Friday, May 29, 2015

{Just my opinion} Josh Duggar & Christian 'backing'








The news of Josh Duggar is everywhere.  On TV, articles popping up everywhere, on important news stations, on entertainment news.  Everywhere.

I'm going to be really honest here.  When I first heard the news, I wasn't that shocked.
Maybe because much doesn't shock me.  I almost feel like everyone has something they want to hide.. everyone has a secret.  Some are small & don't make a hill of beans difference, others have these deep dark secrets, like Josh's secret... but it still doesn't shock me.

Color me jaded I guess.

The only thing that shocks me is death I think.
Princess Diana... Michael Jackson... Whitney Houston's death - surprising.
Princess Diana's divorce - Michael Jackson's weird child thing - Whitney Houston's drug abuse ... none of that shocked me.
See? 

I think its definitely a sad situation. 
Here's a family that stood for values & to have such a gross scandal upon them, it's sort of messed up in its own way.
& I think the saddest thing of it all is all the people who have always wanted to see the Duggars fail.  That's so odd to me.  That people want to see others fail just because they live a lifestyle that they don't agree with.  What's with that?

I don't claim to say that what Josh Duggar has done isn't worth forgiving... I'm also not saying that what he has done isn't extremely bothersome.  I will say, its something I can't wrap my mind around.

What I can say is that I feel so sorry for his family now.  There are innocent children, his children, that I have a feeling are going to be victims in this & they have done nothing wrong in the situation.  I pray for his children.

& I think in all of this, I have one big issue that really bothers me.

The Christian support he is receiving.

That sounds weird I know.

But I am seeing Christian politicians stand up for him, Christian artists, Christian leaders... all making 'statements' that they are in support of Josh Duggar.
That's all well & good. 
I too am support of anyone repenting of sin, finding forgiveness, making wrongs turn into rights....
but what seems odd to me & makes me question... when John Doe is on the news for molesting young girls, these same Christian politicians, leaders, artists... you hear nothing from them.  Crickets.
No one speaks out for the 'ordinary' person who has sin they have in their past.
Believe me, we all see lots of people with sin in their lives on the news every day...

I don't know... I just think it makes it look like being a Christian is a special club... & you have to be in it to receive the support & backing of others.  Doesn't hurt if you are a popular, money making Christian at that.

I feel so funny saying that because I am a Christian...
I have seen sad situations of sin coming to light for some people... & have personally seen churches & people in churches turn their back on these people who confess their sins...

& I want to note, I have also seen some churches reach out to people & work on loving them as Christ loves them... it happens both ways, I get that....

It just seems there can be a double standard on who gets the 'voiced forgiving' of a Christian community.

I think in all of this, its a good opportunity to show to the world about being nonjudgmental & showing forgiveness to a world that so needs so much forgiving love... but I think its something we need to do for ALL situations - not just for a Duggar.

& I do pray for the whole Duggar family as a whole.  I feel like they are a family of such strong faith, that this won't deter them.  But I know it has to open old wounds that are tough to deal with.  Especially publicly.

I also pray for the young ladies that have lived with this traumatic experience happen to them.  Forgotten victims.
So I say as a Christian, let's take the opportunity here to show the world that you don't have to be someone 'special' or star on TV, but grace & mercy is available to everyone....

What's your opinion?

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Thankful Thursday {Link Up #21}

Thankful Thursday
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.  ~John F. Kennedy

This week I am Thankful For:

... Time Warmer FINALLY - FINALLLLLLYYYYYY - got our home alarm system working.  It only took 2 months. Geez.

... a few days off work.  I needed to get away from there... a break.

... Ricky got our yard looking so nice & clean... weed free!


& since we have flowers planted & hanging pots
I'm loving my clean yard right now

... Emerson (my grandbuddy) reaching out for me to take her & snuggling with me. Totally made my Sunday.

... Making it 27 days out of 27 days for the 10K challenge this month. I'm so close to the end of making the goal of 10,000 steps every day.  It's been tough. My shins are all a mess with all the extra steps.  But I feel so accomplished.

... Pinterest helping me out with ideas for the 21 Day Fix. 


... Isaac graduated Kindergarten last week.  He really did so much better this year & is so much more prepared to head into 1st grade.  It's been so amazing to see how this once shy boy has really come out of his shell.





... Seeing past photo clients.  I always love seeing people that I make fast connections with.

... my straightening iron... summer weather hair needs some sort of help with this humidity.


... tried Avocado Rolls at our Japanese restaurant.  I took a chance & it paid off. It was DELICIOUS!




...I'll also add in I'm thankful I was right about my avocado rolls.  Ricky was for SURE that was some sort of fish on the side.  We later found out (Thanks Instagram friends) that its pickled ginger.  It has a strong smell so I was afraid to try it. Now that I know what it is, I may give it a little go next time.


What are you Thankful for this week?


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Hodgepodging it out....




1.  Did you do anything 'memorable' this past weekend?

Cleaning my house ... it's been so long, I'll count it as miserable.
.... I mean memorable....



2. Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying-

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."  

Your thoughts? Do you somehow acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms you enjoy? Did your upbringing contribute to that sense of appreciation? If you're a parent, are there specific things you do to pass on this sense of responsibility and appreciation to your own children in regard to the freedoms they enjoy?

Its sad to say, I've never really given much thought to the freedoms we have... I think when you're raised in it, its easily just taken advantage of.

I have to say, I'm not sure how much 'freedom' we will have for the next generation with the way the government is being ran.  I'm not huge into politics, but I've seen & experienced enough to see freedoms taken away already. .... Health Insurance, I'm talking to you. ...






 3. Loudest noise you've ever heard?

My first KISS concert....

I honestly was deaf for a week.  Not even joking.


 4. What was the last thing you ate that might be considered 'junk food'? Did you enjoy it?

A cheesy grilled cheese.  mmmm.... I start the 21 day fix on Monday so enjoyed every last cheesy bite of it.

 5. When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt 'packed in like sardines'?

At Luke's pre-K graduation.  Get a bunch of proud parents & grandparents together all trying to take the same picture, yeah... bunched together.  My photographer side kicked in though in the crowd.  There was a pre-teen standing right in the middle of the kids.  I was like, "HEY KID... DOWN UP FRONT"... You're welcome other parents & grandparents.

 6. Are you organized when it comes to packing for a trip? Do you make a list weeks in advance or toss items in last minute? Are you a carry-on only sort of packer or do you need an entire suitcase for your shoes?

Oh my gosh... here's our marriage issue. I am SUCH a planner & list maker.  Ricky is the person who wakes up an hour before we leave... make that 30 minutes before we leave... & runs through the house to throw things in a bag.  Traveling is the worst for us.  I can't even deal with the question with all the anxiety it brings up.

 7. What was the last sporting event you attended in person? Did your team win? Did you care?

I'm not a sporting event person...  I'm more of a play, theater person....

We TRIED to make the grand-dudes softball game 2 weekends ago .... but it was rained out.  See, even Mother Nature doesn't want me at sporting events.


 8.  Insert your own random thought here.

All my shows have ended.... I think my DVR is giving a big sigh of relief. 
But you can bet I'm already intrigued by The Bachelorette. 
Any other summer shows I need to check out?
... by the way, this topic makes me miss Drop Dead Diva....


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The weekend that finally had some down time....



Everyone feeling a little 'off' with it being a long weekend?

It was a little bit of everything... busy, family, some relaxing & YES, some housework.

Finally.  Praise Jesus!

Saturday, Ricky had to work & I had a follow up appointment for my glasses.  Basically because I can't see out of them.  Isn't the point of glasses to be able to see?  Maybe I'm a little confused on it. 

But they had to recheck my eyes... we'll see how that turns out.

Ricky got home & we just hung around the house ... Ricky cut the grass.  I cleaned up my kitchen. Yeah, it basically took me all day.  Mercy me.

I did take a break to get out in the beautiful day & finish up my 10k steps...


We then made Saturday night a movie night. I FINALLY got to see Mockingjay Part 1 ... only 6 months late.  But hey, I said, its only 6 months for me now for Part 2.  Much better then a full year.

Poor Ricky fell asleep in it within the first 30 minutes.  So much for movie night. Harvey kept me company.

Sunday had us back at church with the fun kiddos...

After we left there, I had to run down to the store & ran into a set of twins I did their senior pictures about 3 years ago.  I love running into my past clients.  These girls are just gorgeous - inside & out... I was so happy to see them.  I always tell them they are my 2nd favorite set of twins...


I got to hang out with my favorite set for an early Memorial Day cookout at my parents...

These girls...

Family

I always thought I loved when they were little girls... but I have more fun with them at their age now.  Talking to them. The conversations.  The bugging them like only an aunt can do.

It was a perfect day for a family hangout...


Memorial Day actually had me sleeping in... after 8 am... & even then I thought I was going to fall back asleep.  It was like some sort of coma...

I ended up cleaning my bedroom.  Poor Harvey hates when I change sheets & make him stay off the bed. It's like some sort of torture to him.  He's always the first one to make sure to get back on the bed.  Stingy guy claims the bed every time.

Ricky & I headed out to Home Depot to load up on mulch & yard goodies & then headed out to dinner.  It was like the world had stopped. I guess everyone was having Memorial Day cookouts or thought stores were closed because even Target was like a ghost town.  It was wonderful.

Everyone still knew that Michael's was open though.  Us crafty people will get out no matter what & take advantage of sales in craft stores!  The line to check out was crazy.  Totally worth it though.

& that was it... a pretty laid back weekend.... for us. 

I could really get use to this!

How was your Memorial Day weekend?

Friday, May 22, 2015

Friday Favorites

 

Favorite Wish List Item

12 Cheap and DIY Graduation Gifts (That You'll Actually Use!) - See more at: http://www.studentadvisor.com/articles/12-cheap-and-diy-graduation-gifts-that-youll-actually-use#sthash.qJdOT2ce.dpuf

Isn't this fantastic?
I would love to take this for a walk... but one question -
who has keys that small anymore?
 
 
 Favorite Thought

Michael Baisden Live's photo.
 
  
 
 Favorite Crafty Video
 


I am all about knit skirts in spring & summer
& this looks like something I could even do... maybe?
I'm going to have to give it a try!!!

Favorite Beauty & The Beast

Beauty and the Beast tattoo


Oh. My. Gosh!
I so love this!
I am kinda obsessed with Beauty & the Beast tattoos
Granted - some of them are hideous & I'm embarrassed for the people who have them - but this one is amazing!!!



Favorite Drink

A Skinny & Healthier "Frappuccino" you can make at home! - Eat. Drink & be Skinny! | Eat. Drink & be Skinny!

I need to try this... I'm always looking for some yummy coffee drink that isn't crazy on the calories or junk in it.
Link right HERE


Favorite Knit Item

Knitting Just Got Better

This is all sorts of fantastic!



Favorite Funnies
 
 
 This Snapchat that proves it isn't always a good idea to blend in. | 29 Snapchats That Are Too Clever For Their Own Good


And family portraits: | 25 Stock Photos Made Better With Completely Inappropriate Captions


Funny Pictures – 72 Pics

 
 Julia Louis-Dreyfus on David Lettermans final episode

 
 
Anytime I look up a simple thing on WebMD
 
 
 
 When my step-daughter recommended espresso be poured on top of ice cream

 
 ....After I ate my espresso covered ice cream

 
 
When I hear my name being mentioned from a coworkers office
 
image
 
 
at 4:00pm today... ready for a long weekend!

 Baby Dance
 
 Happy Friday Y'all!!!
 
 

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Thankful Thursday {Link up #20}

Thankful Thursday

“Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgement of what is working in our lives can help us not only to survive but surmount our difficulties.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach
 
This week I am Thankful For:

... my uncle was diagnosed last September with pancreatic cancer... this past week, he got news that he is in remission!  YAHOOO!!!!!  So excited for him to get a break from chemo & to enjoy life a little bit more!

... having a safe trip to & from Nashville.  We didn't even have to stop in the construction areas!  That's a huge blessing.  Me in stopped cars on the expressway is not a pretty picture.

... Luke's graduation being on a Saturday!!!  Whoever planned that, I applaud.


... that the boys love their Pappy so much.  They really just can't enough of him.

... How much Luke looks .... & acts... like Ricky. I told Ricky he couldn't have had a son who was more like him if he tried.  That he has a grandson that is an exact version of him is just the coolest.


... getting to spend time with Julie talking while we went on a walk.

... Harvey Dent was ok for his first time that we left him overnight.  We were a nervous wreck.

... Iced Coffee for nights when I need to stay up late.

... For memories of my sweet friend even after she's been gone for 8 years now.

Miss you every day friend


... Getting hospital bills paid off from when I had to go to the ER in December.  I loathe bills.

... had a $7.00 off coupon at the grocery.  I actually walked out only spending $71.00 after coupons & discounts. I NEVER get out under $100.00!  I felt like I was strutting out of the store!

... Harvey did so good at the vet this week.  He was so good with people in the waiting room & he listened so good when he was told to sit & stay.  I was so proud of our big boy.  (He's totally OK - he just had to go for a follow up for shots & to have his paw looked at where he's been licking the fur off of it)

isn't he so handsome?!?!?!

... Harvey's new harness (You can kinda see it in the picture - the black in that white fur on his chest)... I can finally take him somewhere myself. He's so strong & a handful on my own... but with this new harness, I'm all good.

... a husband who works so hard every day

.... funny things. I just love to laugh. Makes life so much brighter.


What are you thankful for this week?



Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Hodgepodge ... where no one laughs...




1.  Did you make someone laugh yesterday? Was it intentional?

Probably not... no one in my office laughs.  Ever.

& the poor hubs is usually too tired from work to ever laugh.  It requires muscles to laugh & his muscles are all worn out by the time he gets home.

I'm sure I made my dogs smile though if that counts for anything.

Basically everyone in my life

2. What's a simple question with a complicated answer?

How to loose weight....

I'm sorry - its more then just cutting calorie & working out.  Been there. Done that. Don't work.



3. Rhododendrons or azaleas...you have to choose. Are either currently blooming in your yard?

Does it say anything to you that I have no idea what either of those words are?




I have weeds blooming.  I'm good at those.



4. May 21st is National Waitstaff Day. Have you ever worked as a waiter/waitress? How would you rate the experience? What was the best/worst part of the job?

I've never been a waitress & know I'd be awful at it. I have issues with touching other people's plates, silverware & ESPECIALLY cups.  If I can see fingerprints, I'm gagging touching it.  & plates with eaten food?  I gag.

A gagging waitress is not a good waitress.

This would be me every time I came to your table


5. What fashion trend for women should be outlawed? How about one for men?

Booty shorts for women...

the sagging pants for men...


What is the deal with trying to show off all the bums? 

Keep it to yourself people!


6. Name a writer who inspires you....now tell us why.

Max Lucado.... I love when he has any new books coming out.  Most Christian authors that write about insight from the Bible just sorts of loose me.  But everything I've ever read of Lucado's, I totally get.  I highlight half of the book every time I get a new one.  I have a whole bookshelf full of his stuff...  Keep 'em coming!



7. What well known quote or saying sums up your plans for today or this week?

Is there a quote for "putting off housework"?  ... because that's basically it every day of my life.




8.  Insert your own random thought here

WHOOO HOOOO... another great season for Dancing with the Stars!  I was so happy with the final 3, I didn't even care who won.  I actually gave all my votes to Riker because I figured everyone would be voting for Rumer with her star-studded parents & all the Hollywood friends she has... but I'm not mad she won - she deserved it.  Glad for Val that he finally got the win.  I'm just sad its all over!!!!



But glad that Extreme Weight Loss is back with Chris & Heidi... that's my favorite weight loss show around!  Bite it Biggest Loser!


Chris & Heidi
.... or more like Ken & Barbie....


 
Come back tomorrow & link up with me for
THANKFUL THURSDAY!!!


Social Media World

Come Follow Me