Hi All! Wow, I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since posting last, shame on me!
Lately, my mind has been bursting with topics and issues to write on but my heart and my fingers couldn't do it. Do you ever just get into a funk where you have so much to share but mask it behind a poker face? (Raises hand)
I've felt anxious again lately and have spent several hours praying about it... usually at night when my heart is racing and my mind is running in circles. This world is truly a crazy place; 2011 has proved that again.
My dad has been staying with Dajuan and I the past month and it's just been such a God thing. I've found so much healing in this time with him. I find myself dreading the day he leaves to head back to TN. Funny story, he was scheduled to leave at least two weeks ago but his timing hasn't exactly matched God's, every time he thinks it's time to go, something comes up and he can't (YES). Everyday we learn more about each other, I peel another layer back and most importantly I feel nurtured as any daughter yearns to feel. We have spent hours talking, playing cards, listening and giving advice but mostly just laughing.
We were sitting around flicking through channels Saturday morning when we came across the breaking news about the tragedies in AZ. My heart hurt immediately... politics aside. As most of you know I don't shy away from a good debate or heated conversation but in light of what has happened to these innocent human beings, I never once thought to blame political rhetoric. I do not want to play the blame game, nor will I. I want to focus on the families grieving, and heroic men and women who played a huge role is saving lives.
I am disgusted at those who within 15 minutes of hearing of this lunatics shooting spree automatically put blame on anyone but the shooter. The truth is, guns don't kill, people do. This deranged young man needs to be held responsible and him alone! Yes, our country may be divided by opinions and at the polls but that in no way should be to blame for violence. Let me make it clear, I am not a huge fan of Sarah Palin but I in NO WAY believe she had anything to do with this. It saddens me.
I've read every article I can find on Saturday's tragedy as well as watched endless videos and clips from shows. I've become consumed with this... I can't figure out why? I do know that it has nothing to do with politics. I truly believe that my heart wants to learn more and more to try to understand why this world/country is the way it is. We live in such a cruel, demanding, entitled society. All I can do is pray for those families, victims, the shooter's family, and our entire country.
One may argue we need logic right now, I argue we need Jesus.
xO. Abby
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Test the Waters
So I had the most amazing thing happen to me recently, I just have to share. In previous posts I've mentioned my desire to dig deeper with God and how I've struggled with my faith in the past. In 2010 I poured my heart out to God and gave him a shot... My Aunt Prudie always says, "God does not disappoint".
I've learned that my time isn't his time and my view isn't his. Anyways, in late 2010 when Dajuan and I were in a car accident the bills pilled up $1,105 to be exact. It seemed like one thing after another. I worked double shifts at Zehnders on top of working full time to cover those extra payments. I made just over $1,000 coaching volleyball and all in one day that money was gone (to other bills too). At the time, I tried to convince myself that God had me prepared for this mess by giving me a coaching job and allowing me to waitress on the weekends. It was a rough and dark fall but we managed and my journey only strengthened. After reading a book about being a lukewarm Christian, I realized I wasn't doing enough and wasn't being the person I needed to be, so I decided to make some changes.
When I wasn't working Sundays and could make church I would put double in than I normally would. I've always wanted to be that person who put their 10% tithe in each week but never fully trusted God enough with my money. The more I learn and read the more I understand that this really isn't my money... it's His. I remember walking out of the grocery store and putting a handful of cash in the bell ringer's pot and thinking "Okay God, that was my money for the week but here You go." It was a good feeling though, I felt peaceful about it and happy.
As Christmas came and went so did my paycheck... I'm sure you can relate! Sunday, I picked up the mail that had piled up while my family was here and filed through the envelopes. I noticed one in particular, Med Billing was the return address. My heart sunk to my stomach because I was just SURE it was another bill. To my surprise.. it wasn't.
I had received a letter from Birch Run Township regarding our car accident and the $500 we owed for fire and rescue. The letter informed me that my account had been paid in full and my remaining balance of $300 was written off. They also included my check and returned it in full.
I started to sob. I felt God. I knew He was the only reason this happened. This doesn't just happen. There was NO reason for this to just happen. God is GOOD. I tested His waters and He answered. I didn't expect Him to repay me in any way but I knew that if I was faithful He would be too. I am so thankful and blessed. His Grace and Favor is bigger than anything I've ever experienced.
Test Him. Know Him. Love Him.
Abby Marie
I've learned that my time isn't his time and my view isn't his. Anyways, in late 2010 when Dajuan and I were in a car accident the bills pilled up $1,105 to be exact. It seemed like one thing after another. I worked double shifts at Zehnders on top of working full time to cover those extra payments. I made just over $1,000 coaching volleyball and all in one day that money was gone (to other bills too). At the time, I tried to convince myself that God had me prepared for this mess by giving me a coaching job and allowing me to waitress on the weekends. It was a rough and dark fall but we managed and my journey only strengthened. After reading a book about being a lukewarm Christian, I realized I wasn't doing enough and wasn't being the person I needed to be, so I decided to make some changes.
When I wasn't working Sundays and could make church I would put double in than I normally would. I've always wanted to be that person who put their 10% tithe in each week but never fully trusted God enough with my money. The more I learn and read the more I understand that this really isn't my money... it's His. I remember walking out of the grocery store and putting a handful of cash in the bell ringer's pot and thinking "Okay God, that was my money for the week but here You go." It was a good feeling though, I felt peaceful about it and happy.
As Christmas came and went so did my paycheck... I'm sure you can relate! Sunday, I picked up the mail that had piled up while my family was here and filed through the envelopes. I noticed one in particular, Med Billing was the return address. My heart sunk to my stomach because I was just SURE it was another bill. To my surprise.. it wasn't.
I had received a letter from Birch Run Township regarding our car accident and the $500 we owed for fire and rescue. The letter informed me that my account had been paid in full and my remaining balance of $300 was written off. They also included my check and returned it in full.
I started to sob. I felt God. I knew He was the only reason this happened. This doesn't just happen. There was NO reason for this to just happen. God is GOOD. I tested His waters and He answered. I didn't expect Him to repay me in any way but I knew that if I was faithful He would be too. I am so thankful and blessed. His Grace and Favor is bigger than anything I've ever experienced.
Test Him. Know Him. Love Him.
Abby Marie
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas!
I'm sorry it's been a couple weeks since I've blogged; my life has just been busy at home and at work. I will start the new year with an abundance of posts, I promise!
I just wanted to take a few minutes and say Merry Merry Merry CHRISTmas to you all! I'm so thankful for all of you! This has truly been a great year for my family and I. I feel that God is drawing us closer and closer to him. I am so moved by Him and how He has worked in our lives that past couple of years. It's obvious how challenging and tough they were, both physically and mentally. I've come to the realization it has molded each and every one of us, in our own ways.
I have to constantly remind myself (by the minute) that this is God's plan not mine, that I'm His and that my life belongs to Him and Him only. This is a process that I've only come to understand by taking this long journey that has had the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs.
Thank-you to everyone who has stood by our family's side in these past few years. I am grateful for friends that have held my hand in those long dark days and continue to today. God is amazing... while I write this my eyes are full of tears because I am so at peace. I've never felt this before; I encourage you all. I push for you. I want for you. If you are in despair, if you feel neglected, if you are feeling beat down... pursue, He's right there.
During these past few weeks I've been reflecting on my life. I have moments where I cannot wrap my mind around all that has happened to our family and in that same moment I totally get it. Although it has been a long dark season, we have turned the page to a new chapter in our family's book! YES!
May you Christmas and New Year be blessed. Keep your faith, the storm will pass.
CHEERS!!
Abby Marie
I'm sorry it's been a couple weeks since I've blogged; my life has just been busy at home and at work. I will start the new year with an abundance of posts, I promise!
I just wanted to take a few minutes and say Merry Merry Merry CHRISTmas to you all! I'm so thankful for all of you! This has truly been a great year for my family and I. I feel that God is drawing us closer and closer to him. I am so moved by Him and how He has worked in our lives that past couple of years. It's obvious how challenging and tough they were, both physically and mentally. I've come to the realization it has molded each and every one of us, in our own ways.
I have to constantly remind myself (by the minute) that this is God's plan not mine, that I'm His and that my life belongs to Him and Him only. This is a process that I've only come to understand by taking this long journey that has had the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs.
Thank-you to everyone who has stood by our family's side in these past few years. I am grateful for friends that have held my hand in those long dark days and continue to today. God is amazing... while I write this my eyes are full of tears because I am so at peace. I've never felt this before; I encourage you all. I push for you. I want for you. If you are in despair, if you feel neglected, if you are feeling beat down... pursue, He's right there.
During these past few weeks I've been reflecting on my life. I have moments where I cannot wrap my mind around all that has happened to our family and in that same moment I totally get it. Although it has been a long dark season, we have turned the page to a new chapter in our family's book! YES!
May you Christmas and New Year be blessed. Keep your faith, the storm will pass.
CHEERS!!
Abby Marie
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Forgiveness starts from Within
So, as I've touched on before my life now is nothing of what it was in college. I've struggled with my past and the decisions I made while at college and in general. Random thoughts pop into my head that take me back to a particular scenario or day that make my stomach knot up and my heart yearn for forgiveness.. from God and from myself. I hate to paint the picture over and over that Central was a mistake or that my being at college 'ruined' me. Mainly, my point is that while I was attending Central, my life was in shambles and at in given second I made one bad decision after another to momentarily erase the pain.
As time has moved on, so have I. My life that was once in a million pieces has steadily put itself back together. I could point my finger at several situations that propelled my actions but in all reality I was an adult and had a mind of my own. It makes me sad to think that my actions in college haunt me. People who knew me at Central, in reality didn't really know me at all... I didn't know me. When I look back at the person I portayed myself to be, my face immediately makes a look of disgust, eww.
For the past couple years or so, I've been digging deep. I've been beating myself up day in and day out. I've relentlessly made it impossible to forgive myself and because of that I'm not allowing God to forgive me either. The truth is, God's grace and mercy have covered me from day one. God erased my slate, he cleared my name, he doesn't even remember what I've done. Why do I constantly dwell on the past? I've shared tidbits with my sister, Emily, on how I am ashamed. On how I wish I could have been a better student. On how I wished I wouldn't of attended that party, drank that much alcohol and dated that guy. We all have regret, we all have a past. She reminds me over and over that God has already heard my cry and knows my heart... and most importantly he has already forgiven me, so why can't I?
I believe the main reason I can't let go is because I'm embarrassed and want people to know who I am. I don't want to be an imposter, I don't want to put up a front. Here I am raw, and open. I'm a human and I've made mistakes... some worse than others. My past is a past for a reason, whatever that might be. There is a complete laundry list of reasons why my life was a mess in college... my parents divorce, my dad's addiction, my low self esteem and my faith being challenged... to name a few.
I in no way blame one situation more than the other. When you add that combination together and mix in me being and living on my own with people my age the result is tragic. It's amazing how God has gone about his business though. He has done it in such a profound way that my life is forever changed.As I lay in bed and read Bittersweet By Shauna Niequist my heart feels whole again. In a season where her life was chaotic and unsettling she gained wisdom and speaks on the importance of growth in hard times.
"I used to think that the ability to turn back time would be the greatest possible gift, so that I could undo all the things I wish I hadn't done. But grace is an even better gift, because it allows me to do more than just erase; it allows me to become more than I was when I did those things. It's forgiveness without forgetting, which is much sweeter than amnesia."
With this one paragraph, my life changed. I'll let you read this and re-read this, soak it in, and apply it to your life. We all have regret!
What a statement, amen.
xO. Abby
As time has moved on, so have I. My life that was once in a million pieces has steadily put itself back together. I could point my finger at several situations that propelled my actions but in all reality I was an adult and had a mind of my own. It makes me sad to think that my actions in college haunt me. People who knew me at Central, in reality didn't really know me at all... I didn't know me. When I look back at the person I portayed myself to be, my face immediately makes a look of disgust, eww.
For the past couple years or so, I've been digging deep. I've been beating myself up day in and day out. I've relentlessly made it impossible to forgive myself and because of that I'm not allowing God to forgive me either. The truth is, God's grace and mercy have covered me from day one. God erased my slate, he cleared my name, he doesn't even remember what I've done. Why do I constantly dwell on the past? I've shared tidbits with my sister, Emily, on how I am ashamed. On how I wish I could have been a better student. On how I wished I wouldn't of attended that party, drank that much alcohol and dated that guy. We all have regret, we all have a past. She reminds me over and over that God has already heard my cry and knows my heart... and most importantly he has already forgiven me, so why can't I?
I believe the main reason I can't let go is because I'm embarrassed and want people to know who I am. I don't want to be an imposter, I don't want to put up a front. Here I am raw, and open. I'm a human and I've made mistakes... some worse than others. My past is a past for a reason, whatever that might be. There is a complete laundry list of reasons why my life was a mess in college... my parents divorce, my dad's addiction, my low self esteem and my faith being challenged... to name a few.
I in no way blame one situation more than the other. When you add that combination together and mix in me being and living on my own with people my age the result is tragic. It's amazing how God has gone about his business though. He has done it in such a profound way that my life is forever changed.As I lay in bed and read Bittersweet By Shauna Niequist my heart feels whole again. In a season where her life was chaotic and unsettling she gained wisdom and speaks on the importance of growth in hard times.
"I used to think that the ability to turn back time would be the greatest possible gift, so that I could undo all the things I wish I hadn't done. But grace is an even better gift, because it allows me to do more than just erase; it allows me to become more than I was when I did those things. It's forgiveness without forgetting, which is much sweeter than amnesia."
With this one paragraph, my life changed. I'll let you read this and re-read this, soak it in, and apply it to your life. We all have regret!
What a statement, amen.
xO. Abby
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Pure Michigan.
How ironic, the first snowfall was December 1st, perfect timing! Lately, I've realized how much I love the state of Michigan (and everything that goes with it, YES, I said everything)... Definitely not something I thought I'd ever hear myself mutter.
I've lived here all my life, but that doesn't mean much. Most everyone I know has lived here all their years.. what matters is how my attitude towards this beautiful state is transforming. Growing up in 'Mid Michigan' I didn't have easy access to the abundance of lakes scattered across the mitten, I didn't live in the city and I wasn't exposed to an excessive amount of diversity; however, Birch Run was my home, my world, my everything. My life over the past five years has shaped my old way of thinking (and living) into a fresher more explosive outlook on this great state.
After graduating high school, I headed to Mount Pleasant to attend Central Michigan University. From what I can remember, I was exposed to an abundance of EVERYTHING, too much if you ask me. I attended my first of many parties,the economy dropped, our country was (still is) at war, GM declared bankruptcy and I was on my own. This little bubble (Birch Run) of a world I had been living in for the past 18 years had suddenly burst and I was left gasping for air.
I thought to myself, this is a dream, the world really isn't this cruel and demanding... is it? I learned very quickly that life doesn't wait for anyone; I was scared and losing confidence in our country and especially Michigan. Our fragile state was losing steam and going under. Here I am, fresh out of college, ready and roaring to go. Bring it on life, bring it on world, I'm ready for you. The truth is, life really isn't fair. Small town America was getting hit and hit hard. General Motors workers were left with a penny in their pocket and a mortgage payment that they couldn't make. These were my friend's parents, people I knew and loved. I was angry and confused. I wanted out of Michigan more than ever.
My husband and I found out we were expecting in the fall of 2008. We were college graduates with no real path, and a baby on the way. We were stuck.. I was stuck. I couldn't believe I was going to be moving to Birch Run and not Chicago. My dreams, the city life, my expensive taste seemed to have taken the first flight out... next stop, mommy hood. I quickly realized we were going nowhere fast and I had to accept our situation and make the best of it. My husband, Dajuan, took a job at a hospital in Saginaw and before you knew it, baby Braylon was here.
So here we are, still! Nearly two years later and my love for this state is in full bloom. I've discovered a sense of pride throughout this long but rewarding journey and feel shameful for having such a pessimestic attitude. I wasn't happy where God had placed me; I kicked and screamed the whole time. My attitude didn't help the situation at all, in reality it distracted me from blooming where I was planted. Today, I'm happy. I love living in Michigan. I love the fact that the economy is on the upswing and our new governor elect has great ambition and plans for this state. I love that I can enjoy all four seasons without having to drive an enormous amount of hours. I love that I can witness God through the colors of the leaves in the fall and the depths of the breathtaking water on Lake Michigan in the summer. I love the friendly rivalry between UofM and MSU... I seriously love it all.
As Braylon has grown so has my love for Michigan. I want to raise my family here. I want to bloom where I am planted and enjoy every second of it. Yes, there have been hard times with more to come but what's a good story without a dark scene? I'm thankful to live here and blessed. Michigan has humbled me in more ways than one, again, I'm thankful.
Abby Marie
I've lived here all my life, but that doesn't mean much. Most everyone I know has lived here all their years.. what matters is how my attitude towards this beautiful state is transforming. Growing up in 'Mid Michigan' I didn't have easy access to the abundance of lakes scattered across the mitten, I didn't live in the city and I wasn't exposed to an excessive amount of diversity; however, Birch Run was my home, my world, my everything. My life over the past five years has shaped my old way of thinking (and living) into a fresher more explosive outlook on this great state.
After graduating high school, I headed to Mount Pleasant to attend Central Michigan University. From what I can remember, I was exposed to an abundance of EVERYTHING, too much if you ask me. I attended my first of many parties,the economy dropped, our country was (still is) at war, GM declared bankruptcy and I was on my own. This little bubble (Birch Run) of a world I had been living in for the past 18 years had suddenly burst and I was left gasping for air.
I thought to myself, this is a dream, the world really isn't this cruel and demanding... is it? I learned very quickly that life doesn't wait for anyone; I was scared and losing confidence in our country and especially Michigan. Our fragile state was losing steam and going under. Here I am, fresh out of college, ready and roaring to go. Bring it on life, bring it on world, I'm ready for you. The truth is, life really isn't fair. Small town America was getting hit and hit hard. General Motors workers were left with a penny in their pocket and a mortgage payment that they couldn't make. These were my friend's parents, people I knew and loved. I was angry and confused. I wanted out of Michigan more than ever.
My husband and I found out we were expecting in the fall of 2008. We were college graduates with no real path, and a baby on the way. We were stuck.. I was stuck. I couldn't believe I was going to be moving to Birch Run and not Chicago. My dreams, the city life, my expensive taste seemed to have taken the first flight out... next stop, mommy hood. I quickly realized we were going nowhere fast and I had to accept our situation and make the best of it. My husband, Dajuan, took a job at a hospital in Saginaw and before you knew it, baby Braylon was here.
So here we are, still! Nearly two years later and my love for this state is in full bloom. I've discovered a sense of pride throughout this long but rewarding journey and feel shameful for having such a pessimestic attitude. I wasn't happy where God had placed me; I kicked and screamed the whole time. My attitude didn't help the situation at all, in reality it distracted me from blooming where I was planted. Today, I'm happy. I love living in Michigan. I love the fact that the economy is on the upswing and our new governor elect has great ambition and plans for this state. I love that I can enjoy all four seasons without having to drive an enormous amount of hours. I love that I can witness God through the colors of the leaves in the fall and the depths of the breathtaking water on Lake Michigan in the summer. I love the friendly rivalry between UofM and MSU... I seriously love it all.
As Braylon has grown so has my love for Michigan. I want to raise my family here. I want to bloom where I am planted and enjoy every second of it. Yes, there have been hard times with more to come but what's a good story without a dark scene? I'm thankful to live here and blessed. Michigan has humbled me in more ways than one, again, I'm thankful.
Abby Marie
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
God is Love
My sister, Emily, is book worm and so is her boyfriend, Josh. She constantly gushes to me about how I need to read this book and that book. I find myself reading blogs, short exerpts of books online and online articles but to actually sit down in peace and quiet and read a book was pushing it. She sent a book anyways and I have to say I'm glad she did. Against all odds, I began to read.
The book is 'Crazy Love' by Francis Chan. I've tweeted a tad about it, but as I read along it truly speaks to me and the way I'm living my life. Don't get me wrong, I'm actively seeking God each and everyday but that doesn't justify my decisions. Do you ever feel guilted and pressured into loving God and seeking a relationship with him? I know I fall to that each and everyday. I try to convince myself that by doing something then I am making God happier; what a drag. Chan explains this as work, hard work that isn't need. When someone is in love with God, it isn't work, it's manifestation. Doing those deeds that used to seem like work suddenly become a part of life.
While I read, I wept. I knew he was speaking to me. This is my life, I do what I think I need to do to get to Heaven. Let me ask you something, do you ever have questions rolling around in your head like... "Will I still go to heaven if I get a divorce?" or "Will I still go to heaven even though I have sex with my girlfriend and we aren't married?" or "Will I still go to heaven even if I'm not baptized?", I know that I am consumed with questions similar to these but why? Chan says, "These questions are tragic because they reveal much about the state of our hearts. They demonstrate that our concern is more about going to heaven than loving the King." Wow, how powerful right?
I read this and then re-read this statement several times; I had to try to put it in perspective. From what I understand, if we LOVE God and have an active relationship with him, these questions shouldn't be a concern. "If you love me, you will obey my command" (John 14:15). God doesn't want us to just believe there is a God, but he wants us to know him, love him and seek him; even sinners believe.
In today's world and our modern society, we try to make being a 'Christian' seem easy. Whatever works best for our schedule, for our lifestyle, our ego and our pocketbook. Don't you agree? It has taken me to break down to nothing to truly understand this. There is nothing I can say to to justify my actions to the Lord. He knows me, how can I hide from the one who created me? Chan breaks it down plain and simple; either you are a Christian or you aren't. You may bulk yourself up in public to look like one, but do your actions equal this? He says, "I gave God leftovers and felt no shame, I took my eyes off of Scripture and compared myself to others." It is easy to fill our lives up with junk and give God the rest. A prayer before bed, a couple bucks given each week at church isn't enough.. is it?
As I laid in bed and read I was overwhelmed on how 'wrong' I was on being a Christian and how sorry I felt for the way I had been living my life. God wants us to want him, to love him and is readily available for us. Because we are a nice person, friendly to others and a good citizen doesn't make us a Christian. In fact, I know several people who are great people, but not Christians. We are sinners, we are human and through it all God's grace covers us. Where do you fall on this scale, are you a lukewarm Christian?
If you have time or even if you don't, think about these words and how Chan truly delivers an amazing message. As I reflect deeper into his book, I will blog more.
Make today a new day, start living your life for God. I love you!
ONElove,
Abby Marie
The book is 'Crazy Love' by Francis Chan. I've tweeted a tad about it, but as I read along it truly speaks to me and the way I'm living my life. Don't get me wrong, I'm actively seeking God each and everyday but that doesn't justify my decisions. Do you ever feel guilted and pressured into loving God and seeking a relationship with him? I know I fall to that each and everyday. I try to convince myself that by doing something then I am making God happier; what a drag. Chan explains this as work, hard work that isn't need. When someone is in love with God, it isn't work, it's manifestation. Doing those deeds that used to seem like work suddenly become a part of life.
While I read, I wept. I knew he was speaking to me. This is my life, I do what I think I need to do to get to Heaven. Let me ask you something, do you ever have questions rolling around in your head like... "Will I still go to heaven if I get a divorce?" or "Will I still go to heaven even though I have sex with my girlfriend and we aren't married?" or "Will I still go to heaven even if I'm not baptized?", I know that I am consumed with questions similar to these but why? Chan says, "These questions are tragic because they reveal much about the state of our hearts. They demonstrate that our concern is more about going to heaven than loving the King." Wow, how powerful right?
I read this and then re-read this statement several times; I had to try to put it in perspective. From what I understand, if we LOVE God and have an active relationship with him, these questions shouldn't be a concern. "If you love me, you will obey my command" (John 14:15). God doesn't want us to just believe there is a God, but he wants us to know him, love him and seek him; even sinners believe.
In today's world and our modern society, we try to make being a 'Christian' seem easy. Whatever works best for our schedule, for our lifestyle, our ego and our pocketbook. Don't you agree? It has taken me to break down to nothing to truly understand this. There is nothing I can say to to justify my actions to the Lord. He knows me, how can I hide from the one who created me? Chan breaks it down plain and simple; either you are a Christian or you aren't. You may bulk yourself up in public to look like one, but do your actions equal this? He says, "I gave God leftovers and felt no shame, I took my eyes off of Scripture and compared myself to others." It is easy to fill our lives up with junk and give God the rest. A prayer before bed, a couple bucks given each week at church isn't enough.. is it?
As I laid in bed and read I was overwhelmed on how 'wrong' I was on being a Christian and how sorry I felt for the way I had been living my life. God wants us to want him, to love him and is readily available for us. Because we are a nice person, friendly to others and a good citizen doesn't make us a Christian. In fact, I know several people who are great people, but not Christians. We are sinners, we are human and through it all God's grace covers us. Where do you fall on this scale, are you a lukewarm Christian?
If you have time or even if you don't, think about these words and how Chan truly delivers an amazing message. As I reflect deeper into his book, I will blog more.
Make today a new day, start living your life for God. I love you!
ONElove,
Abby Marie
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Enough is Enough
Happy Wednesday!
Yesterday was election day.. yay, fun for me; although, I'm sure most of you hate it! I don't know what it is but I engulf myself into politics.. lately more than ever. I find myself googling terms, searching for articles and watching endless videos.. I constantly want to know more more more! I am firery, I have an opinion, I want to be heard and yet, I still feel like I don't know enough.
It bothers me more than anything when someone catorgizes me as not caring for the poor because I vote republican (red).. really? I work two jobs, am a recent college graduate with student loans up to my nose and most importantly I am a young mother. If anyone needs help, it's me! You will never see me with my hand out begging- it is my responsibility to take care of myself and my family. I am working 2, not one but 2 jobs currently and picked up a coaching job on top of that for Christmas money. I worked full-time through college and still didn't make enough to not take out loans.
I am most definitely NOT upset that I have to pay for healthcare, that I have to buy baby food and that I have to work to get money, why should I be? These days it is too easy to get assistance. Let me let you in on an incident that recently happened to me. When Braylon, my son, was born I was offered WIC. A program (wonderful might I add) offered to young mothers and their children for assistance with formula, food and nutritional items. I am not the type to let go of my pride and take free help but at the time, I was fresh out of college in a dead market and desperate to give my child the best of the best. I decided I would give WIC a try; we mainly used it for formula since Braylon was required to use a special brand that cost $21.50 a can.
When Braylon was 10 months old, I weened him off of formula and began feeding him regular milk and baby food. I set up a consultation with WIC and informed them I would no longer be needing their services but was grateful for their help. The woman who was on the other side of the desk looked at me confused... "Excuse me Mrs. Jefferson, you mean you don't want to continue with our services? Ma'am this service is available until your child is 5, it's free Ma'am." I insisted that I was through with their service but thanked them for helping me when I had nowhere else to turn.
The moral of this story is, assistance is there if you need it but don't take advantage of it. In fact, that service isn't free... you, as tax payers paid for my formula for 10 months and I thank you for that. As a citizen and tax payer myself, I knew that I had the option to feed off of the Government for the next 5 years but how fair is that? How considerate am I to do that when I am able to work myself to feed my own child- because in fact, it is my child not yours.
I believe in old school ways. You get what you work for. You are who you work to be. Having morals and proclaiming yourself a Christian (or whatever religion you practice) is normal.
So, yes, I am a Republican! I vote straight Republican ticket every time and will continue to do so. I believe in working hard and getting what you worked for. I do understand that there are circumstances where one may not be able to provide for their family; hence the assistance available; however, feeding off of our country for years and years is a shame. I do agree there needs to be change with our system; trust me, I am not getting paid nearly enough, but I'm doing what I need to do so my child is fed and has clothes on his back. I continue the search to understand our policies; I believe we can pull out of this mess we have gotten ourselves into. Our culture is so self-indulgent; we believe that we are owed everything at the cost of everyone else. It saddens me.
America, this is your responsiblity. Get educated; know the facts. We as the middle class are not the only ones who need tax breaks; small businesses who provide the majority of jobs for us need them too. Small businesses are the men and women who have worked day in and day out to provide jobs to others; they are the American way of doing things.
Our country is so clouded right now; what a shame. My prayers are with our President every single day... the people have spoken, are you listening?
"On the average day, we live caught up in ourselves. On the average day, we don't consider God very much. On the average day, we forget that our life truly is a vapor." -Francis Chan
Use your short time on this earth to make a difference.
ONE love,
Abby Marie
Yesterday was election day.. yay, fun for me; although, I'm sure most of you hate it! I don't know what it is but I engulf myself into politics.. lately more than ever. I find myself googling terms, searching for articles and watching endless videos.. I constantly want to know more more more! I am firery, I have an opinion, I want to be heard and yet, I still feel like I don't know enough.
It bothers me more than anything when someone catorgizes me as not caring for the poor because I vote republican (red).. really? I work two jobs, am a recent college graduate with student loans up to my nose and most importantly I am a young mother. If anyone needs help, it's me! You will never see me with my hand out begging- it is my responsibility to take care of myself and my family. I am working 2, not one but 2 jobs currently and picked up a coaching job on top of that for Christmas money. I worked full-time through college and still didn't make enough to not take out loans.
I am most definitely NOT upset that I have to pay for healthcare, that I have to buy baby food and that I have to work to get money, why should I be? These days it is too easy to get assistance. Let me let you in on an incident that recently happened to me. When Braylon, my son, was born I was offered WIC. A program (wonderful might I add) offered to young mothers and their children for assistance with formula, food and nutritional items. I am not the type to let go of my pride and take free help but at the time, I was fresh out of college in a dead market and desperate to give my child the best of the best. I decided I would give WIC a try; we mainly used it for formula since Braylon was required to use a special brand that cost $21.50 a can.
When Braylon was 10 months old, I weened him off of formula and began feeding him regular milk and baby food. I set up a consultation with WIC and informed them I would no longer be needing their services but was grateful for their help. The woman who was on the other side of the desk looked at me confused... "Excuse me Mrs. Jefferson, you mean you don't want to continue with our services? Ma'am this service is available until your child is 5, it's free Ma'am." I insisted that I was through with their service but thanked them for helping me when I had nowhere else to turn.
The moral of this story is, assistance is there if you need it but don't take advantage of it. In fact, that service isn't free... you, as tax payers paid for my formula for 10 months and I thank you for that. As a citizen and tax payer myself, I knew that I had the option to feed off of the Government for the next 5 years but how fair is that? How considerate am I to do that when I am able to work myself to feed my own child- because in fact, it is my child not yours.
I believe in old school ways. You get what you work for. You are who you work to be. Having morals and proclaiming yourself a Christian (or whatever religion you practice) is normal.
So, yes, I am a Republican! I vote straight Republican ticket every time and will continue to do so. I believe in working hard and getting what you worked for. I do understand that there are circumstances where one may not be able to provide for their family; hence the assistance available; however, feeding off of our country for years and years is a shame. I do agree there needs to be change with our system; trust me, I am not getting paid nearly enough, but I'm doing what I need to do so my child is fed and has clothes on his back. I continue the search to understand our policies; I believe we can pull out of this mess we have gotten ourselves into. Our culture is so self-indulgent; we believe that we are owed everything at the cost of everyone else. It saddens me.
America, this is your responsiblity. Get educated; know the facts. We as the middle class are not the only ones who need tax breaks; small businesses who provide the majority of jobs for us need them too. Small businesses are the men and women who have worked day in and day out to provide jobs to others; they are the American way of doing things.
Our country is so clouded right now; what a shame. My prayers are with our President every single day... the people have spoken, are you listening?
"On the average day, we live caught up in ourselves. On the average day, we don't consider God very much. On the average day, we forget that our life truly is a vapor." -Francis Chan
Use your short time on this earth to make a difference.
ONE love,
Abby Marie
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