Where Were You...

Today is now known as "Patriot's Day" here in America. It was 9 years ago that millions of lives were changed forever. Why millions? Because even though 4 planes only hit 3 buildings (1 being thwarted off course by the brave actions of passengers) those planes and buildings had people within. Not only did the buildings have people within working, more came rushing to do their job and rescue those inside. Unfortunately many would die. So many people lost. I can't imagine the terror and heartache that was and is felt this day because of the horrible actions made 9 years ago.

On that day I was getting ready for work when I heard on the radio that the towers had been struck. I quickly turned on the TV to see the news. It was horrific to see the planes crash into the buildings and the feel the anguish within your stomach. I knew my mother-in-law worked downtown and the fear that came over me! I tried to call the family there to make sure all were safe- away from this horrific scene and an automated recording said "Due to natural disaster all lines are busy." All I could think was there was no natural about it. Thankfully the family was able to reach us and all were safe. I couldn't take my eyes off the TV. When the buildings went down it was horrible. Knowing so many people were trapped inside, hoping that somehow a miracle would happen and they would all be rescued, but knowing that wouldn't be the case. Oh it was a horrific day. The shear tragedy of it all.

Just recently (within the past 2 months) I found out a woman at church had a brother on one of the planes that went into one of the buildings of the WTC. The absolute grief that not only she faced and continues to face, but her sister-in-law too. Another associate of mine, a business owner a few doors down from our store, had a dear friend lost in the WTC. It so happened that her nephew was on the phone with the friend when the tower was hit. She still deals with the grief of that day. I can only imagine the heartache that is felt for so many others.

Rob and I were able to visit Ground Zero a little more than a year after the event. It was absolutely one of the hardest things to see. At that point it was a giant pit- looked like a construction zone. It was different from a construction site by the mere reverence there. A homeless man was playing patriotic songs on a flute or piccolo. Then played Danny Boy. I began to cry. Red flowers were placed in the gate as a memorial by strangers. Posters, fliers, shirts, tiles were everywhere showing people still missing. You couldn't help but feel the heartache that resides there.

It was a horrific day- one full of tragedy. It is a day that will never be forgotten.

May God bless us.

The Micah Mandate

While reading the book The Faith of the American Soldier by Stephen Mansfield, I came across this message given by President Theodore Roosevelt.

The teaching of the New Testament is foreshadowed in Micah's verse,

"He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires

of you: but to do justice and to love mercy, and walk humbly with

your God" (Micah 6:8)

Do justice; and therefore fight valiantly against those who stand for

the reign of Molech and Beelzebub on this earth.

Love mercy; treat your enemies well, suffer the afflicted, treat every

woman as though she were your sister, care for the little children,

rescue the perishing, and be tender with the old and helpless.

Walk humbly; you will do so if you study the life and teaching of the

Savior, walking in His steps.

Remember, the most perfect machinery of government will not keep

us as a nation if there is not within us a soul, no abounding of material

prosperity shall avail us if out spiritual sense is atrophied. The foes

of our own household will surely prevail against us unless there be in

our people an inner life which finds its outward expression in a morality

like unto that preached by the seers and the prophets of God when the

grandeur that was Greece and the glory that was Rome still lay in the future.

These words were given by a former president of the United States sending men to battle in the First World War. How much could we as Americans use these words today. So much of our society could use the advice to "Do Justice...Love mercy...and Walk humbly." How different a time we live in. 1917 the President of the United States freely quotes the Bible and tells his soldiers to abide by its teachings. 2010 that is unheard of. The President of the United States would be ridiculed and threatened if he took such a step with the troops. (As this author focuses on throughout the book.)

I don't know- I really like this quote. I like the message it shares- basically "The Golden Rule". Even though you may be soldiers in a war- fighting for your life- there are others that need you. Care for them- love them. You are fighting not just for your own freedom, but the freedom of others. Everyday we enter our own battles. Some are literally in a war zone- others are in a more emotional/spiritual war zone. Yet, if we could each take the advice of President Roosevelt and remember those in need around us, our selves would be better, and our society would be better.

Migration Part II

A point was brought to my attention about being "a wild animal". So of course I have been thinking about that quite a bit. The "wild animal" was defined as non-migratory and more of a singular figure rather than being in a herd. So they gather their direction without any pre-determined path. I realized that these "wild animals" may not migrate like other animals- but they do follow the path of the herd. This is how they gain their sustenance- following the path of the herd- making themselves predators. They do not follow for the exact same reason- but the main reason for both groups of animals is for "food". The "wild animals" don't follow the complete migratory pattern- but they do follow the "food."

So in a way- it seems like even in nature there is a need for sustenance, protection, and guidance that is found in the "herd"- whether or not you are part of the "herd". Even the "wild animal" relies upon the herd.

Another question was raised about the "migratory" animal and the "wild" animal. How do you mesh their lives? How do they live the way they each feel they should and co-exist? I think the answer is also found in nature- they don't. One will always be predator and the other prey. I can't think of any examples to refute this. However- I'd love to know if I'm wrong on this one.

Just some more food for thought.

Migration

I had a thought tonight that I need to think about some more- but I found interesting. Yesterday I had a conversation with a gentleman who said he's spiritual but not religious. It's not the first time I've heard this, but I never know how to respond to it. Then tonight I had a thought- migratory animals follow a certain path. It is a path to lead them to the proper place at the proper time. If they don't follow this path they become lost and risk serious peril. They could get lucky and survive, but more often than not they lose their life. Sometimes these stray animals are noticed and receive help to get to their proper destination before any real harm can befall them, but that is not always the case. The other interesting fact is that these migratory animals have to be shown the correct path to get to the correct destination. They can't rely purely on their instinct- they must be shown. This migration path happens within the first year of the animals life.

So what does migration have to do with religion and spirituality? We as individuals seek guidance and have all forms of spiritual insight/instinct. What does religion do? Religion is like the proper migratory path- with it you are able to get to the proper destination with less peril than trying to make it on your own. Do obstacles still arise- of course. However, with the guidance of religion you are able to reach your destination faster and with fewer complications. You also have the benefit of not being alone. You have a whole group with you (like the migratory animal) to encourage, buoy, protect, and help you along the way. It just makes sense that religion is around to encourage your individual spirituality versus merely controlling your spirituality.

I think then that should I be confronted with this statement again- I may have enough nerve to share my comparison. I suppose it will just have to depend on the person I am conversing with.

Desperate Times...Desperate Measures...

Here it is July and I haven't been doing well at keeping up to date in this blog.

Life is good- my family is healthy, we currently have a roof over our heads, and business is holding steady. All of these things should make me one happy mama. It would if stress wasn't mingled in there. Stress- it definitely wreaks havoc upon a soul. Now more than ever I can appreciate the words- "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." In all the many variations of scenarios that play in our lives- as long as you do your best to be prepared for each of them- you'll have that security/peace of mind.

I have definitely NOT heeded that advice- and man do I regret it. I could really use the peace of mind right now. There is enough stress with a brand new baby coming into our family that I could use a break from the rest of the stress weighing on me. However- because of my own short-sightedness (word?) I am not able to bask in the glory of just baby stress. Oh yes- there is the other saying... "this too shall pass." But it's all the happenings until "this" passes that cause concern. (Not very hopeful today.)

To try to counter act some of the stress I am trying to sell Avon. Perhaps not the best choice when you are shy or a bit of an introvert. I suppose it's time for me to overcome that obstacle. I am also trying to become a "vendor" for charter schools- teaching piano. We'll see what ends up happening with that.

May we each survive our different struggles until "this too shall pass."

Death Forms Creation

Last week Rob and I watched the movie, The Fountain. It was intriguing to see someone's take on life, eternal progression, etc. The line that caught me was "Death forms creation." I'm not sure why- but it struck me. I haven't stopped thinking about it.

At first the thought is somewhat depressing. Then you realize it is totally true. Look at the circle of life. An animal dies, decays and brings nutrients to the earth. Those nutrients in turn nourish new growth in plants. That is one physical way in which life is formed. Then there is a spiritual death. Each of us has gone or is going through it. Look at Adam. He had to "die" to come to earth and live in the Garden of Eden. Then again he went through a spiritual death by partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Thus being banished from the Garden, and creating a new life in "the World." Even Christ exemplified this idea- by the Crucifixion to the Resurrection.

There is a popular saying that is expressed when someone dies- "with death comes new life." Each time my sister or I would get pregnant we would fear that someone we loved would die. Thankfully that never came to fruition. What I witnessed happened in reverse order. Last July I lost my grandmother. In December I discovered that I was pregnant. This baby is a complete miracle to me (for the fact of no medical intervention). I see her as being a complete gift from God (as are my other 2 girls!). In so many ways I think of her as also being a gift from my grandmother. With death, my grandmother, came new life, my baby Ella. Once again- death forms creation.

Another example I have witnessed first hand is a spiritual death forming new life. My dear husband lost his faith and testimony. He hit rock bottom in the sense that he was no longer able to know if God even existed. Thankfully due to events in our lives the past few months- he's been able to recognize that there is a God. My dear husband is forming/creating a new spiritual life... somedays I love to hear and see what that creation beholds. Other days I struggle to see any form in his creation.

Life has many obstacles and challenges within it. Death is probably the hardest to deal with. I think the reason I loved this one line from the movie so much, is that it offers hope. We always think of death as being final, this allows death to be a mere stepping stone in the circle of life.

Last night I had multiple dreams around the same theme... pre-term labor. Each time I had the dream I was with a different friend (two that I haven't seen in a long time- but I was/is close to). Another time I was with my parents. Each time it was the same problem though- I was going into labor and I am only 26/27 weeks. Quite honestly it freaked me out. I just kept hoping to be put on bedrest, but the inevitable was birth. The interesting part of it (as I reflect on it now) I never got to the part about birth. I would wake up. So- hopefully that means it was just a dream and nothing more. Perhaps my own fears really wreaking havoc upon my night. I'm sure it was just that.

Pregnancy hormones are at full force! My mood swings are crazy! Rob didn't know what to do with me last night. I was grumpy, mad, and crying and I couldn't explain why. When he asked me what was wrong I burst out in tears- then laughed because I couldn't tell why! He was quite perplexed. So I told him to blame pregnancy. Granted, there are quite a few stresses in our lives right now- especially financial, so of course that doesn't help. But I'm feeling just plain crazy! =0) Although crying it out actually helped me feel a little better. Ahhh.... Should be interesting when I'm truly exhausted once our baby arrives! I'm hoping I won't be, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be a wreck! FUN!

Life isn't too bad. The store is slowly progressing. I am trying to get new merchandise, etc. Rob has a new "grand opening" goal for June 1st. Maybe that one will see better success than the last. There is definitely a new level of stress when you are a store owner. I'm trying to figure out how to be there more, and yet keep a more "normal" life for my kids. I think for our family "normal" is spending some time at the store. I'm trying to keep the kids out of it as much as possible just so they can be kids, but things aren't able to get done there. Well- not as quickly. So- once again, we slightly adjust the schedule and see what we can do. =0)

Time to attack the day!