activating activism

so... Maria's having a contest i thought would be fun to enter, until i read the guidelines, "Post on your blog (and leave a link) or Facebook or leave a comment describing how you balance humbleness with activism."

activism?

i've never really considered myself an actual activist for anything. sure, i've gotten greener over the years - but recycling and turning off the water while i brush hardly equals activist. and yes, since becoming a parent i've become rather vehement about certain family-oriented issues, but this does not an activist make.

this brought a question deeper than the contest (which may very likely have been Maria's objective - she's crafty like that) , am i not passionate enough about ANYTHING to simply take a stand? it forced me to ask myself, "where does your passion lie?"

family - given. writing - of course. but what is it that gets a rise in me so strong nothing can turn me away... my GOD! of course! because of Him i have my family, my passion (and self-proclaimed) ability to write. this is His world i am trying to be greener for. this is a no brainer!

so back to the question at hand, how do i balance being humble while attempting to spread the Word, advance His kingdom, remain in love, and fulfill His will? it's written plain and simply in His Word... give him the glory.

He deserves the glory, honor and praise for EVERYTHING. from the great miracles of my life to the seemingly miniscule obstacles like a short line at the grocery store (so domestic).

however, i've found, in this day and age it's not as simple as giving Him His due. there are so many religious radicals preaching the Word, or whatever their higher principles are rooted in, and living lives lead by violence, greed, lust, and many other undesirable traits. i find my balance in LIVING the Word.

to me, living the Word doesn't mean waling in perfection... no one can or does! it means doing right to and by others. helping when i can and often when i can't. being honest. admitting faults, working on them and forgiving others, including those who intentionally wrong. knowing that what i believe is not necessarily fitting for the world and not letting others beliefs (or lack thereof) affect my love for them. trying to live as blameless as possible while remembering my purpose is to enhance His kingdom peacefully, lovingly and non-hypocritically.

balancing the natural me, with the super-natural. knowing that i am IN the world, but not necessarily OF the world. a balance that is not easily found and often out of wack - but i try with all my heart and am dedicated to it night and day.

so maybe i am an activist after all. are you?

Daily Devotional

Choose Life--Over the Edge Youth Devotional, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

"For the be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
--Romans 8:6, NKJV

If you were given the choice between life and death, which would you choose? The answer seems obvious. But it's really not. Choosing death doesn't necessarily mean bungee jumping from the nearest cliff without a cord. It's more subtle than that.

The Bible says death is being worldly minded, being tangled up in the things of this world. The Bible also tells us what life is: "My son...listen closely to my words..." says Proverbs 4:20-22, "for they are life!"

To think like the world is death. To think like the Word is life.

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 demonstrates this principle extremely well. Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet listening to him teach, while Martha was busy running around in the kitchen cooking dinner for everyone.

Finally, busy Martha couldn't stand it anymore. She came to Jesus and said, "Don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Jesus answered, "Martha, Martha...you are worried and upset about many things, but only one things is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will bot be taken away from her" (Luke 10:40-42).

Mary had set everything else aside so she could hear from the Lord. But Martha had let the "important" business of living take priority over His Word. She'd chosen death, not life. You see how easy it is to slip into that?

Don't make the mistake Martha did. Don't get so tangled up in living that you choose death by default. Decide to put God's Word first place. Choose Life!

Talk the truth: "God has set life and death before me. I choose life!" (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Study the truth: Romans 8: 5-13
Read the truth: Jeremiah 31, 32; Psalm 78

Morehouse College has a New Dress Code

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There is a new dress code, called the "Appropriate Attire Policy," at all-male private university Morehouse College that is causing controversy and making headlines.

Some of the attire forbidden by the new policy is expected, including things like no do-rags, hats, sunglasses, hoods or offensive clothing in class. Some other off-limit items include "decorative orthodontic appliances", pajamas, sagging pants and bare feet.

The part of the policy that's drawing attention to the college, though, states "No wearing of clothing associated with women's garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events."

Click here the rest of the article.
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I first heard about this new dress code on Monday evening listening to the Michael Baisden Show on the radio. Me and Mike dont always agree but, on this issue, we were on the same side. I do not think that grown men should be able to attend college classes dressed in stilletos and leggings a la the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Besides the fact that it is a little creepy, the classroom is not the place for that.

I visited Atlanta last summer with my family. I had heard of the outrageousness that was being reported but was a bit skeptical. However, on my arrival to my hotel, my skepticism faded. There were in fact a number of men in my hotel wearing women's clothes. Baby tee's were the most popular choice by far, but there were some skirts, ballet slippers, and oversized handbags thrown in as well.

So here is the first question I have; should the other male students be subjected to this behavior? Absolutely not! This is the main reason that I think this dress code was a step in the right direction. Someone's decision to be gay doesnt translate into mandated unappropriateness. Unless you are a hairdresser, nail tech, stripper, I can't figure where men would be able to where these clothes anyway. And if one of those three professions are your aspirations, why are you in college anyway? I know a number of men that would object to group assignments with men that dressed in this way. And I cant say that I much blame them.

My next question--Does being gay require that you where women's clothes? Now, I am the first to admit that I am not well versed on the culture, however, I didnt think that the two were mutually exclusive. It seems that common sense, along with all of the other gay people that hold professional jobs, would tell you otherwise.

I am sure that there are debates going on all over the country about this. I am sure that there are those touting "opression" and a "lack of rights". However, I think anyone with good sense, understands that there is a level appropriateness attached to every place that you go. Where what you please to the bank, the grocery store, Target, etc. However, any setting that is semi-professional should be free from men in mini-skirts.

Daily Devotional

Today is the first day of my blog schedule. Everyday I will share a daily devotional. For now, these will be coming from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland's book, Over the Edge Youth Devotional. Each day, these little nuggets bless my life. I hope they do the same for you.

LIVING THROUHG THE COVENANT
"But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers as it is today."--Deuteronomy 8:18

What is God's reason for making sure his people live well? Is it so we can watch the Super Bowl on bigger TVs? So we can buy the hottest clothes and even hotter cars?

Establishing His covenant on the earth and giving to those in need--those are God's purposes for wanting you to live well!

I've had some people tell me, "Well, Jesus' ministry was poor and He got along just fine." That's ridiculous. All the way through the Old Testament God promised material benefits to anyone who would walk upright before Him. If God had failed to bless Jesus financially, He would have been breaking his own word.

Jesus never built a wordly empire for Himself. But that doesnt mean He was poor. It means He was the greatest giver Who ever walked the face of this earth--and it's about time we started following in His footsteps.

If we'll start giving, if we'll start taking care of others' needs, we'll be far more likely to win their hearts.

Don't ever let anyone tell you it's wrong to want to live well. It's wrong for you not to want to live well, when it can mean the difference between heaven and hell for millions of people.

Forget about your own trivial needs. Raise your vision and set your mind on giving to meet someone else's needs--on establishing God's covenant in the earth. The stand in faith and get ready to enjoy the greatest living you've ever dreamed of.

Talk the Truth: "I remember the Lord. He gives me the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant." (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Study the Truth: Deuteronomy 8:11-18
Read the Truth: Jeremiah 26, 27: Psalm 75

boredom produced H1N1

yet another road trip, only three days this time but it's been three hours and i am beyond bored. the boy doesn't want to play with me, the internet is doing a horrible job occupying my attention, french cable... yeah right, and the man has the laptop with the sling!

the last time i was this bored, i was in the hospital with a feared case of H1N1, also known as 'swine flu' or my favorite french moniker - The Mexican Influenza. so, in honor of my boredom, and yours if you're reading this ;), i'll give you the run down on my scare.

after a long day of traveling, between the lay-over and flight times a total of 17 hours, we arrive in frankfurt, germany... our final destination - strasbourg. so what does getting to strasbourg entail??? a 2-hour drive in a chartered van with an angry german-spanish woman driver and a spanish couple who think my family and i are participants in the amazing race!

a bit of my flying history for you, i am never nervous or fearful of flying but i can never achieve peaceful unaided sleep during long flights. i find this especially true when flying with my son, i've seen flight plan - you won't be getting my boy! sorry, i digress... these two flights proved no different. i probably slept a total of a whopping two hours! so the long drive into france was welcomed when i found solace in about 45 minutes of uninterrupted rest.

after an hour of formalities with the team another hour of showing us around and to our place, we were finally home. unpacking wasn't a thought, cleaning... uh uh. i tried to attack the internet's connection before i was overwhelmed with a wave of fatigue. needless to say, i decided to lay down - after a few hours of rest i should be energized and ready to tackle the tasks ahead of me. not the case. i fell horribly ill during the night, racking in another 30 minutes of rest, i was barraged with bouts of vomiting, coughing fits and extreme headaches. by 8am i was sure i needed to head to the hospital.

to make this already long story shorter, i was in the hospital for two days, the first rifled with doctors in head-to-toe protective gear to shield them selves from my potential virus. i was not allowed to see my son, my husband could only visit in short spurts and was not allowed to touch me, my room was plagued with doctors, assistants, students, and others touching, testing, questioning, and generally barraging me!

after hours of poking and prodding, a member of the team's administration enters my room with no mask or precautionary garb. is she nuts, i don't want to infect her. not only does she have no protection, she comes in to hug me! get out of here lady!!!

"you really shouldn't be in here without a mask or something, " i chided gently.

her nonchalant reply, "oh it's ok, you don't have the swine flu, the doctor told me a while ago. great news!"

ummmmmm, did the doctor tell me and i forgot? nope. not at all. i thought maybe i should know seeing as how i am worrying my BUTT off that i may have infected my family. ten minutes later, in he strolls with the great, albeit late, news. another night of observation and could more than like be released the next afternoon.

his diagnosis? pregnancy induced asthma. apparently i had an asthma attack... do i have asthma? nope. not at all. i had a hard time agreeing with the verdict initially; however, i have since had maybe two attacks so maybe he's right. just maybe.

at the end of the day, i am thankful for the Lord's presence and hand in my life. i know that each day i am here to avoid the H1N1's of the world is a blessing because i know He will bring me through all of it because i am covered in His blood and continually give Him the honor, glory and praise!

sheesh, writing is a GREAT cure for boredom! if you've gotten this far it's safe to say reading is as well. xo

Millet

(Image Source)

Okay, I know the title of this post doesnt convey anything exciting or worthy of your reading. But I had to pass on a little bit of info about this tasty grain. I first bought millet when I was adjusting my diet for my colicky daughter. But I found that it is really good and I cook it regularly. I am not sure how readily available millet is. I buy mine from Whole Foods. It looks like rice and couscous, but it tastes different than both. It is rather sweet so it lends itself to morning cereal very well. Honey, shaved almonds or apple slices, and hot milk make for a delicious and filling breakfast. Even with a bit of butter and salt and pepper it is a great alternative to rice or potatoes with dinner. A few days ago, I created a great side dish that I thought I would share.


Millet is cooked just like rice except instead of the 2:1 ratio of rice, millet is measured with a 2:3/4 ratio. This means that for every 2 cups of water you boil, you only add 3/4 cup of millet. 3/4 of dry millet yields 3 cups of cooked millet.


First prepare the millet. Boil your water, add your millet and bring to a boil. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork, season and serve or follow the recipe below.


You'll need:

2 cups cooked, unseasoned millet
4 oz. tomato sauce
8 oz. stewed tomatoes
8 oz. canned sweet corn kernels (not creamed corn)
1/2 tablespoon sugar (Splenda :-)
Fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste


Add the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes and sweet corn kernels to a sauce pan. Bring to boil, add seasoning and cook down to about 1/2 the original volume. Once reduced and seasoned to taste, add cooked millet. Stir to combine all the ingredients and serve.


I served this with venison steak and a garden salad. So tasty! Adding onion to the recipe would be a great as well.

My Two Little Kiddies

As a young girl, I always thought that I would have some fabulous career; designing clothes, finding cures for obscure diseases, or lecturing college students. Many times I still day dream about what my life would be like if that was how it all turned out. But then I look at my children and I cant imagine doing anything more fulfilling. Yes, I do sometimes want to teleport to a quiet beach at sunset or a quieter and darker massage table, but I absolutely cant imagine my life any different. How can something so new be so essential? I havent had children for very long but I cant imagine my life without them. I would never say that motherhood is easy, never ever. But it is a joy and even when it becomes taxing, I can look into their faces and know nothing but pure, pure joy.