Freedom

What does it mean to have freedom? To be free? Many people discuss this and from diverse points of view. Just being able to tell someone your thoughts, this blog, is evidence of freedom. In most countries it is forbidden to share an independent idea. And when some dare to rise up and take the risk of voicing their thoughts, a revolution occurs.
I sit and listen to people degrade our country, our privilege and they defend anything that comes to their minds. They criticize the military, the defense funds and weapons and yet, without these vital elements we would be at the mercy of those who would choose to control and oppress us. You can even complain about the complaint and not go to jail or be stoned to death.
So what do I enjoy about my freedom? The ability to shop where I want, eat where I want, bank where I want, work where I want, live where I want, marry who I want, worship who I want and where I want. I can read what I want, watch what I want, believe what I want, pray where I want.
We have so much to be thankful for. We can do ANYTHING we want as long as it does not harm others. We are free to be, do, live, laugh, cry and celebrate anywhere across the country. We are free to be you and me, so fly a flag, thank a soldiers family, grill some hot dogs, watch some sports and thank your God you live here, in the land of the free and the brave. JUDE 24-25

Happy Fathers Day

Fathers day. What a wonderful opportunity to recall the many wonderful memories. Now I could bore you with hours of tales, and I mean HOURS! But not wanting to be that annoying friend or family member who drops in with their three hour slide show, I am going to pose some questions instead.
For starters, what is your earliest memory of your father? Might be fun, not so fun or third hand. You know the ones, your sibling reminds you of something you may have chosen to forget. These are usually more fun for the sibs!
What about the favorite christmas, best vacation, first driving lesson, greatest fish story? My mind is full of answers. My dad lived a fascinating and full life and has stories enough to co-write a Clive Cussler thriller! Good stuff.
And then there are those softer memories. Like favorite aftershave, shirts, sayings and how he mended those injuries or wounded hearts. Dad provided hours of laughter, good humor and hours of card playing. I am grateful every day for my dad, the man that he is and the optimism with which he saw the world.
Hope you will enjoy your walk down memory lane.

It's All Good

No matter what the day might look like, perspective is everything. I see so much wisdom in the simple way my son approaches life. As I watch him day in and day out I glean behavior that would be so much more desirable. Don't get me wrong. He is a boy, a teenager and is far more fond of dirt and body noises then I am.
That being said, his great outlook far overshadows these "hobbies." When things don't work right or won't let go he will declare "Hmmm. It's a sticky situation here." I laugh every time. Or there are any number of times he has to remind me "Calm down mom. Take a deep breath and count to ten." This of course followed by a rendition of the Doodlebops song Count To Ten.
How many times has a situation presented where a cheery song and count down could have averted a melt down? Well in the last 24 hours I can honestly say that I should be singing still....but no. I find it difficult to see that "sticky situation" as an opportunity to sing. Instead I repress the thoughts and emotions I do not feel are Godly to declare and develop chest palpitations and arm pain. Pretty weak sister ya think? But an honest one.




So how to amend my coping process is likely as simple as to "sing, sing a song...." You know the rest. I may need a few reminders until I can make my attitude adjustment habit.