’ve not been a preschooler far too long, their world just doesn’t make sense anymore! They sure do keep things interesting…I guess there is nothing wrong with searching for a common factor between forbidden applesauce and stickers. Who knows, it might just end up curing cancer. Or causing Democrats and Republicans to put aside their differences and actually work together for the good of the country. Or eliminate the National Debt. Or some other impossibility…</div>King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-27673248673717583172012-03-26T22:21:00.000-04:002012-03-26T22:21:04.179-04:00Spring Brings Out the Zombie in Me<div align="justify">
<em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L1_La2eFlgg/T3EOzouUf-I/AAAAAAAAAd0/Tao7kScQ4Qo/s1600-h/almond%252520blossoms%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="almond blossoms" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fB0fe0WTezE/T3EO1OLCmVI/AAAAAAAAAd8/A4TB3f-_Wrk/almond%252520blossoms_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="almond blossoms" width="164" /></a>Not one for extreme temperatures, I’ve always preferred the milder climes of Spring and Fall. In fact, it’s always been difficult for me to choose one over the other, they both <strike>have</strike> had their attractive qualities. After a long, gloomy winter, the flowers and foliage of Spring are a welcome sight. And, after a long, scorching Summer, the crisp air of Autumn is definitely a relief.</em></div>
<div align="justify">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div align="justify">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div align="justify">
<em></em></div>
<div align="justify">
<em></em></div>
<div align="justify">
No longer am I indecisive, however. I officially dread Spring now, thanks to my arch nemesis, Dumb Stupid Time. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
The sun is shining. The birds are tweeting. Flowers are blooming. The temperatures are climbing. Enjoyable to most people, yes.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
But, I am not, nor have I ever been “most people.” According to my husband, I am a vampire…evidenced by my aversion to the sun and night-owlishness. God made me with fair skin that practically bursts into flames in the sun, how is that my fault? I also have an internal thermostat that completely quits working above around 78 degrees, particularly when sun is involved – once I get hot, it takes forever to cool down, and I am very uncomfortable when I’m hot. He also apparently made me to function better in the wee hours of the night, because that is when I feel most sentient. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Not very convenient when one has a family. Especially a family that is nothing like me. They don’t understand my hatred of Dumb Stupid Time. Or my abhorrence of the sun. Or that I just can’t seem to “adjust” to the time change.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
And, it's very hard to enjoy warmer weather, pretty flowers and sparkly sunshine when one feels like a zombie all day...only to wake up at bed time. Thankfully, I have my buddy melatonin to help me get to sleep. Otherwise, I'd still be tossing and turning every night with only a dim hope of restful sleep. If you are not affected by the time change in this way, (and apparently, I am the only person in the world who is, according to lovers of DST) then be thankful, because it really bites.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
My friends say I’m too negative. And indecisive. So, here is something positive AND a decision: I’ve made up my mind about which season I like better…so, with a return to NORMAL time-keeping, less intense sun, the delightfully crisp quality to the air, upon which wafts the autumnal aromas of leaves and wood stoves outside, and the comforting scents of baking breads and things sweet and appley and cinnamony inside, Fall wins, hands down. Followed by Winter, where I can once again snuggle up in warm flannel sheeties and piles of blankets in which to drift off to sleep.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Spring, the harbinger of nonsensical time-keeping and months of zombie-brain…and Summer, whose only redeeming quality is fresh produce (thanks to that scorching, cancer-causing sunshine), are tied for the bottom of the list. I see no need to differentiate between the two, unless the next governor of our once fine state has the sense to repeal DST. In that case, though, I will once again be indecisive between Spring and Fall! </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
But, I’ll take that…and feeling normal…over the swampy, bleary-headed existence I currently spend most of the year trudging through any day.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
So, now I am trying to think of ways to simplify my Dumb Stupid Time days. Which I probably should do anyway, I'm sure. But that requires some kind of ability to think ahead and to plan, to make decisions...definitely not something easy to do right now. Maybe once my head clears and I recover from the ravages of DST (in the sweet, crispy Autumn), I can actually do just that. Then I'll be better prepared for next year's Zombie Season. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Only 231 more days...</div>King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-61512057804436331022012-03-13T12:26:00.000-04:002012-03-13T12:26:46.369-04:00DST 2012…It’s All in My Head? Yep, Apparently<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gpsiER2kfN0/T19xxHIhjSI/AAAAAAAAAdI/dnvkuxS7wk8/s1600-h/Circadian_rhythm_labeled%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="left" alt="Circadian_rhythm_labeled" border="0" height="214" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-omrmo4Ytw7Q/T19xxb21EkI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/n9YcR_6PwQY/Circadian_rhythm_labeled_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Circadian_rhythm_labeled" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hatred of Dumb Stupid Time is rooted<br />deeply in my brain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="justify">
<em>I’m a little slow in posting my annual I-Hate-Dumb-Stupid-Time-and-Mitch-Daniels blog post. You can thank Dumb Stupid Time for that. I could barely function yesterday since we all, like well-programmed robots, dutifully moved our clocks forward one hour in an inane effort to “save daylight.” Well, I didn’t. I haven’t changed a clock since we were forced to start doing it here in Indiana in 2006. I refuse to do it. I pack my Normal Time watch away and go watch-less so I don’t have to change a clock. My husband does the dirty deed here. It’s my only recourse against this ridiculous scheme. Well, the only one socially and legally acceptable anyway. And, since I love my family and have no desire to do any time in prison, I keep my other countermeasures safely locked in isolation in the deep, dark recesses of my mind. The part that is particularly affected by Dumb Stupid Time. </em></div>
<div align="justify">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div align="justify">
Many people are aware of my hatred of DST. In case you haven’t heard my ranting and raving before, let me highlight the reasons why I despise it:</div>
<ol>
<li> <div align="justify">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8gs9Go0VoAs/T19xybczInI/AAAAAAAAAdY/DFTcOiBucFk/s1600-h/wise%252520old%252520indian%252520on%252520DST%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="wise old indian on DST" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dMfcGhSi00Q/T19xy5l90DI/AAAAAAAAAdg/VtIy1IRWD7s/wise%252520old%252520indian%252520on%252520DST_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wise old indian on DST" width="244" /></a>It’s just plain stupid. You have the same amount of daylight no matter what your clock says. You don’t “save” any. You don’t get “more.” I love this picture floating around the internet, it says it very, very well.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="justify">
It was forced upon the citizens of Indiana by an egomaniacal bully of a governor – Mitch Daniels. I voted the man into office the first time, and I sincerely regret it. <a href="http://www2.indystar.com/articles/5/207646-7265-253.html" target="_blank">“In his Jan. 18 State of the State Address, Gov. Daniels called the state's "quirky treatment of time itself" a handicap to Indiana businesses.”</a> Isn’t it far more “quirky” to think we can actually change time? Isn’t it more natural to just let time be time? He also claimed the problem was that no one knew what time it was in Indiana. I’m sorry, but if Indiana never changes, then it is constant. And if you can’t figure out a constant, I don’t think the problem is with the constant…it’s with the people who aren’t intelligent enough to figure out something that never changes. And, speaking of businesses…where <em>are</em> all those businesses that were supposed to flood the state because they finally understood what time it was in Indiana? This probably had more to do with lining someone’s pockets than anything else. That and making sure that everyone knew what a big, powerful man Mitch Daniels is.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="justify">
It doesn’t save energy. I don’t know about you, but our utility bills have gotten bigger and bigger every year. We’ve lived in the same house for the last four and a half years, and there is no “energy savings” that I can see. I finally found the <a href="http://www2.bren.ucsb.edu/~kotchen/links/DSTpaper.pdf" target="_blank">study</a> that shows the move to DST actually costs the state of Indiana…more specifically the <em><strong><u>voters and taxpayers of Indiana</u></strong></em>, $9 million more! The study was done in 2008, so you know it’s costing us more than that now. Interestingly, Japan doesn’t do DST…and they’re supposed to be so much more advanced than us. Hmmm. I’d definitely say they are more intelligent.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="justify">
Lastly, but most importantly, is that it makes me feel like crap for TWO THIRDS of the year. It’s getting worse and worse every year. I am not “adjusting” to it. Monday, the day after the dumb time change, I felt tired, crabby, dizzy and hung over all day. I stayed in my pajamas and napped whenever I could. I went to bed at what my body knew to be 9:00 pm and slept fitfully…waking at least six times throughout the night. I feel like I could bite the heads off some small, furry woodland creatures today. It’s now, according to the clock, 11:07 am. I am not any more motivated to remove myself from my pajamas today than I was yesterday. I will spend the next [<span style="color: red;">244 days,12 hours, 50 minutes and 8 seconds</span>…] still feeling tired, crabby and generally “off kilter.” Many of the people who hear me complaining about Dumb Stupid Time undoubtedly think that it’s just “all in my head”. Turns out they are right…to a degree.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="justify">
Our natural Circadian rhythms are regulated by the SCN. <em>The <b>suprachiasmatic nucleus</b> or <b>nuclei</b>, abbreviated <b>SCN</b>, is a tiny region on the brain's midline, situated directly above the </em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optic_chiasm"><em>optic chiasm</em></a><em>. It is responsible for controlling </em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm"><em>circadian rhythms</em></a><em>. The neuronal and hormonal activities it generates regulate many different body functions in a 24-hour cycle, using around 20,000 </em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuron"><em>neurons</em></a>. [Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suprachiasmatic_nuclei" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>]Some of those body functions include mood regulation. DST can be very bad for bi-polar people. Isn’t it interesting that it’s located right above our optic chiasm? This means that it takes its cues from the light or darkness in our environment. So, messing with the clocks messes with the natural order of things. How typically human.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
It is also typically human to assume that a small change in something won’t really affect anything else. Or, just because it doesn't bother YOU, then no one else must be affected by it either. You know, just a small tax increase here and an a few pennies’ tax added on there won’t affect anyone really. You won’t even notice it. But the broader picture shows that slapping a few pennies’ tax on a few billion people equates to a whole lotta change. And while it may not affect YOU personally, some group, government entity or politician somewhere is going to benefit greatly from that little bit of change squeezed out of your pocket. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
It’s also very interesting that there really haven’t been a whole lot of studies done on the effects of forcing people to follow a day that is completely unnatural. However, there are a few intelligent, non-ostrich type people who seem to think more studies are needed to assess the <em>long-term impact</em> of forcing people to follow Dumb Stupid Time. Given the social deterioration in our country over many decades, I think it’s worth a look to see if there is any connection. Believe me, it is a very tenuous thread that connects me to sanity right now.</div>
<blockquote>
Despite the fact that approximately 1.6 billion people experience DST, he [Till Roenneberg of Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich, Germany] continued, few studies have investigated its impact on human physiology and behavior. The results of the few, relatively small studies that have addressed the question have generally suggested that sleeping patterns adjust within days.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In a large survey, which examined the sleep patterns of 55,000 people in Central Europe, Roenneberg's group now shows that <span style="color: red;"><strong>the timing of sleep on free days follows the seasonal progression of dawn under standard time, but not under DST.</strong></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
In a second study, they analyzed the timing of sleep and activity for eight weeks around each of the two DST transitions in 50 people, taking into account each individual's natural clock preferences, or "chronotypes," ranging from morning larks to night owls. <span style="color: red;"><strong>They found that the timing of both sleep and peak activity levels readily adjust to the release from DST in autumn, but that the timing of activity does not adjust to the start of DST in spring, especially in those who like to stay up late and sleep in.</strong></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<u>"While we generally think that the time changes enforced by the DST transitions are 'only an hour,' they have far more drastic effects if viewed in the context of the circadian clock's seasonal changes," Roenneberg said. "This seemingly small hour translates to a repeat of 10 weeks in the annual progression of the relationship between our sleep-wake cycle and dawn--four weeks in spring and six weeks in autumn. In effect, it's as if the entire population of Germany, for example, is transported to Morocco in spring and back again in autumn."</u></blockquote>
<blockquote>
Indeed,<span style="color: red;"><strong> "after taking the seasonal adjustment into account, our results show that the human circadian clock does not adjust to the DST transition," Roenneberg said. "This is especially obvious in the late chronotypes in spring when one looks at their daily activity patterns. Essentially, their biological timing stays on standard, winter time, while they have to adjust their social schedules to the advanced clock time throughout the summer."</strong></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
*Reference: Kantermann et al.: "The Human Circadian Clock's Seasonal Adjustment Is Disrupted by Daylight Saving Time." Publishing in Current Biology 17, 1--5, November 20, 2007. DOI 10.1016/j.cub.2007.10.025</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The researchers include Thomas Kantermann and MyriamJuda of Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich; Martha Merrow of University of Groningen in Haren; and Till Roenneberg of Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich.<br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024123249.htm" target="_blank">Science Daily</a>]</blockquote>
<div align="justify">
All the underlining and red font color above is my doing. Finally, proof that it’s not really all in my head. You see, I’m a night owl. I’ve had to pretend not to be since having children, and it’s very, very, very hard. I hate getting up early in the morning. I want to wake up with the sun, not in the dark…although I do love the quiet before the kids are up, the quiet in the deep, dark hours of the night is what I crave. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
So, all my crabby, groggy, hung-over-ness is not because I’ve talked myself into it, it’s because it is COMPLETELY UNNATURAL TO MOVE THE CLOCK FORWARD IN THE SPRING AND MY BODY DOES NOT ADJUST TO IT. If your body does, then good for you. Mine, however, does not. And I will never like Dumb Stupid Time because (see the list of reasons above, if you missed them) it completely goes against my nature. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
So, yes, you are right…it IS all in my head…just not the way you think. </div>King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-55332379554328800712012-02-25T17:10:00.000-05:002012-02-25T17:10:22.765-05:00No Longer a Rebel Without a Cause<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nWc_8fcKLyE/T0lW5HzYbrI/AAAAAAAAAc4/HqE8eNEgyLk/s1600-h/rebel%252520girl%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="rebel girl" border="0" height="199" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B3Jj9s3ZtlE/T0lW5g7ex8I/AAAAAAAAAdA/HSKdfEG0isY/rebel%252520girl_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rebel girl" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'll do what I want, thank you very much</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="justify"><em>I’ve been a rebel as long as I can remember. In my younger days, rebelling against the status quo, against being “good”, against any kind of authority. And, in particular, against anything having to do with God. Sin was something to be proud of, not avoid. And I didn’t avoid much sin, truth be told. I realized today that God still uses rebellion to bring Him glory and to accomplish His purposes and plans on this earth, if you can believe that. </em></div><div align="justify"><em><br />
</em></div><div align="justify">Eleven years ago, God used my tiny baby daughter to turn me back to Him. It wasn’t a Damascus Road conversion, more like turning a small ocean liner around really. It’s taken a while. But, it started with the realization that God loves me, no matter what.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">And yet, I’m still a rebel.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">If Main Stream Society does it, I probably don’t. I do things like drink raw milk and question the FDA and the Food Pyramid. I’m against vaccination. I homeschool. I believe many conspiracy theories are true, or at least contain more truth than fiction. And I don’t believe for a minute that the government really has my best interest at heart…or anyone’s for that matter. Well, aside from greedy, power-mad politicians anyway. I know there’s a few people in government who are truly good, patriotic people and are fighting against a corrupt system. But for the most part, there’s no difference between Republican and Democrat. There really is only a one-party system in America – the Politician Party. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I used to rebel just for the sake of rebelling. I lived for Sticking It To The Man. But, that really isn’t much of a cause. It’s selfish and immature. It’s based on emotional reactions. So, when I realized recently that I am still very much a rebel at heart, that concerned me. God doesn’t want us to rebel…he kicked Lucifer out of Heaven for rebelling, and a whole slew of angels for joining in with him. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">In the last year or so, I have been walking through a sort of “crisis of faith”. I don’t doubt the basic principles of my faith – I still believe that The One God created the universe in six days, the Bible is His Word, and He sent His Son to die for my sin. One day I realized that I felt that God was asking me to put everything I’ve ever believed on the altar, so to speak. Or the chopping block, if that analogy works better for you. That was a scary thought, but I eventually realized that all I had to lose were things that weren’t true to begin with. And all I really cared about was Truth. So, I said “Ok God…I’ll do it. Here You go. Burn away all that is not Your Truth” and then waited for some awesome revelation.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">And…I got >>crickets<<</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">That was disappointing, to say the least. But, God works in His own way, and on His own timetable. I kind of shelved the whole thing, and honestly, didn’t think much about anything spiritual. It was kind of nice, if I must say, to just not think about spiritual things for a while. I’ve had so many questions…so many things that just didn’t seem to add up or connect, and I could not reconcile them without concluding that the Christian faith was wrong, or at the very least, just another possibility to explain the world and life. Maybe all roads did lead to the same place. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Yet, I knew in my spirit that the basic tenets of my belief system were right. So, why were there so many things that seem to be contradictory? Why did the pieces not fit together nicely? Somehow, I came to see that my understanding of Scripture was very fragmented, disjointed, piecemeal. And trying to connect it all together was like trying to do a dot-to-dot puzzle where the dots were labeled 1 and 4, a and z, carrot and zucchini. Some of the dots could be connected because there were related to each other…numbers to numbers, vegetables to vegetables, but you couldn’t connect them all together to form a cohesive picture. Something was missing.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Whatever sparked that realization of my understanding of Scripture renewed my interest in the Quest for Truth. I realized that I could not possibly hope to understand the New Testament if I did not first understand the Old. And so, I started in the beginning. Genesis 1:1. But, I only got through four chapters before I was taken on a side trip. And it was there that I received the Awesome Revelation I’d been waiting for. I was on Damascus Road and didn’t even realize it.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I will go into it more in future posts…this one is getting long enough as it is. But, it suffices to say that as I journeyed down this side path, I could feel the veil being lifted from my eyes. Understanding began to explode – not only in my mind but in my spirit as well. I finally “got it.” I could see The Big Picture…because I understood what had been missing from my understanding of Scripture. It doesn’t change what I fundamentally believe…in fact, I have experienced a love for God in the last few weeks that is like nothing I have ever experienced before. I used to question whether I even truly loved God…but now, there is no doubt in my mind…or heart…or spirit…that I do. And I know He loves me back.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">But, I’m still a rebel. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I’ve purposed in my heart to walk down a path that is narrow. And not crowded in the least…in fact, it can be lonely at times. But when one does find fellowship with others on this path, it can be truly sweet and precious. And this time, I believe God is happy with my rebellion...because I’m not rebelling against <em>Him.</em></div>King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-88411546671407482882012-02-01T10:45:00.000-05:002012-02-01T10:45:35.504-05:00Facing the Book<div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qIqOxdx3Rzg/TyieUctXBcI/AAAAAAAAAck/EGANv-nUAFI/s1600-h/woman%252520nervous%252520at%252520microphone%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="woman nervous at microphone" border="0" height="209" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YDaTASviN_U/TyieVqKNM0I/AAAAAAAAAcs/JpnUHVQ0hb4/woman%252520nervous%252520at%252520microphone_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="woman nervous at microphone" width="197" /></a></div><div align="justify">If there was a 12-Step Program for Facebook addiction, I probably might have found myself in a meeting some night. </div><blockquote><div align="justify"><em>Hello, my name is Dawn. I’m a Facebookie. I’ve been on FB now for two years. At first, it was great…it was new, exciting, lots of fun…but then after a while, it started to take over my life…</em></div></blockquote><div align="justify">I would look out at the rows of cold, flesh-colored folding chairs filled with others who struggle with this addiction and be met with knowing glances, slight nods, maybe even that far-off look one gets when reminiscing on something Back In The Day. </div><blockquote><div align="justify"><em>…I started finding myself on FB in the strangest of places, like the shower (I just had to reply to something RIGHT THEN, it couldn’t wait)…</em></div></blockquote><div align="justify">Smiles, giggles, murmured sharing of their own Strange Places. A silent understanding of the urgency a FB post can have that can strike anywhere, anytime. </div><blockquote><div align="justify">…<em>It got to be that I couldn’t go anywhere without knowing I’d have the connection I needed to get my FB fix. My cell phone became permanently attached to me. And once I got that netbook…well, that was what pushed me over the edge really…</em></div></blockquote><div align="justify">Dark clouds drift over the eyes watching me. They remember their own Edge. They remember what pushed them over. They despise me for reminding them.</div><blockquote><div align="justify"> <em>…One day, I had a fleeting moment of lucidity. I realized that the reason every dish, glass, fork and pan in the house was dirty, the reason everyone was out of clean underwear, the reason every day got so far away from me was because of</em> <strong><span style="color: blue;">it</span></strong><em>. Because of Facebook.</em> </div></blockquote><div align="justify">A few tears now, as they go from despising me to empathizing with me. They have been there too. That’s why they were here this night in the church basement on those cold, hard flesh-colored folding chairs, surrounded by cement block walls doused in ecru…as if a fancy name for “whitish” would actually take away the institutional feel of those walls. </div><blockquote><div align="justify"><em>I decided to quit. </em></div></blockquote><div align="justify">Applause. A few “yeah!'”-s. For a brief moment, I was someone they could admire. I had made that tough decision to quit. </div><blockquote><div align="justify"><em>Cold turkey.</em></div></blockquote><div align="justify">Gasps. Heart-clutching. One poor lady began to shake uncontrollably. I had moved beyond Nobility and into the Land of Absurdity. What? Who does that? Who just quits FB cold turkey? </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I’ll tell you who does that. Someone who realizes that time is an irreplaceable commodity that must be managed well if anything meaningful is to come out of its use. Someone who realizes that clean dishes and underwear, while part of the mundane, are vital to good health and comfort. They are part of the background on this set in which we play at life. Someone’s gotta do it…and unless you can pay someone to do it for you, YOU need to do it or delegate it properly. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Ok, so maybe I didn’t actually attend a Facebookies Anonymous meeting in a cold, cement block walled church basement with flickering fluorescent lights…but the thing about the dishes was true. And there was one day that my three year old didn’t have any unders, because mama was too busy on FB to do the laundry. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">And so, as of January 1, 2012, I cut myself off of FB. And in this last month, my kitchen has been clean most of the time (debilitating FB addiction aside, housework and organization and time management have never come easy to me…), the laundry is caught up, and I am able to enter my Father’s rest on the Sabbath. It’s a wonderful thing.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">But so is FB and the internet. They can both have a useful purpose. Morphine, after all, is very useful in treating excruciating pain. But with anything that has the potential to become a life-controlling addiction, the key is to use them responsibly. And so, as I return to the land of FB today, I do so with some rules:</div><ol><li> <div align="justify">I will not start my day off on Facebook</div></li>
<li> <div align="justify">If the dishes are dirty, NO FACEBOOK</div></li>
<li> <div align="justify">If anyone is out of any kind of clothing, NO FACEBOOK</div></li>
<li> <div align="justify">If my husband needs my attention or assistance, NO FACEBOOK</div></li>
<li> <div align="justify">If my children need my attention or assistance, NO FACEBOOK</div></li>
<li> <div align="justify">And, most importantly, if I haven’t spent quality time with my God today, NO FACEBOOK</div></li>
</ol><div align="justify">Now, if everything is in order…my worship and work are done…then I will allow myself a reasonable amount of time on Facebook. I suspect I will have to use a timer…because time really has a way of getting away from me. There is no Daytimer that can help me, trust me…</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">And if I find myself breaking the rules and my family comes to me hungry and naked as I sit at my computer completely absorbed in Facebook…I will have to cut myself off again, only the next time it probably ought to be permanently. Serving my Creator, my family and life in all it’s unpredictable bliss are far more important.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Really. I’m very sure of that. I think…be sure to watch my FB wall in case I change my mind (; And, if you see me on Facebook, don't be afraid to ask me if the dishes are done or if my family is running around naked.</div>King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140412306269939157.post-28209409998446369162011-10-10T12:42:00.000-04:002011-10-10T12:42:17.149-04:004 Words to Never Say While Canoeing<div align="justify"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NxyBPtWPvbE/TpMZNeTofSI/AAAAAAAAAbU/XT5i-f1Wy68/s1600-h/100_3815%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="100_3815" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lF0bEbBK0lc/TpMZNyAtRpI/AAAAAAAAAbY/hRdOWoOLUE0/100_3815_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="100_3815" width="244" /></a><em></em></div><div align="justify"><em>If you ever find yourself canoeing down a river…or worse yet, heading back upstream to the boat launch after having been on the river for a while so you can go home…I would like to caution you against saying four little words. There’s nothing inherently wrong with those words, in fact, they really are good words to say. Just not when you’re in a canoe. Heading upstream…</em></div><div align="justify"><em><br />
</em></div><div align="justify">My husband wanted to check out a potential area for duck hunting, so we packed up his newly-camo’ed canoe and headed to a fish and wildlife area about four hours away. It was a beautiful day…I saw gorgeous fall foliage on the way and was able to read a really good book I’ve been enjoying recently. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">A very nice guy helped get the canoe off the van at the boat launch and we set off down river. The scenery was beautiful, we saw all kinds of interesting things…blue herons, a boot, a crazy little house that looked like some place the team from Criminal Minds might end up at to investigate some gory crime (Dueling Banjos danced briefly through my mind as we floated on by), several eagles – even a male Bald Eagle. It was lovely and relaxing. And I enjoyed just spending the day with my husband.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">We turned around to head back, which meant we were heading upstream. Against some pretty strong currents at times. We were very thankful for the trolling motor hubby had brought along. All was going well as we headed back to the boat launch.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">And then…I had to go and silently whisper Four Little Words. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Like I said above, there’s nothing wrong with those four words. But, as I keep forgetting…they are just entirely too vague. They leave so much open to wild interpretation. I really should know better by now.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">What did I say?</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vMpK4L-34CQ/TpMZOxoNsrI/AAAAAAAAAbc/Qe40h74XDUI/s1600-h/speak%252520to%252520me%252520god%25255B8%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="speak to me god" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mtl98SzuO10/TpMZPcgq3kI/AAAAAAAAAbg/-7VTvAttpWw/speak%252520to%252520me%252520god_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="speak to me god" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am, so naively inviting God to speak...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">In a moment of Creation-inspired awe and wonderment, I invited the God of the Universe…YHWH…Adonai…to speak to me. I wanted to hear what was on His heart. I wanted a glimpse of the multitude of thoughts He has toward me. Which are all good, according to my favorite verse:</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><blockquote><i>“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace (wholeness, well being, health, blessing) and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”</i><br />
<em>Jeremiah 29:11</em></blockquote><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VM1RvCDsZaA/TpMeQ2PjaWI/AAAAAAAAAbk/6wLV4AhSAis/s1600-h/100_3805%25255B16%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="100_3805" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vMJIs237UE4/TpMeRZwiBLI/AAAAAAAAAbo/-ANfBtvFBbc/100_3805_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="100_3805" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't this serene and beautiful? <br />
Can you see why I was all caught up in Creation-inspired wonderment?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">So there I was: heading upstream with my beloved, in awe of the beauty around me, filled with joy at being a Daughter of the King. Feeling fortunate to be part of God’s glorious and magnificent creation. And then…</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="center">GOD SPOKE.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="justify">He did not speak by tipping the canoe, for that I am very thankful. But, He spoke with an Object Lesson.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><hr /><span style="font-size: small;">ob·ject lesson</span>, <em>noun \ˈäb-jikt-, -(ˌ)jekt-\ <strong>:</strong> something that serves as a practical example of a principle or abstract idea</em><br />
<hr /><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Mere moments after offering up that silent supplication and posting via cell phone praise for the inventor of the trolling motor and the fine folks at Minn-Kota, the trolling motor got caught on a log. The new prop, fortunately, was spared any damage but the switch that controlled the speed of the motor was stuck on one speed, which was not Fast. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I thought I was prepared for our trip, I even had a little first aid kit packed and snagged some toilet paper from a Walmart restroom…just in case. But, we did not have any tools with us. What we needed was a long philips screwdriver. My husband tried every MacGyver trick we could possibly come up with. If only we had some gum, a paper clip and a comb…</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">We were then faced with paddling back, for the most part. Fortunately, the trolling motor was at least not stuck in reverse. But the current was so strong in some areas it didn’t help at all. And the river would randomly go from deep to so shallow our paddles were hitting bottom with each stroke – no way could you have the motor down in the water in those places. And we were several miles down river…this was not exactly what I meant when I said “Speak to me, God.”</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">But God was speaking, and what I was hearing was that whenever we decide to go our own way and do things in our own strength, it is just like trying to paddle upstream. You paddle, paddle, paddle and don’t hardly get anywhere. You wear yourself out and get frustrated. Things go wrong. You find that you are completely unprepared and completely alone. It takes longer to get where you were going, and often times it is right back where you started…because you went off on the wrong way to begin with. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I know I have been through this object lesson before. Several times. I’m pretty sure I don’t need to go through it again…only, we are currently trying to discern God’s will for our family. My husband is looking for a job, we are willing to go where God says to go – we just need to hear where…and <em>when</em>. I feel like now is the time to go, and we are pretty sure about where. But, I guess it’s always good to be reminded NOT to try to force things before their time and not try to do them in our own strength. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Our canoe trip adventure sure didn’t go the way we expected. Why that might have been a surprise is beyond me. But, we stayed dry and unharmed, learned that we work well together in adversity, and were reminded again how important it is to "go with the flow" when it comes to God's plans for our lives. And, in spite of it all, we had a really good time. Just ask my husband about the frog…</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ieQbdDQQXTg/TpMZPyQb3lI/AAAAAAAAAbM/R_RTWFbkWyQ/s1600-h/michigan%252520j%252520frog%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="michigan j frog" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yOLfCGe8T_Y/TpMZQV4G6fI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/luuQtZEuI7I/michigan%252520j%252520frog_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="michigan j frog" width="144" /></a></div>King's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11946812226614285331noreply@blogger.com1