Elisabeth,
I don't normally write into shows, but I happened to be home today and saw part of the show this morning 2/28. This particular morning Rosie cut you off repeatedly, while totally dismissing your feelings on the subjects of the War in Iraq and Homeland Security vs. Personal Privacy altogether. Why are her personal feeling any more relevant than yours?
First let me say: you go girl! I personally happen to agree with you 100%! And how very rude it was of Rosie to just dismiss your point of view entirely. From a liberal perspective if you disagree with the accepted "party line" you forfeit your right to speak altogether?! Rosie can play the "age" card, but the planet stops spinning if anyone ever brings up her sexual preference/lifestyle choice -- freedoms that I might add are protected by the hard-won battles and loss of many U.S. soldiers lives in previous wars.
This administration has made mistakes to be certain, as has any administration under the microscope while actually in office. But to my way of thinking this administration has prevented another terrorist attack from happening again on our U.S. soil and that more than makes up for any perceived shortcomings or minor outright mistakes. It is my sincerest hope that this administration will get a fair shake when historians look back and assess the Bush administration's overall accomplishments while in office.
Unfortunately, Rosie and many -- not all, but many! -- other liberals suffer from the delusion that "they think they know what's best for the rest of us" and therefore we, 'mindless peasants', are not entitled to hold our own opinions. Most liberals assume that 'we the people' are just plain wrong, an unfounded albiet convenient mistruth.
I thank God each and everyday that we have a strong president in President Bush ... A president who is willing to make hard choices in order to keep this country and its citizens safe. If Rosie, and her 'stick-your-head-in-the-sand' fellow liberals, had their way the terrorists would be here, in the U.S., tomorrow wreaking havoc and continuing to take more innocent lives of our citizens.
While I do most sincerely regret that so many of our dedicated soldiers have been injured and lost their lives in this war, that is --as our history has shown us, time and time again-- unfortunately, the price we as a country must pay when the need arises in order to ensure our hard won freedoms remain intact -- freedoms I might add which so so many Americans now-a-days seem to take completely for granted, including Rosie and many liberal like her. For my part, I do pray for these soldiers and their families daily. Unfortunately, you cannot negotiate or rationalize with an extremist terrorist mentality. The Islamic extremists want our (Westerners' and U.S. citizens in particular) death and they will settle nothing less it would seem. Leaving a stable Iraq, with running water, electricity, and functioning & effective government is key to keeping extremist factions from over-running the country and preventing terrorists from having yet another safe-haven in the Middle East Region.
[As a side note: remember that "unpopular war" in Vietnam? Well,that was a media directed war if there ever was one. It turns out that the journals and intercepted documents from the Viet Cong (spelling? need to look this up) Generals show decisively that the Viet Cong were literally on the verge of breaking -- they were short on supplies with no way to reinforce them -- when we pulled out. Sometimes, the right thing to do is to stay the course and make hard choices.]
If Rosie wants to do some real good: she can start by being quiet and listening for change. And while she's at it: why not put her 'media clout' to some immediately realizable good by launching an initiative to help our wounded soldiers -- and their families -- returning from war adjust to life after service in Iraq (i.e., help w/lost incomes, medical costs, job retraining,loans, counseling, etc.).
My father served proudly in the military for over 23 years and I, personally, know and care about many military families. I have lived and travelled all over this country and many places around the world. I try to keep an open mind and respect other people's points of view and coming from this worldly perspective I often forget that there are still those in the world with a narrow world-view and a rigid not forward-thinking mindset. I try my best to patient, understanding and respectful of all points of view ... that being said, it just irks me when someone like Rosie completely dismisses another person's point of view as irrelevant!! Honestly, if it weren't for you, Elisabeth, single-handedly balancing out that show it would have to renamed the "Liberal View."
You've got a lot of weight on your shoulders girl: so hang in there! And know that you are not out in left field and not alone with your ideas, ideals and beliefs. Thank you for being a lone voice of reason on a show which these days seems to be teetering on the brink of madness.
God Bless You!
[I wrote my draft here and did an edit/final version before sending this on to Elisabeth at the view. Never did get back to update this post. Have done so now 4/10/2013. Better late than never! : ) ]
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Help Keep Our Children Safe!
In my last post, I spoke about REAL EVIL in this world. EVIL is REAL and it does exist.We are foolish if we ignore it. It will not go away simply because we choose not to acknowledge it. But we are not powerless! In addition to power of prayer and doing good ourselves to help counterbalance good vs. evil in this world: we have a responsibility to protect the innocent and those that cannot always protect themselves.We need to do more to more to protect our children!
I heard that Oprah did a show on the aftermath of the life of an abducted child. I, myself, did not see the show, but I heard that she spoke about a new law before our U.S. congress called the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Apparently, as the law is now written, individual states have 3 years to comply with the provisions of the act. Oprah and other advocates of this Act want to have the timetable for implementation made shorter. They urge you to write to your state's Governor and U.S. State Senator -- why not write to your Representative as well -- to move up the timetable for enacting the measures of the Act.
You can download a pre-written letter to your elected officials at the Oprah website: http://www.oprah.com/. Or cut and paste from my text at the end of this blog entry.
Another thing you can do is educate your child on basic safety. I've talked to my children about basic stranger safety and their own personal space -- even at age 2 they can understand these ideas on some level. We also let our kids know that there is never anything that they cannot talk to Mom and Dad about. We let them know that we are very tough and can take care of ourselves and them: so they don't need to worry about Mom and Dad (or them) being hurt by someone for telling us things that bother them. Lastly, we watch them like a hawk! But I know that there is still more that we can do. So I am going to order a new safety video put together by John Walsh and Julie Clark (of the Baby Einstein Company). It is called "Stranger Safety". You can find it at http://www.thesafeside.com/.
We can all also can watch out for other kids. If you see a small child who looks lost and without parents help them find their parents or notify law enforcement. If you see, or hear, a small child crying or shouting: don't be afraid to investigate. And parents don't be so offended if someone questions you about your crying child. Instead: be glad that there are advocates out there looking out for our children!
One morning after dropping my kids off at school, I saw a suspicious looking car circling around a bus stop where a few public middle school kids were waiting. It may have been nothing, but I parked my car there nearby and watched until ever single student got safely onto that bus. And I make a point of driving by there each day since.
Let's all work together to keep our children safe!
God Bless You! God Bless Little and Big Children Everywhere!
P.S. Text for letter to your state's Governor and U.S. State Senator follows. Look up contact info for the latter at: http://www.congress.org/ (Senator & Representative) and http://www.usa.gov/ (your governor).
Re: Please immediately implement the state requirements of the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act
Dear Governor (or Senator):
As your constituent, I am writing this letter to urge you and your appropriate state agencies to act swiftly to implement the state requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Although the Adam Walsh Act provided that states have three years to comply with the requirements, delay in implementing these changes will jeopardize the safety of children and the community. Law enforcement needs the resources to protect children and communities from the scourge of convicted sex offenders:
I urge you to fully implement all the state mandates within the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. I am particularly concerned about the following:1. To implement an effective and comprehensive mechanism to verify the residence of the most high risk sex offenders at least once every three months.2. To collect DNA samples from sex offenders who have not already provided them to local law enforcement.3. To complete fingerprint-based background checks on all foster and adoptive placements to ensure that foster children are placed in safe homes.
Citizens need access to accurate and timely information regarding convicted sex offenders living in their community. The 50 States and the Federal government are responsible for building and maintaining an effective national sex offender database. A national sex offender database is a critical safeguard to protect America’s children and with each passing day that the provisions of this law are not implemented, the danger to children is heightened. The States are at the forefront to provide reliable information about the identity and whereabouts of convicted sex offenders. That information needs to be accessible, accurate and verifiable, or our communities are at grave risk.
I strongly urge you to act now to implement the state-directed mandates passed in the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act so that our children are kept safe from these dangerous predators and law enforcement has the necessary investigative resources.Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.
Sincerely,(Your Name and Contact Info -- very important to include this to show that you are in fact their constituents)
I heard that Oprah did a show on the aftermath of the life of an abducted child. I, myself, did not see the show, but I heard that she spoke about a new law before our U.S. congress called the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Apparently, as the law is now written, individual states have 3 years to comply with the provisions of the act. Oprah and other advocates of this Act want to have the timetable for implementation made shorter. They urge you to write to your state's Governor and U.S. State Senator -- why not write to your Representative as well -- to move up the timetable for enacting the measures of the Act.
You can download a pre-written letter to your elected officials at the Oprah website: http://www.oprah.com/. Or cut and paste from my text at the end of this blog entry.
Another thing you can do is educate your child on basic safety. I've talked to my children about basic stranger safety and their own personal space -- even at age 2 they can understand these ideas on some level. We also let our kids know that there is never anything that they cannot talk to Mom and Dad about. We let them know that we are very tough and can take care of ourselves and them: so they don't need to worry about Mom and Dad (or them) being hurt by someone for telling us things that bother them. Lastly, we watch them like a hawk! But I know that there is still more that we can do. So I am going to order a new safety video put together by John Walsh and Julie Clark (of the Baby Einstein Company). It is called "Stranger Safety". You can find it at http://www.thesafeside.com/.
We can all also can watch out for other kids. If you see a small child who looks lost and without parents help them find their parents or notify law enforcement. If you see, or hear, a small child crying or shouting: don't be afraid to investigate. And parents don't be so offended if someone questions you about your crying child. Instead: be glad that there are advocates out there looking out for our children!
One morning after dropping my kids off at school, I saw a suspicious looking car circling around a bus stop where a few public middle school kids were waiting. It may have been nothing, but I parked my car there nearby and watched until ever single student got safely onto that bus. And I make a point of driving by there each day since.
Let's all work together to keep our children safe!
God Bless You! God Bless Little and Big Children Everywhere!
P.S. Text for letter to your state's Governor and U.S. State Senator follows. Look up contact info for the latter at: http://www.congress.org/ (Senator & Representative) and http://www.usa.gov/ (your governor).
Re: Please immediately implement the state requirements of the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act
Dear Governor (or Senator):
As your constituent, I am writing this letter to urge you and your appropriate state agencies to act swiftly to implement the state requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Although the Adam Walsh Act provided that states have three years to comply with the requirements, delay in implementing these changes will jeopardize the safety of children and the community. Law enforcement needs the resources to protect children and communities from the scourge of convicted sex offenders:
I urge you to fully implement all the state mandates within the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. I am particularly concerned about the following:1. To implement an effective and comprehensive mechanism to verify the residence of the most high risk sex offenders at least once every three months.2. To collect DNA samples from sex offenders who have not already provided them to local law enforcement.3. To complete fingerprint-based background checks on all foster and adoptive placements to ensure that foster children are placed in safe homes.
Citizens need access to accurate and timely information regarding convicted sex offenders living in their community. The 50 States and the Federal government are responsible for building and maintaining an effective national sex offender database. A national sex offender database is a critical safeguard to protect America’s children and with each passing day that the provisions of this law are not implemented, the danger to children is heightened. The States are at the forefront to provide reliable information about the identity and whereabouts of convicted sex offenders. That information needs to be accessible, accurate and verifiable, or our communities are at grave risk.
I strongly urge you to act now to implement the state-directed mandates passed in the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act so that our children are kept safe from these dangerous predators and law enforcement has the necessary investigative resources.Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.
Sincerely,(Your Name and Contact Info -- very important to include this to show that you are in fact their constituents)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Tomb of Jesus Found?
Well, I don't know about you, but I believe that the "false prophets" are here. And there is not just one of them: but many. Foremost in the media today is James Cameron, with his documentary attempting to scientifically prove that Jesus was not resurrected and returned to heaven, and that He further was "wed" to Mary Magdalene and that they had a son. -- gee I've heard that one before ... book/movie "The Da Vinci Code" (see other labels this blog).
Well as many experts are claiming: 1) this is not new news -- the original discovery was made in the 1980's and it led nowhere; and 2) Jesus and the other names in the tomb were very common names at the time that this tomb dates.
For "nonbelievers": the latter may cast a shadow of doubt, but for believers it is just sad that one more hurdle has been placed in the road for those with doubts and perhaps just on verge of believing.
I personally believe in a "higher power", but more specifically: I believe in Jesus, the Son of God. I have called on His name throughout the course of my life and He has answered me with both big miracles and little everyday miracles alike. I called on Jesus the day that my youngest daughter, 9 months old at the time, suffered a severe head trauma. Jesus healed her, and in my opinion saved her life. The doctors just couldn't believe that the damage she suffered was not more severe. That Daughter is now a vibrant, very smart, and healthy 5 year-old. There is absolutely no evidence of a head trauma in her past. Moreover, she is so spirit and love filled. She says the most profound things for such a little one. I believe that this is because Jesus has touched her in a profound way in order to heal her,and that a little piece of Him lives on in her.
So I believe, but I feel for those who haven't experienced miracles like mine. Who have such a hard time letting go and believing. What a lonely and scary world to have to face all on your own. I will continue to pray for faith on your part, and for the innocence and openness to allow the possibility of Jesus to enter your heart. As Jesus said: "Blessed are the children, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
But back to false prophets: When false prophets come, it says in the Bible that "end times" will be near. And who is to say what "near" translates to in our human frame of time reference. But when "near" comes to fruition there will be no "on the verge of believing". You will either believe or you won't. It will be black and white. It also says in the Bible that Satan will have his time of influence over the Earth and man before the final end times. And based on what I see going on the world around me: I'd say that Satan definitely has some serious influence these days.
So it is probably a good idea to start getting your house in order, so that you can pass on a living legacy to your children and their children to come. And beware of Satan, just as the serpent in the Bible: he will work in deceiving ways and convince that what you are doing is not wrong. Once you take the first step in his direction, it is slippery slope.
For example: take those that profit from foreclosed homes, by purchasing them and reselling for a profit. The bank says, "it's in the contract they signed" and "it's the law". The bank agent says "It's my job". That may justify foreclosure actions in the world of man, but God has his own laws. And the banks and bankers will have to answer to him. And for those who purchase these foreclosed homes you are no less guilty. Using the excuse: "Well if I don't buy it: someone else would" doesn't work in the court of God. You will have to answer. If there were no buyers of foreclosed homes,the banks would work harder to find a fair settlement and perhaps a way to help those in foreclosure through their difficult time. My sister and her husband recently worked with a family on the verge of foreclosure to buy the home from the borrower at a fair price before they lost everything to the bank. So there is a way.
But each of us has our challenges. We all can do better. One of my challenges of late is to get out the door in the morning -- without yelling at my children, which I can do most days -- at a reasonable time, so that we get to school on time. And also to be patient in morning traffic, with less than alert drivers, in traffic that has quadrupled over the last 2 years in our area. But I am trying!
Despite the troubles of the world around us. The little good things that each one of us do can add up to make a huge difference in counterbalancing the evil in the world -- and do not be fooled or complacent: evil is real and it does exist.
But don't despair! God wants us to be happy. He wants us to be the best that we can be. And if you personally are experiencing difficulty in your life: try asking Jesus for help. It can't hurt! I mean you buy a lottery ticket? Asking Jesus for help is FREE and you have a better chance of winning. : )
God Bless!
PJP ~ "Peace, Joy & Prosperity"
3/1/07 Chris Rosebrough wrote a comment that leads to his website: you will find it at extremetheology.com. Here Chris eloquently discusses the tomb that is the subject of the upcoming James Cameron film. Well written. Good reading. Check it out!
Well as many experts are claiming: 1) this is not new news -- the original discovery was made in the 1980's and it led nowhere; and 2) Jesus and the other names in the tomb were very common names at the time that this tomb dates.
For "nonbelievers": the latter may cast a shadow of doubt, but for believers it is just sad that one more hurdle has been placed in the road for those with doubts and perhaps just on verge of believing.
I personally believe in a "higher power", but more specifically: I believe in Jesus, the Son of God. I have called on His name throughout the course of my life and He has answered me with both big miracles and little everyday miracles alike. I called on Jesus the day that my youngest daughter, 9 months old at the time, suffered a severe head trauma. Jesus healed her, and in my opinion saved her life. The doctors just couldn't believe that the damage she suffered was not more severe. That Daughter is now a vibrant, very smart, and healthy 5 year-old. There is absolutely no evidence of a head trauma in her past. Moreover, she is so spirit and love filled. She says the most profound things for such a little one. I believe that this is because Jesus has touched her in a profound way in order to heal her,and that a little piece of Him lives on in her.
So I believe, but I feel for those who haven't experienced miracles like mine. Who have such a hard time letting go and believing. What a lonely and scary world to have to face all on your own. I will continue to pray for faith on your part, and for the innocence and openness to allow the possibility of Jesus to enter your heart. As Jesus said: "Blessed are the children, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
But back to false prophets: When false prophets come, it says in the Bible that "end times" will be near. And who is to say what "near" translates to in our human frame of time reference. But when "near" comes to fruition there will be no "on the verge of believing". You will either believe or you won't. It will be black and white. It also says in the Bible that Satan will have his time of influence over the Earth and man before the final end times. And based on what I see going on the world around me: I'd say that Satan definitely has some serious influence these days.
So it is probably a good idea to start getting your house in order, so that you can pass on a living legacy to your children and their children to come. And beware of Satan, just as the serpent in the Bible: he will work in deceiving ways and convince that what you are doing is not wrong. Once you take the first step in his direction, it is slippery slope.
For example: take those that profit from foreclosed homes, by purchasing them and reselling for a profit. The bank says, "it's in the contract they signed" and "it's the law". The bank agent says "It's my job". That may justify foreclosure actions in the world of man, but God has his own laws. And the banks and bankers will have to answer to him. And for those who purchase these foreclosed homes you are no less guilty. Using the excuse: "Well if I don't buy it: someone else would" doesn't work in the court of God. You will have to answer. If there were no buyers of foreclosed homes,the banks would work harder to find a fair settlement and perhaps a way to help those in foreclosure through their difficult time. My sister and her husband recently worked with a family on the verge of foreclosure to buy the home from the borrower at a fair price before they lost everything to the bank. So there is a way.
But each of us has our challenges. We all can do better. One of my challenges of late is to get out the door in the morning -- without yelling at my children, which I can do most days -- at a reasonable time, so that we get to school on time. And also to be patient in morning traffic, with less than alert drivers, in traffic that has quadrupled over the last 2 years in our area. But I am trying!
Despite the troubles of the world around us. The little good things that each one of us do can add up to make a huge difference in counterbalancing the evil in the world -- and do not be fooled or complacent: evil is real and it does exist.
But don't despair! God wants us to be happy. He wants us to be the best that we can be. And if you personally are experiencing difficulty in your life: try asking Jesus for help. It can't hurt! I mean you buy a lottery ticket? Asking Jesus for help is FREE and you have a better chance of winning. : )
God Bless!
PJP ~ "Peace, Joy & Prosperity"
3/1/07 Chris Rosebrough wrote a comment that leads to his website: you will find it at extremetheology.com. Here Chris eloquently discusses the tomb that is the subject of the upcoming James Cameron film. Well written. Good reading. Check it out!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
The Family Connection?
In an earlier post I spoke about "making a connection" and how we are all connected.Well continuing along in that line of thought: don't be dismayed if you just can't make a connection. Give yourself some credit for attempting to make an effort at all and then just let it go. You can't force a connection. Forcing the square peg to fit in the round hole may seem like the rational thing to do in the moment, but in the long run "uncomfortable" will likely be the best case scenario result.
Sometimes the hardest connections to make are those that you were born into, that is to say your family. You get to choose your friends, but you are just plain stuck with your family and vice versa. Fortunately, the little ones --the children-- help keep it real and honest.
So just grin and bear those family holiday get-togethers! Focus on the LOVE and try not to sweat the small stuff, right? Maybe you can focus on looking forward to the days when all of you will suffer from poor memory and other cognitive diseases. That way you won't remember small slights, disputes and general awkwardness at family get-togethers. ; )
PJP ~ "Peace, Joy & Prosperity" (whatever prosperity is for you)
P.S. You might also try eating some pie ... might just make you feel better?! My nephew says this all the time "We all need to eat some pie!" ... see this also in the Movie, "Michael", with John Travolta.
3/12/07 In reflecting on this entry in days since, it occurs to me that I need to just keep on loving my family ... even if I don't always understand them. I've always said that my favorite Bible passage is 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, which speaks about the greatest all gifts: the gift is LOVE. I just need to keep on LOVING them!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Drug Company Merck has Announced Suspension of its Lobbying Efforts
The drug company Merck has suspended its lobbying efforts to have state legislatures require that school age females be vaccinated with their drug, "Gardasil", in order to attend public schools.
This news story from Fox News:
"TRENTON, N.J. — Merck & Co. is immediately suspending its lobbying campaign to persuade state legislatures to mandate that adolescent girls get the company's new vaccine against cervical cancer as a requirement for school attendance, the company said late Tuesday.
The drugmaker had been criticized by parents and doctors' groups for quietly funding the campaign via a third party to require 11- and 12-year-old girls get the three-dose vaccine in order to attend school.
Some had objected because the vaccine protects against a sexually transmitted disease, human papilloma virus, which causes cervical cancer. Vaccines mandated for school attendance usually are for diseases easily spread through casual contact.
"Our goal is about cervical cancer prevention and we want to reach as many females as possible with Gardasil," Dr. Richard M. Haupt, Merck's medical director for vaccines, told The Associated Press.
"We're concerned that our role in supporting school requirements is a distraction from that goal, and as such have suspended our lobbying efforts," Haupt said, adding the company will continue providing information about the vaccine if requested by government officials." "
See the entire story firsthand at the following link:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,253162,00.html
Good news. We do in fact have a voice.
Have to check and see what is going on in the State of Texas, with respect to that state's governor mandating this vaccine via executive order. I believe that a special committee, or a health and human services committee, is due to release a report on their findings this upcoming Monday.
Okay: Here's what's up in the State of Texas:
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Feb16/0,4670,CervicalCancer,00.html
This news story from Fox News:
"TRENTON, N.J. — Merck & Co. is immediately suspending its lobbying campaign to persuade state legislatures to mandate that adolescent girls get the company's new vaccine against cervical cancer as a requirement for school attendance, the company said late Tuesday.
The drugmaker had been criticized by parents and doctors' groups for quietly funding the campaign via a third party to require 11- and 12-year-old girls get the three-dose vaccine in order to attend school.
Some had objected because the vaccine protects against a sexually transmitted disease, human papilloma virus, which causes cervical cancer. Vaccines mandated for school attendance usually are for diseases easily spread through casual contact.
"Our goal is about cervical cancer prevention and we want to reach as many females as possible with Gardasil," Dr. Richard M. Haupt, Merck's medical director for vaccines, told The Associated Press.
"We're concerned that our role in supporting school requirements is a distraction from that goal, and as such have suspended our lobbying efforts," Haupt said, adding the company will continue providing information about the vaccine if requested by government officials." "
See the entire story firsthand at the following link:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,253162,00.html
Good news. We do in fact have a voice.
Have to check and see what is going on in the State of Texas, with respect to that state's governor mandating this vaccine via executive order. I believe that a special committee, or a health and human services committee, is due to release a report on their findings this upcoming Monday.
Okay: Here's what's up in the State of Texas:
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Feb16/0,4670,CervicalCancer,00.html
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
We're All Connected ...
We're all searching for a connection and the funny thing is that we are all connected. Go figure?
When you have someone to love and others that love you in return: you have witnesses to your life. You have a whole new dimension of meaning and purpose.
So today: Slow down, unplug, and make a connection. Acknowledge the ties that bind us to one another and be set "free."
Love truly can give you wings!
PJP ~ "Peace, joy, prosperity ..."
P.S. Spend some time with your kids. It doesn't have to be a big pre-arranged meeting with other kids and moms/dads outside of the house. They just want to spend some time with you! Read a book or play one of their games. Go for a walk together. Get down to there level and just have some fun!
My kids had a half day a week ago and we were going to have a game day (i.e., monopoly, uno, checkers, Nintendo, etc.). Instead we wound up having a treasure hunt resembling "Night at the Museum" (movie) and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider". We turned Dad's pool room into ancient Egypt. The kitchen was a rainforest. The Den was the Old Wild West. It was a blast! Kids are so creative and have such wonderful imaginations. "Outside of the box" is what they do best. We found the treasure in the oven just in time make dinner. : )
When you have someone to love and others that love you in return: you have witnesses to your life. You have a whole new dimension of meaning and purpose.
So today: Slow down, unplug, and make a connection. Acknowledge the ties that bind us to one another and be set "free."
Love truly can give you wings!
PJP ~ "Peace, joy, prosperity ..."
P.S. Spend some time with your kids. It doesn't have to be a big pre-arranged meeting with other kids and moms/dads outside of the house. They just want to spend some time with you! Read a book or play one of their games. Go for a walk together. Get down to there level and just have some fun!
My kids had a half day a week ago and we were going to have a game day (i.e., monopoly, uno, checkers, Nintendo, etc.). Instead we wound up having a treasure hunt resembling "Night at the Museum" (movie) and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider". We turned Dad's pool room into ancient Egypt. The kitchen was a rainforest. The Den was the Old Wild West. It was a blast! Kids are so creative and have such wonderful imaginations. "Outside of the box" is what they do best. We found the treasure in the oven just in time make dinner. : )
Monday, February 19, 2007
Reflux Update
Well, I'm at near 2 weeks without any over the counter acid-reflux medications. With some diet modifications and the addition of probiotic supplements (2-3+ a day from the "Garden of Life" company, product: "Primal Defense"). I am drug-free and doing good. My sinuses are also no longer swollen and able to drain without decongestants. I wonder if a side effect of the acid-reflux medication is sinus congestion?
I still need to address damage to my body from antibiotics and get more fiber in my diet, but I have hope. I want to try this treatment for at least a month before I share any specific details. I don't want to send anyone down the wrong path needlessly. But I will say this:
1) eliminate processed foods from your diet whenever possible (i.e., big name brand starchy cereals, chips and other pre-packaged snack foods: if it has long list of unrecognizable ingredients avoid it!).
2) Try to eat only 100% whole grain products -- do not eat white bread/starchy foods. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables and eat organic if cost and availability allow. My husband is making our family's bread from scratch.
3) My family eats no red meat whatsoever. We do eat chicken and turkey, but unless we can locate a free-range supply we may stop that as well. We eat lots of beans and fish/seafood.
4) We also do not drink milk, but use organic soy milk (yes, I've heard the dings against soy, but thus far have had no problems and feel that risks from soy are far less than milk filled with hormones and antibiotics) instead. The kids do, however, get an occasional ice cream.
Here's to your health!
God Bless and Have a Great Day!
P.S. I drink a lot of tea and green tea in particular. I noticed when I run out of green tea and can't get to the store for a few days to buy more that I start to feel worse (i.e., more tired and more stomach aches). So I am going to try an ad-hoc experiment: take some of my husbands baking yeast and put equal amounts of yeast in a) 1/4 cup pure water and b) 1/4 green tea (made from one bag). Then I'll see how the yeast growth in the green compares to the yeast growth in the control group of water. I know that candida yeast (kind that results in human body after antibiotic use) is a different yeast than baking yeast, but surely they share some similar properties. Maybe I'm onto something?
I still need to address damage to my body from antibiotics and get more fiber in my diet, but I have hope. I want to try this treatment for at least a month before I share any specific details. I don't want to send anyone down the wrong path needlessly. But I will say this:
1) eliminate processed foods from your diet whenever possible (i.e., big name brand starchy cereals, chips and other pre-packaged snack foods: if it has long list of unrecognizable ingredients avoid it!).
2) Try to eat only 100% whole grain products -- do not eat white bread/starchy foods. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables and eat organic if cost and availability allow. My husband is making our family's bread from scratch.
3) My family eats no red meat whatsoever. We do eat chicken and turkey, but unless we can locate a free-range supply we may stop that as well. We eat lots of beans and fish/seafood.
4) We also do not drink milk, but use organic soy milk (yes, I've heard the dings against soy, but thus far have had no problems and feel that risks from soy are far less than milk filled with hormones and antibiotics) instead. The kids do, however, get an occasional ice cream.
Here's to your health!
God Bless and Have a Great Day!
P.S. I drink a lot of tea and green tea in particular. I noticed when I run out of green tea and can't get to the store for a few days to buy more that I start to feel worse (i.e., more tired and more stomach aches). So I am going to try an ad-hoc experiment: take some of my husbands baking yeast and put equal amounts of yeast in a) 1/4 cup pure water and b) 1/4 green tea (made from one bag). Then I'll see how the yeast growth in the green compares to the yeast growth in the control group of water. I know that candida yeast (kind that results in human body after antibiotic use) is a different yeast than baking yeast, but surely they share some similar properties. Maybe I'm onto something?
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Bahamian vs. Bohemian: Get it Right People!
One more thing! It just makes me cringe to hear reporter, after reporter, referring to things of and relating to the Bahamas as "Bohemian". Seriously? News and Entertainment People you are paid to get the facts straight not proliferate ignorance. Please, my elementary school student knows the difference.
Things of and relating to the Bahamas are "Bahamian" not "Bohemian". There is a difference! Like an entire ocean of difference and associated land mass type and size, not to mention climate. The Bahamas are a tropical set of Islands, near the equator, in the Caribbean. Bohemia is a region in the now Czech Republic, in Eastern Europe.
Thanks to Anna Nicole Smith you've learned some useful geography and terminology. God Bless Anna ... May you find peace and renewal before heading to your next great adventure.
Things of and relating to the Bahamas are "Bahamian" not "Bohemian". There is a difference! Like an entire ocean of difference and associated land mass type and size, not to mention climate. The Bahamas are a tropical set of Islands, near the equator, in the Caribbean. Bohemia is a region in the now Czech Republic, in Eastern Europe.
Thanks to Anna Nicole Smith you've learned some useful geography and terminology. God Bless Anna ... May you find peace and renewal before heading to your next great adventure.
HPV Vaccine Mandatory for School Age Children in Texas
It would seem the state of Texas' children have now become the new guinea pigs for the pharmaceutical company Merck. In a gross overstepping of his power, by way of Executive Order, the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, has mandated that all female children attending public schools --ages 9 and up-- will now have to be vaccinated with a highly controversial (fast-tracked through FDA, long list of possible adverse side effects, and questionable effectiveness), starting at age 9, in order to attend public schools. This mandate is scheduled to go into effect beginning in 2008, unless the Texas legislature can find a way to stop it.
[Update: JUST HEARD THAT THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE WILL VOTE THIS UPCOMING, MONDAY, FEB. 19, ON A BILL TO BLOCK GOVERNOR PERRY'S EXECUTIVE ORDER. IF YOU LIVE IN TEXAS: CONTACT YOUR TEXAS LEGISLATURE REP. AND SENATOR AND LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL! Here is the link to find your legislatures: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/]
Seriously, since when is a young girl's reproductive health a cause for alarm as a public health risk? And how does a parent's choice to say "no" to this vaccine put the general public at risk?
Also FYI: the company Merck even admits in its own add --by way of a speedy footnote at the close of its advertisement-- that not all women who contract HPV will end up with cervical cancer and more importantly, that their vaccine does not prevent all forms of HPV. To me, the latter alone is grounds enough to give parents the right to choose whether or not to have their daughters vaccinated with a relatively new/unknown drug and at such a very young age. Now, I'm not knocking this vaccine's future/possible potential, but I am adamantly opposed to the idea of a parent's right to choose being revoked at this early stage in the manufacturing release of a new and here-to-fore untested (i.e., lacking years of reliable research data).
Will your state be next?
Interestingly enough, Merck just happens to be the company responsible for the drug Viox, which has killed a number of people and made thousands of others seriously ill. Could it be that Merck now finds itself facing a potential bankruptcy unless it is able to find, releases and successful market another product with the potential to pull it back from the brink of insolvency?
Please feel free to leave your own personal opinion, below in a comment. I sam incerely interested in hearing other parent's opinions and concerns.
[Update: JUST HEARD THAT THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE WILL VOTE THIS UPCOMING, MONDAY, FEB. 19, ON A BILL TO BLOCK GOVERNOR PERRY'S EXECUTIVE ORDER. IF YOU LIVE IN TEXAS: CONTACT YOUR TEXAS LEGISLATURE REP. AND SENATOR AND LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL! Here is the link to find your legislatures: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/]
Seriously, since when is a young girl's reproductive health a cause for alarm as a public health risk? And how does a parent's choice to say "no" to this vaccine put the general public at risk?
Also FYI: the company Merck even admits in its own add --by way of a speedy footnote at the close of its advertisement-- that not all women who contract HPV will end up with cervical cancer and more importantly, that their vaccine does not prevent all forms of HPV. To me, the latter alone is grounds enough to give parents the right to choose whether or not to have their daughters vaccinated with a relatively new/unknown drug and at such a very young age. Now, I'm not knocking this vaccine's future/possible potential, but I am adamantly opposed to the idea of a parent's right to choose being revoked at this early stage in the manufacturing release of a new and here-to-fore untested (i.e., lacking years of reliable research data).
Will your state be next?
Interestingly enough, Merck just happens to be the company responsible for the drug Viox, which has killed a number of people and made thousands of others seriously ill. Could it be that Merck now finds itself facing a potential bankruptcy unless it is able to find, releases and successful market another product with the potential to pull it back from the brink of insolvency?
Please feel free to leave your own personal opinion, below in a comment. I sam incerely interested in hearing other parent's opinions and concerns.
Welcome to the World ...
She's finally here: Welcome to the World Baby Isabelle!
Mom and Baby are doing well. She has a head full of dark brown hair, and was born Feb. 13th, just after 9:00 p.m.. She was about 8 lb. 14 oz. and was a long 19 1/2 inches.
Congratulations Eileen and Mario! We are so happy for you and your new little family. God Bless! Flowers are on the way.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Baby Isabelle
My friend, Eileen called me last night and left a message -- I missed the call : ( . She is at the hospital today being induced to have their first baby. I am so excited. Wish I could jump on a plane a fly there to be with her! But I will do the next best thing and just pray, pray, pray:
for an easy birth and healthy Mom and Baby.
Haven't gotten a phone call yet. I don't want to call and bother them. The first baby can be tough and generally takes the longest.
Hang in there guys. Your precious baby will be in your arms shortly!
Just got a call from her sister and my friend, Monica. They went in early this morning, but still no baby. Should be soon!
Take care guys and God Bless!
for an easy birth and healthy Mom and Baby.
Haven't gotten a phone call yet. I don't want to call and bother them. The first baby can be tough and generally takes the longest.
Hang in there guys. Your precious baby will be in your arms shortly!
Just got a call from her sister and my friend, Monica. They went in early this morning, but still no baby. Should be soon!
Take care guys and God Bless!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
How Do You View the World?
If you are sitting on a beautiful beach, near the ocean, and you have the whole beach to yourself -- without a single man-made intrusion in sight. The sun is shinning, but not too bright, the weather is warm and breezy. The waves gently roll in and out, as the sunlight dances in a sparkle across the water. You feel calm and serene ... suddenly you see fins circling in the water offshore. Is it still a beautiful scene and tranquil moment of repose? Or is the illusion shattered?
The answer depends on you and how you view the world. How do you view this situation?
By the way, I love plants and have much success growing different varieties -- both indoor and out. My nemesis' thus far have been ficus trees and African violets. I recently kept a ficus tree alive for 5 years before it got too big to have indoors and I had to move it outside. Unfortunately, it died in the winter outdoors. On the other hand, I can keep African violets alive, but they never flower again for me. Even if I use the pricey African violet plant food.
Well, an African violet that I've had for 3 years now, without any flowers, is suddenly blooming all over the place. And I haven't done anything new? I had even stopped giving the special plant food? Well, I took this as my sign -- I had prayed and asked God for a sign -- that things are going to start looking up for me health wise -- it's hard to be a mother of 3 little ones, with all that I have to do, when I usually feel about 75% on a good day: Well, I awoke the next morning full of energy and well rested ( I can't remember the last time I awoke from a nights sleep -- more like tossing and turning -- and felt rested). I got more done that one day than I have in weeks.
I've even finally had the time -- and presence of mind -- to sort through the maze of natural remedies (narrowed it down to four books and took pieces from each) to begin addressing my chronic & severe reflux disease that I've had since being pregnant with my middle daughter. I have a plan now, and so far I feel wonderful! More importantly, I have not taken any acid reducing medicines (e.g., Zantac or Prilosec) for five full days and I feel great: My doctor had said that I would have to take these medicines for the rest of my life! Not!
I also found out that my chronic sinus problems, and taking too many antibiotics, have caused some long term damage that I need to work to correct. But I have a plan for that too. If the natural remedies work: I'll be sure to share them with you. The number of reflux cases in the US is not coincidence and millions of people are suffering needlessly -- both physically and financially.
When you have your health: your view of the world can improve significantly!
Take Care and God Bless!
The answer depends on you and how you view the world. How do you view this situation?
By the way, I love plants and have much success growing different varieties -- both indoor and out. My nemesis' thus far have been ficus trees and African violets. I recently kept a ficus tree alive for 5 years before it got too big to have indoors and I had to move it outside. Unfortunately, it died in the winter outdoors. On the other hand, I can keep African violets alive, but they never flower again for me. Even if I use the pricey African violet plant food.
Well, an African violet that I've had for 3 years now, without any flowers, is suddenly blooming all over the place. And I haven't done anything new? I had even stopped giving the special plant food? Well, I took this as my sign -- I had prayed and asked God for a sign -- that things are going to start looking up for me health wise -- it's hard to be a mother of 3 little ones, with all that I have to do, when I usually feel about 75% on a good day: Well, I awoke the next morning full of energy and well rested ( I can't remember the last time I awoke from a nights sleep -- more like tossing and turning -- and felt rested). I got more done that one day than I have in weeks.
I've even finally had the time -- and presence of mind -- to sort through the maze of natural remedies (narrowed it down to four books and took pieces from each) to begin addressing my chronic & severe reflux disease that I've had since being pregnant with my middle daughter. I have a plan now, and so far I feel wonderful! More importantly, I have not taken any acid reducing medicines (e.g., Zantac or Prilosec) for five full days and I feel great: My doctor had said that I would have to take these medicines for the rest of my life! Not!
I also found out that my chronic sinus problems, and taking too many antibiotics, have caused some long term damage that I need to work to correct. But I have a plan for that too. If the natural remedies work: I'll be sure to share them with you. The number of reflux cases in the US is not coincidence and millions of people are suffering needlessly -- both physically and financially.
When you have your health: your view of the world can improve significantly!
Take Care and God Bless!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Donating FREE Mamograms for Those Who Can't Afford It: You Can Help!
I just received this important message from a friend:
Please tell ten friends to tell ten today:
The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to "click" on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman.
It takes less than a minute to go to their site and "click" on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle).This doesn't cost you a thing! Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammograms in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/ AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS TO TELL 10 TODAY.
Thank You! Thank You!
Please tell ten friends to tell ten today:
The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to "click" on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman.
It takes less than a minute to go to their site and "click" on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle).This doesn't cost you a thing! Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammograms in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/ AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS TO TELL 10 TODAY.
Thank You! Thank You!
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