Wow! I just watched a fascinating movie about whether or not the start of Bethlehem was real, and if so, what was it!. Here is the trailer to watch.
Go here to see the evidence and other information, as well as how to order the movie. In Atlanta, Atlas Piers is giving the movie away for free.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tales of Trouble Makers
My two middles are only 19 months apart from each other in age. Let's just say that supreme powers above were at work here, because having two children so close together was not my idea! But God certainly does have a sense of humor, and many times I think He has a lot of fun laughing at me.
Superhero is the older one at five years and, I might add, the combustion behind the engine. His little sister, Princess is right behind him in age, height and ability for destruction.
I call them my middles, but many times I think of them as the trouble makers. Now, I'm not saying that my other two don't get into hot water, but these two must have contests on who can make the most messes.
Take yesterday for example: I am sweeping the floor after an adventurous lunch. Next thing I know, I hear the two middles exclaim (in a whisper) "here she comes!" This is my clue to start sweating.
I went into the family room and lo, and behold, they have just dumped out an entire bottle of glitter. Well, I'm cleaning that up and I go back into the kitchen and the floor is messy again! And they haven't eaten anything!!!
How does this happen?
Well, I have figured out that there are secret gnomes that follow Superhero and Princess around the house knocking things over and generally making a mess. that's the only logical explanation to the constant state of general mayhem and disorder.
As I sit here and type, I have sent my oldest upstairs to spy on the middles because we both hear crashing (as if they are jumping off of furniture).
*sigh*
Next paycheck we are buying window bars too.
Superhero is the older one at five years and, I might add, the combustion behind the engine. His little sister, Princess is right behind him in age, height and ability for destruction.
I call them my middles, but many times I think of them as the trouble makers. Now, I'm not saying that my other two don't get into hot water, but these two must have contests on who can make the most messes.
Take yesterday for example: I am sweeping the floor after an adventurous lunch. Next thing I know, I hear the two middles exclaim (in a whisper) "here she comes!" This is my clue to start sweating.
I went into the family room and lo, and behold, they have just dumped out an entire bottle of glitter. Well, I'm cleaning that up and I go back into the kitchen and the floor is messy again! And they haven't eaten anything!!!
How does this happen?
Well, I have figured out that there are secret gnomes that follow Superhero and Princess around the house knocking things over and generally making a mess. that's the only logical explanation to the constant state of general mayhem and disorder.
As I sit here and type, I have sent my oldest upstairs to spy on the middles because we both hear crashing (as if they are jumping off of furniture).
*sigh*
Next paycheck we are buying window bars too.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
A Modern Day Parable
There once was a father who had a son. Like most fathers, this one loved his son very much and wanted him to grow up with good character. He has was a good father and tried to teach his son and protect him from harm.
When the son was a toddler, he started acting like most toddlers do and wanted his own way in everything. "I want this toy!" and "I want that food!!"
It was enough to drive his father crazy. But the father was patient, and tried to instill wisdom in his son.
One day, the son was doing something very dangerous. He decided to walk on a tall rickety gate. His father tried to warn him that it was dangerous, but the son wouldn't listen to him.
And alas, the son fell.
When he got up, he looked right at his father and asked, "Why did you let that happen to me?!"
His father was flabbergasted! He had tried to warn his son about the dangers he was facing, and when his son hurt himself, he blamed him.
As this son grew a bit older, he started to do more dangerous things, including playing with fire. One day, he set on fire a garbage can that belonged to the neighborhood bully. The bully came around and tried to beat up the son, but the father came to defend him.
The father tried to get his son to see the error of his ways, and the son tried to act better.
For a while.
Then back to misbehaving went the son, no matter how hard the father tried to teach him about doing justly and loving mercy.
Finally, the son decided that he was not happy at home and decided to run away. He thought that his father was being too harsh with him, and that he wanted to have "more fun." So he took some of his father's money, sneaked out the window and went to the train station. He got on the first train headed south.
From then on, the son was on his own. No longer did he have his father's protection against the bullies of the world. No longer did he have his father to love him and protect him. His father still loved him, but could not protect him because he was not at home.
The father still watches for him every day. He still hopes that he'll return. And if he does, there will be a huge party.
Until then, he waits... and hopes.
God bless,
Brandie
When the son was a toddler, he started acting like most toddlers do and wanted his own way in everything. "I want this toy!" and "I want that food!!"
It was enough to drive his father crazy. But the father was patient, and tried to instill wisdom in his son.
One day, the son was doing something very dangerous. He decided to walk on a tall rickety gate. His father tried to warn him that it was dangerous, but the son wouldn't listen to him.
And alas, the son fell.
When he got up, he looked right at his father and asked, "Why did you let that happen to me?!"
His father was flabbergasted! He had tried to warn his son about the dangers he was facing, and when his son hurt himself, he blamed him.
As this son grew a bit older, he started to do more dangerous things, including playing with fire. One day, he set on fire a garbage can that belonged to the neighborhood bully. The bully came around and tried to beat up the son, but the father came to defend him.
The father tried to get his son to see the error of his ways, and the son tried to act better.
For a while.
Then back to misbehaving went the son, no matter how hard the father tried to teach him about doing justly and loving mercy.
Finally, the son decided that he was not happy at home and decided to run away. He thought that his father was being too harsh with him, and that he wanted to have "more fun." So he took some of his father's money, sneaked out the window and went to the train station. He got on the first train headed south.
From then on, the son was on his own. No longer did he have his father's protection against the bullies of the world. No longer did he have his father to love him and protect him. His father still loved him, but could not protect him because he was not at home.
The father still watches for him every day. He still hopes that he'll return. And if he does, there will be a huge party.
Until then, he waits... and hopes.
God bless,
Brandie
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Eleven Score and Twelve Years Ago
politics.
*sigh*
So, when we declared independence 232 years ago (I checked- a score is 20 years), we were running from the tyranny of a King that wanted to rule us from afar.
But if you go back even further, say 401 years ago, pilgrims came to the "new world" to escape the king of the same country (though I agree with Thomas Paine that our parent country was not England but Europe in general).
Here is a link to the Declartion of Independence. It's good to read and not too long.
Our country was founded on the idea that we can do things ourselves, if left alone to do it. We were not asking for handouts, on the contrary! We limited our government to only govern the people where necessary. That is why the federal government was made to be limited. Let me say that again. The federal government was made to be limited.
*sigh*
Now, some in the government want us to go back to the European way of life, because they see a "fraternity", if you will, a group of buddies who work together to protect what they have. I think we have forgotten where we came from.
We won't mention that many of these European countries don't think very highly of us, and enjoy it when we suffer. Nor will we mention that many of these countries have been rescued by the United States at least once if not more.
Nor will I mention that their style of government has allowed the largest influx of terrorists in the world, ready to strike at a moment's notice. This population has also been allowed to infiltrate these same governments in such a way as to turn their ideology from fairness and tolerance of all views to intolerance of Jews and Christians. Just look at the news. It's on the record.
Now, before you send me hate mail, please don't. I am well aware of the "imperfections" of our own country. We spend more education money per student than anywhere else in the world, and we are still graduating high school seniors who don't know how to read. But don't you see? It's that same kind of thinking that has been leading us right to where we are.
I call it entitlement thinking. If we think we are entitled to anything, other than life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, than we get away from the root of who we are as a country. So many people, myself too I admit at times, get caught into thinking that "I am a victim who has no voice who is helpless. I have no hope."
Hence why Obama is so popular. His "hope" campaign feeds on the "pity" part of us who want something for nothing. Now, he wants to redistribute the wealth.
All that's fine and dandy, for those who have not worked hard for that money. It's another thing when you have sweated and toiled to make things work, and when they do, the government wants a third of your profit.
*sigh*
I'm sorry, I just get frustrated at the thought of turning the world's greatest country into "one of the gang." I don't mean any offense to Europe, but we were founded on a different set of principles, one that has lead to some of the best innovations in the world, and lead to the quick rise of power and leadership of the US. Why do we, then, want to go back to where we came from?
Because some in the world view our flag as a symbol of oppression? I am truly sorry if some think so, for that has never been our intention. But then, most of those that do are the very ones that want to kill all of us. Men, women, children... the more the better!
I guess I better lay off the caffeine, eh?
May God Bless the USA,
Brandie
P.S. Make sure you vote on Tuesday if you haven't already -- but only if you're voting for McCain! ;-)
*sigh*
So, when we declared independence 232 years ago (I checked- a score is 20 years), we were running from the tyranny of a King that wanted to rule us from afar.
But if you go back even further, say 401 years ago, pilgrims came to the "new world" to escape the king of the same country (though I agree with Thomas Paine that our parent country was not England but Europe in general).
Here is a link to the Declartion of Independence. It's good to read and not too long.
Our country was founded on the idea that we can do things ourselves, if left alone to do it. We were not asking for handouts, on the contrary! We limited our government to only govern the people where necessary. That is why the federal government was made to be limited. Let me say that again. The federal government was made to be limited.
*sigh*
Now, some in the government want us to go back to the European way of life, because they see a "fraternity", if you will, a group of buddies who work together to protect what they have. I think we have forgotten where we came from.
We won't mention that many of these European countries don't think very highly of us, and enjoy it when we suffer. Nor will we mention that many of these countries have been rescued by the United States at least once if not more.
Nor will I mention that their style of government has allowed the largest influx of terrorists in the world, ready to strike at a moment's notice. This population has also been allowed to infiltrate these same governments in such a way as to turn their ideology from fairness and tolerance of all views to intolerance of Jews and Christians. Just look at the news. It's on the record.
Now, before you send me hate mail, please don't. I am well aware of the "imperfections" of our own country. We spend more education money per student than anywhere else in the world, and we are still graduating high school seniors who don't know how to read. But don't you see? It's that same kind of thinking that has been leading us right to where we are.
I call it entitlement thinking. If we think we are entitled to anything, other than life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, than we get away from the root of who we are as a country. So many people, myself too I admit at times, get caught into thinking that "I am a victim who has no voice who is helpless. I have no hope."
Hence why Obama is so popular. His "hope" campaign feeds on the "pity" part of us who want something for nothing. Now, he wants to redistribute the wealth.
All that's fine and dandy, for those who have not worked hard for that money. It's another thing when you have sweated and toiled to make things work, and when they do, the government wants a third of your profit.
*sigh*
I'm sorry, I just get frustrated at the thought of turning the world's greatest country into "one of the gang." I don't mean any offense to Europe, but we were founded on a different set of principles, one that has lead to some of the best innovations in the world, and lead to the quick rise of power and leadership of the US. Why do we, then, want to go back to where we came from?
Because some in the world view our flag as a symbol of oppression? I am truly sorry if some think so, for that has never been our intention. But then, most of those that do are the very ones that want to kill all of us. Men, women, children... the more the better!
I guess I better lay off the caffeine, eh?
May God Bless the USA,
Brandie
P.S. Make sure you vote on Tuesday if you haven't already -- but only if you're voting for McCain! ;-)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Time Has Come
No, I'm not going to make a political speech, though I could.
No, I'm concerned about matters of much greater importance than who will be our next president:
Yes, you guessed it. Ladybug has learned how to say, "no!"
Oh, sure it's cute now, she shakes her adorable cheeks, and declares in a sing-songy voice that dreaded word I was hoping to never hear.
I ask her if she wants to go to bed...."NooOoh!" Do you want to eat some more? "NooOoh!" Do you always say no? "NooOoh"
*sigh*
Here we go. Number four is starting the defiance stage, and I'm still breaking in number 3 on first time obedience. (note: haven't done that well with 1-3 yet. Will try some more)
The funniest part is when she can't make up her mind what she wants to answer. If I ask her if she wants, say, a Popsicle, then that messes up her response. She does wants one, but she's not nearly as adept at saying "yes" yet. So, she just tries to nod, and shake her head at the same time.
I suppose that if Ladybug is starting the "no" stage, that means I'm that much closer to getting out of diapers, right?
And I'll need all that extra cash if my wealth is going to be re-distributed anyway....(oops! did I get political? Sorry!)
No, I'm concerned about matters of much greater importance than who will be our next president:
Yes, you guessed it. Ladybug has learned how to say, "no!"
Oh, sure it's cute now, she shakes her adorable cheeks, and declares in a sing-songy voice that dreaded word I was hoping to never hear.
I ask her if she wants to go to bed...."NooOoh!" Do you want to eat some more? "NooOoh!" Do you always say no? "NooOoh"
*sigh*
Here we go. Number four is starting the defiance stage, and I'm still breaking in number 3 on first time obedience. (note: haven't done that well with 1-3 yet. Will try some more)
The funniest part is when she can't make up her mind what she wants to answer. If I ask her if she wants, say, a Popsicle, then that messes up her response. She does wants one, but she's not nearly as adept at saying "yes" yet. So, she just tries to nod, and shake her head at the same time.
I suppose that if Ladybug is starting the "no" stage, that means I'm that much closer to getting out of diapers, right?
And I'll need all that extra cash if my wealth is going to be re-distributed anyway....(oops! did I get political? Sorry!)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thoughts from the Rocking Chair
So, I sat and rocked, sat and rocked.
Sat and rocked, sat and rocked.
Sat and rocked, sat and rocked.
Poor ladybug came down with croup, and she is miserable. She wanted her Mommy, and just wanted to be cuddled, wanted to be held, wanted to be rocked.
So I did.
Now, I admit that I don't like to rock my children to sleep. I got caught in that trap with the first one, then had a heck of a time trying to teach her later how to fall asleep on her own. So with the others, I loved them, kissed them and put them down to bed.
Worked like a charm.
Until they get sick.
And to be honest, I'm a sucker for a sickie. When they feel puny, I feel powerful. They know that only Mommy can stop the hurt, and if Mommy can't, then she'll stick with you until it does stop hurting.
What they don't know is all the things that go through my mind, all the projects that go undone, and the chores that need to be finished. I'm thinking about the floor needing to be swept, email to be answered, dishes to be done. It is in these moments that I realize what a hard time it is for me to be still. I guess I'm a Martha at heart, and it's not natural for me to just sit.
But I did tonight. I fought the demons of industry and just sat and rocked. With God's help I did it for her.
Ladybug was finally ready for bed and asked to get into it. I had tried earlier, but she just wasn't ready and fussed. So I picked her back up and rocked.
I sat and rocked, sat and rocked.
It feels good to do the right thing. At least I get it right from time to time
Blessings,
Brandie
Sat and rocked, sat and rocked.
Sat and rocked, sat and rocked.
Poor ladybug came down with croup, and she is miserable. She wanted her Mommy, and just wanted to be cuddled, wanted to be held, wanted to be rocked.
So I did.
Now, I admit that I don't like to rock my children to sleep. I got caught in that trap with the first one, then had a heck of a time trying to teach her later how to fall asleep on her own. So with the others, I loved them, kissed them and put them down to bed.
Worked like a charm.
Until they get sick.
And to be honest, I'm a sucker for a sickie. When they feel puny, I feel powerful. They know that only Mommy can stop the hurt, and if Mommy can't, then she'll stick with you until it does stop hurting.
What they don't know is all the things that go through my mind, all the projects that go undone, and the chores that need to be finished. I'm thinking about the floor needing to be swept, email to be answered, dishes to be done. It is in these moments that I realize what a hard time it is for me to be still. I guess I'm a Martha at heart, and it's not natural for me to just sit.
But I did tonight. I fought the demons of industry and just sat and rocked. With God's help I did it for her.
Ladybug was finally ready for bed and asked to get into it. I had tried earlier, but she just wasn't ready and fussed. So I picked her back up and rocked.
I sat and rocked, sat and rocked.
It feels good to do the right thing. At least I get it right from time to time
Blessings,
Brandie
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
His Royal Highness
I like to party.
Probably not what you're thinking, however. I don't go out and have drunken brawls. No, I like to give parties.
For kids.
Superman turned five in August, and he has yet to have a real big birthday bash. Big sister had them every birthday from the time she was one! But as most parents, I realized my insanity when I had more kids and was not able to keep up that pace.
But it stinks for the younger kids, so I thought I would do one big bash for Superhero. We had an all out knights in armor party, and even "hired" a local teen to be the royal herald to help with the events.
We had jousting, sword fights, and even slayed a dragon (not an easy task to locate dragons).
At Castle Longoria, the Lord and Lady were decked out in their finery and I wanted to share some of the festivities with you all (y'all in the south). Notice the tights on the king!!
Probably not what you're thinking, however. I don't go out and have drunken brawls. No, I like to give parties.
For kids.
Superman turned five in August, and he has yet to have a real big birthday bash. Big sister had them every birthday from the time she was one! But as most parents, I realized my insanity when I had more kids and was not able to keep up that pace.
But it stinks for the younger kids, so I thought I would do one big bash for Superhero. We had an all out knights in armor party, and even "hired" a local teen to be the royal herald to help with the events.
We had jousting, sword fights, and even slayed a dragon (not an easy task to locate dragons).
At Castle Longoria, the Lord and Lady were decked out in their finery and I wanted to share some of the festivities with you all (y'all in the south). Notice the tights on the king!!
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