Since we in the USA are now preserving the sanctity of marriage and the moral fiber of the US through majority vote, I have a few propositions to make. These are all based on sound Biblical principles-of course:
Proposition A
Only a marriage between a believer and a believer will be valid in the USA.
2 Cor. 6:14-15
Proposition B
All marriages are permanent.
Genesis 2:24
Proposition C
A husband can divorce his wife, if he bought her from her father, but if she no longer pleases him. and her father or close kinsman can buy her back, he may sell her. The husband also has the option of giving his wife to his son, in which case she then becomes the original husband's daughter. Or if the husband marries another wife, and fails to maintain his first wife's standard of living and previous sexual activity, she is free to divorce him.
Exodus 21:7-11
Proposition D
A husband may also divorce his wife, if he obtained her as a prisoner of war, and is not sexually satisfied with her after one month's time.
Deuteronomy 21:10-14
Proposition E
Divorce is to be forced for all those who have married foreign wives.
Ezra 10:1-16, Nehemiah 13:23-30
Proposition F
If a woman divorces, and remarries, she may not go back to her first husband.
Jeremiah 3:1
Proposition G
If one spouse can prove adultery he/she may get a divorce and remarry.
Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:3-9
Proposition H
No divorce is permitted.
Mark 10:2-12
Proposition I
No remarriage is permitted.
Luke 16:18
Proposition J
No wife may leave her husband, but if she does she must remain unmarried, or reconcile with her husband, and no husband may leave his wife. A Christian who is married to a non-Christian who is happy with him/her may not divorce him/her. But if the unbeliever leaves, then a divorce is allowed.
Of course I realize that some of these propositions contradict each other. One can only guess what God's true will is. This is why we will vote-so the majority can decide what the right thing for ALL AMERICANS is, and preserve the sanctity of marriage.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
So our society has a lot of problems, what else is new? You don't like things the way they are-then change them. You can sit around pointing fingers, judging and whining, or you can get up off your booty and make a difference in this world.
You can start by voting. That's the least you can do-you know actually make some choices about the people that are running your town, state, and country, instead of bitching about how they're screwing them up.Even better, you can get involved in the campaigns. You can get involved in the issues. Do you even know what the issues are? They're not some slogan du-jour, that come and go. They are the things that shape our lives, even if you think they never will. You know something is just terribly messed up in this country if keeping gays from getting married, is the primary issue anywhere.Ever wonder how it gets to this point?
Health care, energy, education, take your pick; there are plenty of good issues and causes to get involved with. And the great thing is, you don't just have to get involved politically, you can actually make some changes with your own two hands and mind! Volunteer, donate, organize-be part of the solution. Anybody can gripe about the problems, but if you don't move off your couch, then you're part of them.
Now is the time for action. Now is your chance to change your community, make the world a better place, and leave your legacy. Reach out to your fellow man-and woman, and even the little critters that need you on this planet. You'll feel good about yourself, meet other dedicated and giving people, and reap immeasurable rewards.
You can start by voting. That's the least you can do-you know actually make some choices about the people that are running your town, state, and country, instead of bitching about how they're screwing them up.Even better, you can get involved in the campaigns. You can get involved in the issues. Do you even know what the issues are? They're not some slogan du-jour, that come and go. They are the things that shape our lives, even if you think they never will. You know something is just terribly messed up in this country if keeping gays from getting married, is the primary issue anywhere.Ever wonder how it gets to this point?
Health care, energy, education, take your pick; there are plenty of good issues and causes to get involved with. And the great thing is, you don't just have to get involved politically, you can actually make some changes with your own two hands and mind! Volunteer, donate, organize-be part of the solution. Anybody can gripe about the problems, but if you don't move off your couch, then you're part of them.
Now is the time for action. Now is your chance to change your community, make the world a better place, and leave your legacy. Reach out to your fellow man-and woman, and even the little critters that need you on this planet. You'll feel good about yourself, meet other dedicated and giving people, and reap immeasurable rewards.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
10 Ways to Save Money in These Trying Times
1. Cut back the cable. Yes, I know this seems like a very simple idea, but many of us have forgotten that those sitcoms, dramas, and sports games we enjoy so much are beamed to our television at a quite a high price. Lest you suffer from boredom, you can substitue with Netflix. Their plans are extremely reasonable, and you can even watch movies online any time you wish.
2. Turn it off, switch it out, and unplug. Look around your house right now. How many lights do you have on? Is the TV talking to the dust bunnies? Get the kids involved by appointing them energy rangers. It'll make them feel important and teach them to be responsible. Switch to compact fluorescents. Yes, they have mercury in them, so does tuna fish, learn proper handling and disposal, and move on. Finally if it's not in use, unplug it. Most of our home energy costs come from appliances and electronics that are not in use, but sucking up electricity.
3. Consider going meatless, at least one night a week to start out. There are so many things one can do with beans, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, rice, and veggies. Really, my family hasn't eaten meat for 3 months now, and we really don't miss it like we thought we would.
4. Turn down the heat, turn down the water heater, and wash clothes in cold water. Bump it down a little each week; you will adjust.
5. Forget coupons. Really? Yes, really! Most coupons are for high priced convenience food which costs more in the long run. Learn how to cook with real food, and you'll feel better, and get more for your money.
6. Make a day out of perusing the thrift stores. Sometimes you can find brand new items for a few dollars. It can be your own private treasure hunt.
7. A dollar here a dollar there-slow down, ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" How much satisfaction will you get from having this new item? If you don't buy it, will you even be thinking about it in a few days?
8. Freecycle-check it out. I got an entire stash of diapers, actually enough for two babies from generous moms who wanted to share the love. Don't forget to list all your unused household items to give back.
9. Tune up that car and make sure the tires are properly inflated! Also, if you have a mini-van with removable seats, as I have, consider removing the back row if you don't need it every day. Taking out the extra weight can really save on gas. Coast to the red lights, never mind the guy behind you; you're helping him save money too!
10. Make your own pizza. It's super easy, fun, and you can experiment with all sorts of toppings. It's also a great way to get rid of leftovers! Just chop and layer.
Basic crust:
1 cup Bisquick
pinch of yeast
warm water
Mix this up till it resembles cake batter
now put in
1 cup of wheat flour and knead, then roll with a rolling pin. I like to make it rectangular and put it on a cookie sheet.
top with canned or fresh tomatoes, or sauce, seasoning, and cheese, then throw on your toppings
bake for 20 minutes
Enjoy!
2. Turn it off, switch it out, and unplug. Look around your house right now. How many lights do you have on? Is the TV talking to the dust bunnies? Get the kids involved by appointing them energy rangers. It'll make them feel important and teach them to be responsible. Switch to compact fluorescents. Yes, they have mercury in them, so does tuna fish, learn proper handling and disposal, and move on. Finally if it's not in use, unplug it. Most of our home energy costs come from appliances and electronics that are not in use, but sucking up electricity.
3. Consider going meatless, at least one night a week to start out. There are so many things one can do with beans, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, rice, and veggies. Really, my family hasn't eaten meat for 3 months now, and we really don't miss it like we thought we would.
4. Turn down the heat, turn down the water heater, and wash clothes in cold water. Bump it down a little each week; you will adjust.
5. Forget coupons. Really? Yes, really! Most coupons are for high priced convenience food which costs more in the long run. Learn how to cook with real food, and you'll feel better, and get more for your money.
6. Make a day out of perusing the thrift stores. Sometimes you can find brand new items for a few dollars. It can be your own private treasure hunt.
7. A dollar here a dollar there-slow down, ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" How much satisfaction will you get from having this new item? If you don't buy it, will you even be thinking about it in a few days?
8. Freecycle-check it out. I got an entire stash of diapers, actually enough for two babies from generous moms who wanted to share the love. Don't forget to list all your unused household items to give back.
9. Tune up that car and make sure the tires are properly inflated! Also, if you have a mini-van with removable seats, as I have, consider removing the back row if you don't need it every day. Taking out the extra weight can really save on gas. Coast to the red lights, never mind the guy behind you; you're helping him save money too!
10. Make your own pizza. It's super easy, fun, and you can experiment with all sorts of toppings. It's also a great way to get rid of leftovers! Just chop and layer.
Basic crust:
1 cup Bisquick
pinch of yeast
warm water
Mix this up till it resembles cake batter
now put in
1 cup of wheat flour and knead, then roll with a rolling pin. I like to make it rectangular and put it on a cookie sheet.
top with canned or fresh tomatoes, or sauce, seasoning, and cheese, then throw on your toppings
bake for 20 minutes
Enjoy!
Indian Prefolds
Sometimes less is more. After all my extensive searching to find the cutest, most technologically advanced nappies to cover Kayden's bum, what do I end up using the most-Indian prefolds, which cost roughly $1.50 a piece. Actually, these little beauties didn't cost me anything. Gotta love Freecycle!
I don't know if it's the lovely unbleached natural color, of the fluffy softness of these prefolds, but I just feel so good wrapping them around my grandson. I just squish, wrap, and Snappi. Forget the fancy folds; between the kicking legs and the spontaneous pee showers, that thing's got to get on there as fast as possible! Cover it up with a Dappi, or Prorap, and we're done.
There's just something about washing your baby's diapers, and hanging them on the line, that just can't be captured in throwing the diapers in the trashcan. Sigh, maybe it's just the sentimental side of me, and my fondness for good old fashioned notions.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Kayden Michael
Kayden Michael was born on October 11, 2008 at 7:20 am, weighing 7lbs. 4oz. I was there to witness his birth, and behold as my little girl became a mom.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I Am Addicted to Cloth Diapers
Some people use cloth diapers because they are environmentally friendly. Others because they don't want to put something full of toxic chemicals on their baby every day. Still others enjoy the economic benefits of investing in reusable cloth. And of course there's the comfort that comes from swaddling babe in cotton, velour, and feece, as opposed to paper and plastic. These are all good reasons to use cloth diapers, but I must confess that I love them because they are so damn cute!
Before my daughter became pregnant, I thought cloth diapers were disgusting. Who the heck wants to wash poopy diapers?! But then I started seeing pictures of today's cloth diapers. Oh the colors, the prints, the choices! And I found out, laundry was not nearly as troublesome as I'd thought. There are plenty of cloth diapering websites online where you can learn all about cloth diapering, but this blog is about my addiction.
Like with anything else, when I want to buy something, I scoured the Internet researching, and trying to find the best, prettiest, and most inexpensive diapers I could find. I found some adorable little newborn all-in-one's in pretty pastel colors, and ordered those. Then I started obsessing over pastel-colored fitteds that everyone raves about for newborns. I had to have some of those. I actually found a local store with them. I also ordered some custom pocket diapers in the cutest prints-monkeys, ducks, stars.
Little did I know that I was playing in the amateur league in my cloth diaper quest. It came about as an offhand comment from the woman who runs the local cloth diaper store. I had commented that even if one purchases at the high end of the cloth diaper spectrum, money is still saved over buying disposables for several years. It was then that I was informed that people did in fact buy diapers that cost $50-$100 a piece! What?! Where?! Hyena Cart-I'd heard of it before, but was overwhelmed when I looked at their listings. But, I decided to take a peek.
After finding out how to navigate Hyena Cart, which is an online marketplace for hand-crafted goods, I started scrolling through the daily listings using the calendar. It didn't take long till I found a beautiful all-in-one called Duck, Duck, Goose in a store called Clothmopolitan. It had a green on green star pattern all over, and a duck on the butt! I HAD to have it!!! So I hit the "buy" button. The next day I saw an aution for a diaper with gorgeous blue celestial pattern. I checked back all day, till it hit $51.50. OK, I'm addicted, but I do know I can't spend that much on one diaper!
And so the saga continues. It will have to end eventually. After-all, I'm only diapering ONE baby!
Before my daughter became pregnant, I thought cloth diapers were disgusting. Who the heck wants to wash poopy diapers?! But then I started seeing pictures of today's cloth diapers. Oh the colors, the prints, the choices! And I found out, laundry was not nearly as troublesome as I'd thought. There are plenty of cloth diapering websites online where you can learn all about cloth diapering, but this blog is about my addiction.
Like with anything else, when I want to buy something, I scoured the Internet researching, and trying to find the best, prettiest, and most inexpensive diapers I could find. I found some adorable little newborn all-in-one's in pretty pastel colors, and ordered those. Then I started obsessing over pastel-colored fitteds that everyone raves about for newborns. I had to have some of those. I actually found a local store with them. I also ordered some custom pocket diapers in the cutest prints-monkeys, ducks, stars.
Little did I know that I was playing in the amateur league in my cloth diaper quest. It came about as an offhand comment from the woman who runs the local cloth diaper store. I had commented that even if one purchases at the high end of the cloth diaper spectrum, money is still saved over buying disposables for several years. It was then that I was informed that people did in fact buy diapers that cost $50-$100 a piece! What?! Where?! Hyena Cart-I'd heard of it before, but was overwhelmed when I looked at their listings. But, I decided to take a peek.
After finding out how to navigate Hyena Cart, which is an online marketplace for hand-crafted goods, I started scrolling through the daily listings using the calendar. It didn't take long till I found a beautiful all-in-one called Duck, Duck, Goose in a store called Clothmopolitan. It had a green on green star pattern all over, and a duck on the butt! I HAD to have it!!! So I hit the "buy" button. The next day I saw an aution for a diaper with gorgeous blue celestial pattern. I checked back all day, till it hit $51.50. OK, I'm addicted, but I do know I can't spend that much on one diaper!
And so the saga continues. It will have to end eventually. After-all, I'm only diapering ONE baby!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Measure of Success
My family is f***ed up! That's how it appears at a quick glance. 2 kids over 18, with no diplomas or GED's. One's pregnant, and unmarried of course. For good measure we invited her 20 y/o boyfriend to live here. Ahem, then there's my 16 y/o son, who excels at music, and skateboarding, but not academics-not in the traditional sense anyway. The youngest, he is a real gem, extremely smart, but extremely immature, and has terrible work habits.
We're broke. Yes we are. Oh we're getting a little better. I actually have a little money in the bank, and a little money in my purse right now, and a stocked pantry. But, we are still living on a shoestings. Various unfinished projects taunt me around my house every day. They mock my and my husband's inability to budget, mend, and maintain. We have a somewhat messy home as well. But in our defense, we do live here.
But are we really that much of a mess as a family? The kids, they do care about each other. They would defend each other against any adversary. After all, kicking each other's butt's is an earned family right, not something just anyone can do! And the kids care about my husband and me. We see this in small gestures from time to time.
My husband and I are best friends who enjoy spending time together. In this world, that doesn't happen nearly as often as it should. That's got to count for something. And our romantic life is alive and kicking.
Each of us, in my little lion pride has our own strengths. These atypical aptitudes rise up now and then when least expected, instilling a little glimmer of hope, that I am not a failure as a parent. I keep telling myself that life is a journey, not a day trip. The end result is what matters most. Some of the most successful people I knew as teens or young adults are not happy, or not stable. I remind myself of this whenever I am feeling inadequate.
Call these excuses, delusions, folly, but who is to say what success really is, and with what yardstick we may measure it? It's not that I set the bar low, but that I allow it to rise and fall as a means of survival. And that, in the end, is the goal of this game we call life.
We're broke. Yes we are. Oh we're getting a little better. I actually have a little money in the bank, and a little money in my purse right now, and a stocked pantry. But, we are still living on a shoestings. Various unfinished projects taunt me around my house every day. They mock my and my husband's inability to budget, mend, and maintain. We have a somewhat messy home as well. But in our defense, we do live here.
But are we really that much of a mess as a family? The kids, they do care about each other. They would defend each other against any adversary. After all, kicking each other's butt's is an earned family right, not something just anyone can do! And the kids care about my husband and me. We see this in small gestures from time to time.
My husband and I are best friends who enjoy spending time together. In this world, that doesn't happen nearly as often as it should. That's got to count for something. And our romantic life is alive and kicking.
Each of us, in my little lion pride has our own strengths. These atypical aptitudes rise up now and then when least expected, instilling a little glimmer of hope, that I am not a failure as a parent. I keep telling myself that life is a journey, not a day trip. The end result is what matters most. Some of the most successful people I knew as teens or young adults are not happy, or not stable. I remind myself of this whenever I am feeling inadequate.
Call these excuses, delusions, folly, but who is to say what success really is, and with what yardstick we may measure it? It's not that I set the bar low, but that I allow it to rise and fall as a means of survival. And that, in the end, is the goal of this game we call life.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
We're Going Green!
No, it's not just the new color of my page. We're becoming Suburban Homesteaders!
We've started a vegetable garden, and gotten a rain barrel. (we will be getting more) And I've got a cart-full of cloth diapers online to be shipped.
Why are we doing this? We're doing it so that we can survive in the future. Peak Oil is here, and that mean the gas prices, along with everything that is transported in any mode of transportation requiring gas (everything) will be going up, up, and up! And it's not just the regular old gasoline in the car that is going to be affected-oh no! How do you think they make all those lovely fertilizers that grow our food-oil! And what do you think all your plastics are made with-oil!
So basically, you've got two choices, prepare now, or starve in the future!
http://www.peakoil.com/
Anyway, here are some great sites you have to check out to get you started on your suburban homestead:
http://www.foodnotlawns.com/
An excellent resource on why we should not be spending hundreds of dollars, time, and resources to grow-grass.
http://www.terracycle.net/rain_barrel.htm
The coolest rain barrels made from recycled OAK wine barrels for only $100!!
http://www.cottonbabies.com/
This company has a cloth diaper "try-it" kit for only $30, which includes two diaper covers worth $26 alone! Also, you can get a great deal one one-size fits all (babies, that is) Bumgenius 3.0 Pocket Diapers if you buy 6 or 12. Look under "gift ideas". Check out the Bumgenius diaper sprayer and Bumgenius cloth wipe set either. And Bumgenius PD are made in the USA!
We've started a vegetable garden, and gotten a rain barrel. (we will be getting more) And I've got a cart-full of cloth diapers online to be shipped.
Why are we doing this? We're doing it so that we can survive in the future. Peak Oil is here, and that mean the gas prices, along with everything that is transported in any mode of transportation requiring gas (everything) will be going up, up, and up! And it's not just the regular old gasoline in the car that is going to be affected-oh no! How do you think they make all those lovely fertilizers that grow our food-oil! And what do you think all your plastics are made with-oil!
So basically, you've got two choices, prepare now, or starve in the future!
http://www.peakoil.com/
Anyway, here are some great sites you have to check out to get you started on your suburban homestead:
http://www.foodnotlawns.com/
An excellent resource on why we should not be spending hundreds of dollars, time, and resources to grow-grass.
http://www.terracycle.net/rain_barrel.htm
The coolest rain barrels made from recycled OAK wine barrels for only $100!!
http://www.cottonbabies.com/
This company has a cloth diaper "try-it" kit for only $30, which includes two diaper covers worth $26 alone! Also, you can get a great deal one one-size fits all (babies, that is) Bumgenius 3.0 Pocket Diapers if you buy 6 or 12. Look under "gift ideas". Check out the Bumgenius diaper sprayer and Bumgenius cloth wipe set either. And Bumgenius PD are made in the USA!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Petition to God
This is a very important petition to God. If you're a Christian (heck, even if you're not), please add your name, and pass it on to everyone you know. Billions of souls could be saved!
Dear God,
I know you have a big plan that you must have spent a long time working on. I know your plan is to let all those who accept your son Jesus as their savior go to heaven-a beautiful place where everyone is always happy. And I know you send everyone else to hell, a place of eternal torment. But I have to ask you, God, is this really fair?
God, I have friends and relatives that aren't Christian. I told them all about your son, and heaven and hell, but they tell me, they just don't believe. It's not that they didn't try, Lord, they just can't believe. Some of these people believe in other gods, or other methods of salvation, and some don't believe in any gods or religion at all. A lot of these people are very good people. They work hard, pay their taxes, take care of their spouses and families, and are kind to their fellow man.
God, you must realize that these people you created are just human beings. You gave them free will, so shouldn't they be able to decide who they want to worship, or if they want to worship at all? Why would you give them a choice, and then punish them if they don't choose the way you want them to? Why would you reward people just for accepting you and your son, regardless of everything else they did in their lives? Why, I can just imagine how many jerks are in heaven right now, because they repented on their death beds!
I know you can do anything, Lord, so this is what this petition is all about. I want you to let all the good people into heaven. Yes, I know no one is actually "good enough" to bask in your almighty presence, but you know a lot of people have pure hearts, and do their best. I actually don't want you to send anyone to hell, but maybe you could send all the bad people to some less torturous, but unpleasant place, such as the waiting room at the DMV. I believe this would be far more fair and productive than your current plan.
Sincerely,
Your child-Lori-Ann K. of Philadelphia
PS Please don't smite me!
Dear God,
I know you have a big plan that you must have spent a long time working on. I know your plan is to let all those who accept your son Jesus as their savior go to heaven-a beautiful place where everyone is always happy. And I know you send everyone else to hell, a place of eternal torment. But I have to ask you, God, is this really fair?
God, I have friends and relatives that aren't Christian. I told them all about your son, and heaven and hell, but they tell me, they just don't believe. It's not that they didn't try, Lord, they just can't believe. Some of these people believe in other gods, or other methods of salvation, and some don't believe in any gods or religion at all. A lot of these people are very good people. They work hard, pay their taxes, take care of their spouses and families, and are kind to their fellow man.
God, you must realize that these people you created are just human beings. You gave them free will, so shouldn't they be able to decide who they want to worship, or if they want to worship at all? Why would you give them a choice, and then punish them if they don't choose the way you want them to? Why would you reward people just for accepting you and your son, regardless of everything else they did in their lives? Why, I can just imagine how many jerks are in heaven right now, because they repented on their death beds!
I know you can do anything, Lord, so this is what this petition is all about. I want you to let all the good people into heaven. Yes, I know no one is actually "good enough" to bask in your almighty presence, but you know a lot of people have pure hearts, and do their best. I actually don't want you to send anyone to hell, but maybe you could send all the bad people to some less torturous, but unpleasant place, such as the waiting room at the DMV. I believe this would be far more fair and productive than your current plan.
Sincerely,
Your child-Lori-Ann K. of Philadelphia
PS Please don't smite me!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
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