It’s not the motorcade to provide safety that bothers me. It’s the crowds of people standing along side of the road waving and cheering widely. It’s the airplane “Shower of Affection” that is normally given to heroes, military servicemen, or dignitaries upon arrival at an airport. It’s the armed motorcade, news breaking reports, etc for the carrying in of the football trophy. I’m all about a good football game, don’t get me wrong. I’m just not about to worship the players. Ugh.
This is Super Bowl week in Dallas. As I watched people line the road, to wave at the players riding by in their police accompanied parade, I think of Palm Sunday. Remember when the people waved palms as the Messiah rode by on a Donkey? Today, we give an even bigger welcome and worship to our society’s idols that play a sport. The players are very well paid for their jobs, I might add. Christ PAID a price to do what He was placed here to do, and He did it to save us..not pad his bank account.
Yes, I’ll be watching the game this Sunday. I’ll be cheering on my favored team. I won’t be buying into our modern day Babylon’s attempt to make these players God though. It makes me sad that we have soldiers returning from war that they receive only a fraction of a welcome compared to this. As the Super Bowl draws near, I’m reminded to keep things in perspective while I live in a city that has come down with Super Bowl Fever.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Super Bowl- Isn't just about football
Something has been heavy on my heart for months. It’s been stirring and I’m just now sitting down to write about it. I hate to be the one to burst someone’s bubble, spoil a good moment, or be a party pooper, but it’s necessary to do for this. I should warn you though. What you are about to read will change the way you look at an annual event in the US. I’m not sure where to begin, but I’ll give it my best shot.
Some look forward to the big Super Bowl game each winter because of their love of the game. Some look forward to it for the new commercials that come out and entertain them. Many, whom I just became aware were out there, flock to the game for another reason. It’s a reason that hides in the darkness and lures those with ill intentions.
The Super Bowl isn’t just a game day to many. To many who hold others captive, it’s their biggest day of business of the year. For the thousands of woman and children being held captive in the sex slavery, it’s another day of being exploited, abused, and violated.
Did you know that human sex trafficking is considered the 2nd biggest industry in the world? It comes in right behind drug trafficking. Texas is considered one of worst places for domestic and international human trafficking in the US. Since the Super Bowl 2011 is being held in Texas, the numbers of those being victimized will be outrageous.
Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott, recently made a few statements in a recent press conference about this topic. “Abbott cited a report from a Florida task force estimating that tens of thousands of women and minors were trafficked in the Miami area during the last Super Bowl. The game is considered "one of the biggest human-trafficking events in the United States,he said.”
According to my findings, thousands of woman and children are brought to the city hosting the yearly Super Bowl event. I’ve been told that the human traffickers are going into upper class neighborhoods and renting homes for the game weekend. Unbeknownst to the homeowners, they are using these homes as brothels. In many cases, home owners that are about to be foreclosed on, are sought after to be offered money to rent their house for the weekend. These upper scale neighborhoods are the perfect cover for men to have sex with women and children being held against their will. Thousands of women are brought to the city holding the event for this purpose. Who are these people who are doing this? Who are these men paying for sex with children? It makes me sick.
Will you pray today for these women and children? Some are runaway teens. Some are kidnapped children. Some are foreigners that were tricked into captivity. Some are women who made a decision to trust the wrong person. All need our prayers. Will you pray for the men who are paying to use these women? Will you pray for the law enforcement and social services desperately trying to rescue those who are being victimized?
I had no idea that a sporting event was the biggest event for such reprehensible acts in our own backyards. I’ll be looking at the Super Bowl differently this year. I encourage you to do the same. This problem is bigger than you and me. It’s not bigger than the God who we pray to. He is the Hope for hopeless and the desolate. He is the Rescuer and Redeemer.
Some look forward to the big Super Bowl game each winter because of their love of the game. Some look forward to it for the new commercials that come out and entertain them. Many, whom I just became aware were out there, flock to the game for another reason. It’s a reason that hides in the darkness and lures those with ill intentions.
The Super Bowl isn’t just a game day to many. To many who hold others captive, it’s their biggest day of business of the year. For the thousands of woman and children being held captive in the sex slavery, it’s another day of being exploited, abused, and violated.
Did you know that human sex trafficking is considered the 2nd biggest industry in the world? It comes in right behind drug trafficking. Texas is considered one of worst places for domestic and international human trafficking in the US. Since the Super Bowl 2011 is being held in Texas, the numbers of those being victimized will be outrageous.
Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott, recently made a few statements in a recent press conference about this topic. “Abbott cited a report from a Florida task force estimating that tens of thousands of women and minors were trafficked in the Miami area during the last Super Bowl. The game is considered "one of the biggest human-trafficking events in the United States,he said.”
According to my findings, thousands of woman and children are brought to the city hosting the yearly Super Bowl event. I’ve been told that the human traffickers are going into upper class neighborhoods and renting homes for the game weekend. Unbeknownst to the homeowners, they are using these homes as brothels. In many cases, home owners that are about to be foreclosed on, are sought after to be offered money to rent their house for the weekend. These upper scale neighborhoods are the perfect cover for men to have sex with women and children being held against their will. Thousands of women are brought to the city holding the event for this purpose. Who are these people who are doing this? Who are these men paying for sex with children? It makes me sick.
Will you pray today for these women and children? Some are runaway teens. Some are kidnapped children. Some are foreigners that were tricked into captivity. Some are women who made a decision to trust the wrong person. All need our prayers. Will you pray for the men who are paying to use these women? Will you pray for the law enforcement and social services desperately trying to rescue those who are being victimized?
I had no idea that a sporting event was the biggest event for such reprehensible acts in our own backyards. I’ll be looking at the Super Bowl differently this year. I encourage you to do the same. This problem is bigger than you and me. It’s not bigger than the God who we pray to. He is the Hope for hopeless and the desolate. He is the Rescuer and Redeemer.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Soar on Wings Like Eagles
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"
Isaiah 40:31
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Closing out the Year 2010
Once again it’s time to finish the final chapter and place the last book on the shelf on the library of 2010. What a year it has been. Every year as I look back, I’m amazed at how blessed we are, and how He cares for us in each detail of life.
2010 was a tough year. It marked a year of great loss in our family in more ways than few. With that being said, it was a good year in which we made it through those storms, grew stronger, and no doubt built character along the way.
In what is now an annual tradition, here are some random things in random order that I have learned, experienced, and seen in 2010.
-If the History Channel is one of your favorite channels on TV, you might be a nerd. If you really love the channel like I do, you are fine with that.
-You can’t figure out where you are going if you don’t know where you came from. Study the book of Daniel. That statue in it…it’s your history.
-Keeping an open mind to new things can open the door to awesome things. Two examples- Yoga and Acupuncture
-Good friends are hard to find but so worth the search once you find them.
-I couldn’t figure out what was more depressing: The fact I waved good-bye to my twenties, or that I started using night cream this year. The fact that my husband didn’t seem to mind about either made it all better.
-There is a purpose for everything that happens in life…even if we can’t see it or understand it.
-My husband is still the best decision I have ever made and the biggest blessing I’ve ever received.
-Shooting guns at targets is a whole lot of fun…just saying.
-Using “outdoor bathroom facilities” while camping in the mountains does not make me feel at one with nature. It does allow me some quality time with the hubby and a chance to experience things he is passionate about.
-A freezer full of Blue Bell Ice Cream= a happy home.
-The H’s that make me happy in life: Husband, Hammocks, Ham Loafs, Happy Birthdays, and Hobby Lobby
-My brother-in-law Alan’s BBQ is the best BBQ hands down
-I make a better First Mate than Captain of sail boats.
-Praying with even just a half ounce of faith is powerful. Faith the size of a mustard seed will move a mountain just like we are told it will.
2010 was a tough year. It marked a year of great loss in our family in more ways than few. With that being said, it was a good year in which we made it through those storms, grew stronger, and no doubt built character along the way.
In what is now an annual tradition, here are some random things in random order that I have learned, experienced, and seen in 2010.
-If the History Channel is one of your favorite channels on TV, you might be a nerd. If you really love the channel like I do, you are fine with that.
-You can’t figure out where you are going if you don’t know where you came from. Study the book of Daniel. That statue in it…it’s your history.
-Keeping an open mind to new things can open the door to awesome things. Two examples- Yoga and Acupuncture
-Good friends are hard to find but so worth the search once you find them.
-I couldn’t figure out what was more depressing: The fact I waved good-bye to my twenties, or that I started using night cream this year. The fact that my husband didn’t seem to mind about either made it all better.
-There is a purpose for everything that happens in life…even if we can’t see it or understand it.
-My husband is still the best decision I have ever made and the biggest blessing I’ve ever received.
-Shooting guns at targets is a whole lot of fun…just saying.
-Using “outdoor bathroom facilities” while camping in the mountains does not make me feel at one with nature. It does allow me some quality time with the hubby and a chance to experience things he is passionate about.
-A freezer full of Blue Bell Ice Cream= a happy home.
-The H’s that make me happy in life: Husband, Hammocks, Ham Loafs, Happy Birthdays, and Hobby Lobby
-My brother-in-law Alan’s BBQ is the best BBQ hands down
-I make a better First Mate than Captain of sail boats.
-Praying with even just a half ounce of faith is powerful. Faith the size of a mustard seed will move a mountain just like we are told it will.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Gracie Mae
I believe the Lord has a reason and purpose for each creation and relationship in our lives. Sometimes he works miracles with His hands. Sometimes He works through His creations to do the same. My childhood dog, Bandy was the best dog a child could have. He died at 16 or 17 years old. This weekend our dog Gracie passed away as well. She was 17 years old and a sweet, sweet girl.
She proved to be a best friend to my husband long before I came along. Because she was such a good dog, it was so hard to say good-bye. I think she hung around as long as she did because she wanted to make sure my husband was going to be well taken care of. Not only did she welcome me into their lives, we even became good friends. I like to believe she passed the torch to me in taking care of him when I proved worthy in her loving eyes.
The Lord certainly used her countless times when my husband needed her. I remember during some really trying times this last year, she stuck so close to me and did her best to make me feel better. The Lord used her in many ways.
I have a sweet picture in my mind. It could be a vision or just even a longing or a hope. With the same innocence I prayed with as a child years ago, I did it again as an adult this past weekend. I don’t know if dogs go to heaven. I’m sure many could debate either side to this. I do know that if my request is granted, two of my favorites are playing up there right now. In our mourning for a dear friend, I know He is honored by us loving one of his most precious creations. Gracie Mae will be missed.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Walking Through the Fire
I’m in the midst of a study of Daniel right now. I’m learning so much by taking almost each verse apart and digging deep. We finished looking at one of my favorite stories in the Bible.
The scene is set in Babylon and ruled by an egocentric king. The king builds a statue that symbolizes himself and demands his advisors, governors, etc to worship it. Three men took a stand and said no. They would not bow down to the statue and worship it. They were Godly men who knew who God was and weren’t about to turn against Him. They knew the consequences that were clearly displayed before them. They could probably feel the heat from the furnace they were about to be thrown in when they gave their answer of, “No.” Into the furnace they were thrown with their hands tied behind their backs.
Three men. The king had three men thrown into the fire. If you can handle the powerful message within one verse…get ready. Here it comes.
“Look, Nebuchadnezzar shouted. I see four men, unbound and walking around in the fire unharmed! And the forth looks like a god!” Daniel 3:25
Have you been through any fires lately? Are you going through one now? Check out Isaiah 43: 2-3. Notice we are told “When” we go through trials (not “if”) He will be with us. When the King Nebuchadnezzar saw the forth man walking in the fire, even he saw it was Him! The Lord brought the men through the fire and the only thing burned were their ropes that tied their hands together. Not only did He save them, He took away their bondage.
Going through a recent difficult time, I imagined God sitting up on high and looking down at me. I mean in the way of a Father lovingly looking down at His child. I did feel He was allowing me to go through the season for a reason, and I was accepting that. However, this old story that I’d first heard as a child suddenly had new meaning. Why would the creator of the universe come down from the glory of Heaven to walk through a fire with me? Because He said He will..every time.. and He never lies.
Powerful.
The scene is set in Babylon and ruled by an egocentric king. The king builds a statue that symbolizes himself and demands his advisors, governors, etc to worship it. Three men took a stand and said no. They would not bow down to the statue and worship it. They were Godly men who knew who God was and weren’t about to turn against Him. They knew the consequences that were clearly displayed before them. They could probably feel the heat from the furnace they were about to be thrown in when they gave their answer of, “No.” Into the furnace they were thrown with their hands tied behind their backs.
Three men. The king had three men thrown into the fire. If you can handle the powerful message within one verse…get ready. Here it comes.
“Look, Nebuchadnezzar shouted. I see four men, unbound and walking around in the fire unharmed! And the forth looks like a god!” Daniel 3:25
Have you been through any fires lately? Are you going through one now? Check out Isaiah 43: 2-3. Notice we are told “When” we go through trials (not “if”) He will be with us. When the King Nebuchadnezzar saw the forth man walking in the fire, even he saw it was Him! The Lord brought the men through the fire and the only thing burned were their ropes that tied their hands together. Not only did He save them, He took away their bondage.
Going through a recent difficult time, I imagined God sitting up on high and looking down at me. I mean in the way of a Father lovingly looking down at His child. I did feel He was allowing me to go through the season for a reason, and I was accepting that. However, this old story that I’d first heard as a child suddenly had new meaning. Why would the creator of the universe come down from the glory of Heaven to walk through a fire with me? Because He said He will..every time.. and He never lies.
Powerful.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Where's Waldo?
We dressed up this year as Where’s Waldo and his friend Wenda. It was an easy costume to make. We didn’t have shirts with red and white stripes. That was an easy fix…just bought a couple rolls of red electrical tape and put them our clothes. It didn’t ruin the clothing like duct tape may have. We rolled a small ball of paper up in some red felt and pinned it to white stocking hats I bought for a few bucks at a discount store. My glasses came from the dollar store. It was from a Groucho Marx mask that we took a part. His glasses were something we already had. There ya go…a couple’s DIY costume!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)