Balancing

So Summer is two-thirds over here in the suburbs of Chicago, and it is entirely possible that cooler weather will descend upon us and the air will be crisp before we know it. What has been a stressful, yet fulfilling year has moved into high gear with plans of a second child moving forward. We are hopeful that Preston will have a sibling by this time next year, and that God will bless us as He has done so far in our lives. We are excited at the possibility of staying up at odd hours, waking in the middle of the night, changing diapers, consoling hurt feelings, nuturing young souls, and occasionally remembering to love each other as we prepare small lives for bigger promises. There is an excitement about moving into the 4th semester of school, knowing that when Thanksgiving arrives, the light at the end of the tunnel is truly one that shines on the future! Graduation in 2013 will be a culmination of many years spent learning to be a complete caregiver, and registered nurse. Sharing family experiences outside of our immediate one is on the agenda for this year and next, so we are excited to include travel at the end of this year, and next Summer after our new baby is born. Tina is earning her black belt as an auditor for Ingredion, and 2013 will also afford her the opportunity to chase her dreams while being a mother, a manager, and my lover. There is also the hopeful promise of a new set of golf clubs for Summer of 2013, and a chance to manage a few rounds with my buddy JR, even though he has moved back to Minnesota. My dad said I was one fo the most courageous people he knew...actually he said I have alot of guts. Lets just hope they don't develop any problems so that I can live long enough to see our children be able to drink out of a regular cup without throwing it across the room. No matter what though, it will always be a balancing act to get through this life. Never be afraid to try to make more out of yourself than you think you can be, and do not let anyone challenge your faith that God will always orchestrate what you need. Power on, full screen ahead!

God first

I heard the news today oh boy.....not from the Beatles song...but from God. It was delivered in a message from one of the elders at Ginger Creek Community Church. "God does not prosper us to increase our standard of living, but to increase our standard of giving." As a family, we will submit to God, give generously, and find the life that He has meant for us to follow. I know it is hard to believe. I know it is easy to define ourselves by the circumstances in which we live. But there is a promise from God that if we put Him first, and give from our heart, He will give us everlasting life, and prosper us beyond what we could imagine.

A Narrow View

In any organization, the people in it are the most valuable asset, and the perception of those people is determined by the leadership of that organization. One could hardly argue with that premise, but one would have to accept that the leadership of an organization is responsible for the perception of its people from inside or outside the organization. Do you follow? Its the perception that the organization is only as good as its leader. This does not apply to our country however, so do not go getting any ideas where this is going. What I came here to write about is the lack of civility in our Congress, and the media. Most people would welcome a civil debate about health care issues, immigration, and the war in Afghanistan. What we want is an explanation of how and why things will work, how much it will cost, who will pay for it, and not the talking points that force people to choose Democratic or Republican views. I might be for a public option if any one bothered to explain exactly what it is and how it will work. I might be able to consider accepting any viewpoint if it is explained in a civil way. Civility is not what we are getting, however, so the country keeps on along party lines whether they understand the issue or not. The poor media coverage, the constant bickering, name calling, and hatred of some people dominate us. Forming an informed opinion is almost impossible because catch phrases and talking points do not explain how health care reform will work. Criticizing the Bush administration or calling President Obama a socialist is not productive. Portraying our young women in sitcoms as promiscuous, and dressing them like sluts is not helping anyone either. (That's a side thought that popped up when I was wondering why people degrade others so.) Anyway, our Congressional leadership needs to stop blaming each other, and get involved in civil debate and discussion as to what they are going to do to help ALL Americans have health care whether it is affordable or not. (Affordable is just a another catch word. Lets face it: Health care is expensive!) I know its all complicated, but surely there is a way that we can understand it. The first step is to have things explained clearly and without opinion. Try a little humility, kindness, genuine concern for others, and telling us honestly how things are going to work. Oh, and just so you know, the President of the free world IS expected to mediate this bickering and not be the force behind it. God bless everyone, and I hope you all have a wonderful Fall. Play nice!

Let the President Speak!

What the heck is the matter with folks in this country? President Obama is going to address the nation's schools today. Heck he should have done it at 0900 so all the students could watch! Parents objecting? Give me a break. This is a good thing people...This is a GOOD THING!

When the Mind is Full

Well the mind is full. Does anyone else relate to this? I mean, so many thoughts and ideas that you cannot channel them? I am in a funk of sorts because of that. I have alot on my mind--did I say that already?--Tina is pregnant, Praise to the Lord! That is a BIG story by itself... and it is a blessing beyond our wildest dreams. We are so hopeful and excited! My job is going well except for the overload of work that is on all of us because they cut our number one asset!! PEOPLE. People are our number 1 asset in Healthcare. I could write a lot about that, but I will say this. Leadership that has true value seeks other ways to save money than cut people. This is why there are so many people in unemployment lines because leaders, owners, people in charge, (listen up Democrats!) always take the easy way out. Putting people out of work accepts Failure! Creating alternate ways of saving money creates JOBS! But I cannot frustrate myself with this concept any longer because it falls on deaf ears. I bring it up, and people do not know what I am talking about. So, I will pray that I continue to try to be a leader, and that God will show me how to deal with this fullness that is sometimes overwhelming.

Disinformation.......WTF!

what does disinformation mean? does that mean spreading information that is not true? is there any real information out there? can you send me some information????
i mean what is the information that we are dissin? i hope that someone will send me some disinformation so i can let the government know about it!! they seem really worried!

The Finals

Say goodbye to the magic of the finals...LA will finish, Detroit the motor city will have no autos but an awesome Redwings! Relax everyone, God is in control. The demo symbol is now the pic of Barney Frank--true jackass, and David Letterman is the symbol of aging comedian without new jokes...oops funny jokes. unless you think being pregnant is a joke. Please hold me back.