tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50620403283332380312024-03-13T07:56:22.599-07:00Musings of a KatydidUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger639125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-79110438423767096452017-05-01T08:56:00.000-07:002017-10-03T08:56:36.266-07:00Nobody Knows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6q5Zn_ZkehM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6q5Zn_ZkehM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-36639097844483279592016-03-08T09:59:00.000-08:002016-03-08T09:59:55.182-08:00New Testament Blessings<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Num 23:19 God is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken, and shall He not make it good?</div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
God has made His many blessings available to us through a promise. A promised based on His love for us rather than being dependent us holding up our end of the bargain. God keeps His word regardless. </div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Deu 7:8 But because Jehovah loved you, and <span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">because He would keep the oath which He had sworn to your fathers</span>, Jehovah has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you out of the house of slaves, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. </div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
And not only does He grant us the promise of blessings, they are ABUNDANT blessings.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Deu 28:11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods...</div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
This reveals many things about who God is, but what stands out to me is how generous He is. Not only is there generosity in the abundance of the blessings that he gives, but His true generosity is shown in that he made the blessings available through a promise rather than through the law. He desired so much for us to be blessed that He made sure to bless us in a way that was dependent on HIM rather than US. He knows exactly how impossible it is for us to fulfill the law, so He bypassed the law when giving us the promise of His blessing (read Galatians 3).</div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
What does this mean to me? I think Paul said it rather well in Romans 8:32, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" God loves us so much that He has made certain that all things are freely available to us when we walk with Him and believe Him. God is constantly giving. If we're not receiving it's because something's wrong with our receiver! </div>
Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-58474840145239459032016-01-31T18:30:00.000-08:002016-02-07T09:14:58.033-08:00God delights to answer our prayers. This morning I woke up feeling rather homesick and dealing with feeling of loneliness. I very simply said to God, "A hug would be really nice." The day went on. I went over to the laundromat to wash a load and brought a couple tasks to work on. I had hoped it would be empty because I wasn't wanting to be around people, but alas, there was a family there as well, including a little boy and his sister. They were adorable. It troubled me how their father kept shushing them when they'd try to speak with me, just saying "hi, what are you doing?" I'd smile at him and wave at him when he'd look at me across the room. Very few words were said between us because we were both afraid to upset his dad, but when his dad walked out to load up the car and said "let's go," that little boy ran over to me and caught me totally off guard when he threw his little arms around my neck and said "goodbye!"<br /><br />God delights to answer our prayers.Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-4193250083548257702016-01-31T12:49:00.000-08:002016-02-04T13:09:22.817-08:00No More Consciousness of Sin<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Being sin-conscious will keep your eyes on yourself and cause you to walk in condemnation & to strive to become righteous. You will constantly be fixed on NOT sinning rather than being free to chase good works! Avoiding sin is not the same as good works. Our good works are only good if they come from a grateful heart that seeks to bless the Father rather than a heart that is bent on appeasing His wrath. It might seem a humble thing to constantly remind yourself of your sinfulness, but it's really the opposite because it's focused inward. True humility looks outward, away from self, into the precious face of Jesus. When we stay our focus on the good works of Christ we lose consciousness of ourself, including all our sins. We are focused on LIFE rather than DEATH and what we focus on is what we will produce (Proverbs 23:7). </div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
When we think, or act, as though we can somehow make offerings for our sins, we reduce the blood of Christ to that of cows and goats. We imply that His blood was not enough for us, which certainly must break God's heart.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 0px; color: #353535; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCUD7t1iZEg/VrO6qZX8eZI/AAAAAAAAAV8/4X_E_AgfY9o/s1600/as%2Ba%2Bman%2Bthinksin%2Bhis%2Bheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCUD7t1iZEg/VrO6qZX8eZI/AAAAAAAAAV8/4X_E_AgfY9o/s1600/as%2Ba%2Bman%2Bthinksin%2Bhis%2Bheart.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa;">"For the Law which has a shadow of good things to come, not the very image of the things, appearing year by year with the same sacrifices, which they offer continually, they are never able to perfect those drawing near. For then would they not have ceased to be offered?</span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> Because the worshipers, when they had been once for all purged, would have had no more conscience of sin.</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa;"> But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again of sins every year. </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa;"> Therefore when He comes into the world, He says, "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but You have prepared a body for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have had no pleasure. Then I said, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God." Above, when He said, "Sacrifice and offering, and burnt offerings and offering for sin You did not desire, neither did You have pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the Law), then He said, "Lo, I come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first so that He may establish the second. By this will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And indeed every priest stands daily ministering and offering often the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.</span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa;">, sat down on the right of God, from then on expecting until His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">He has perfected forever those who are sanctified.</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa;">" </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #353535; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hebrews 10:1-14</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-19717699929323412462015-08-17T11:40:00.002-07:002015-08-17T11:40:34.336-07:00Ectopic Pregnancy, baby at 6-7 weeks.<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/4nRPoqyWX3/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_top">A video posted by Anesthesia Quality (@anesthesiaall)</a> on <time datetime="2015-07-02T00:26:09+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 1, 2015 at 5:26pm PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-45669604956448562492014-11-06T07:02:00.004-08:002014-11-06T07:02:50.148-08:00God DOES give us more than WE can handle!<h1 class="yt" id="watch-headline-title" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Take a listen to this awesome truth that God will give us more than we only can handle because He wants to work THROUGH us and WITH us!</span></span></h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pbdSBuROZ9w?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-20806630799517375052014-07-17T13:00:00.002-07:002014-07-17T13:00:32.952-07:00Jesus<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nieVIurPSbc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-6197888918329196832014-07-11T21:40:00.000-07:002014-07-12T06:28:36.980-07:00This Is The Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsao9OeDPLo/U8CV5zq0ScI/AAAAAAAAAHE/ebtcR0CNh9E/s1600/_KLP6480.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsao9OeDPLo/U8CV5zq0ScI/AAAAAAAAAHE/ebtcR0CNh9E/s1600/_KLP6480.png" width="100%" /></a></div>
<br />
I've recently been specifically seeking to be more sensitive to the Spirit's leading and God's voice in my daily life and this past Wednesday turned out to be pretty exciting for me. The day started with me teetering on the fence about going to a <a href="http://meetup.com/" target="_blank">MeetUp</a> for photographers at a wind mill farm just outside of the city. It was quite a-ways out for me and from what I could see online there wasn't much to it, but I felt I should go because, hey, how can the Lord use me if I don't "go"? <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Turned out to be a pretty simple event. There were just 3 of use ladies that showed up and we quickly discovered there wasn't much to see at the Lookout Platform. Still, we stayed nearly 90 minutes talking about cameras and shooting, etc. It was pleasant, but uneventful in my mind.<br />
<br />
While I was near the city I planned to do my grocery shopping next, but I decided to grab a bit to eat first. I don't usually go inside a fast food place alone, but I felt it would be a good idea. As I headed to the counter I was greeted with "Hi! How are you!?" from a complete stranger who acted like we were old friends. He was an employee there, and he ended up chatting with me a bit while I ate and he cleaned. It stood out like a sore-thumb that my meal totaled up to<b> $7.77</b>. I felt like it was a little note from the Lord saying "I'm here" and I took it as a confirmation that I'd been listening. I thanked God for sending someone bubbly into my day.<br />
<br />
I was feeling pretty good about that little encounter and really wasn't expecting much else (except for healing of the headache that came on me). I started feeling icky and <i>almost</i> changed my mind about groceries, but I felt compelled, "I need to do this today." I didn't need to pick up a whole lot so I wasn't going to be in the store very long. However, while I was there an announcement was made that momentarily there was going to be a give-away just a few aisles from were I was. Free stuff? Sure, I'll check it out. It was a kitchenware demonstration and I spent about 15 minutes or so standing there watching before moving on thinking "I don't cook, why am I standing here?" I finished my shopping and headed to my car.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> "I don't cook, why am I standing here?"</i></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
I had parked near the entrance of the lot and as I approached my car I saw a man sitting by the exit holding a cardboard sign asking for help for his family. Beside him sat a woman and two young girls. My spirit quickened me. I began unloading my things and wondering what I was supposed to do. I didn't have any purchases that would be good to hand to them right there, and I wasn't carrying any cash. As I rolled my cart to the cart collector I decided I was going to go back into the store and get a gift card to give them. I could just hand it to them as I drove by. "No, go ask them what kind of help they need." the Lord said. I took a deep breathe and walked toward them, and I'm so glad I did.<br />
<br />
I greeted the man and shook his hand, met his family and asked what kind of help they needed. He began speaking in broken English saying that they really needed gas for their van. I was going to go get a gas card and bring it back, but with the language barrier I ended up riding with him (and his son sleeping in the back) around the corner and just filling it up. We got to talking and I found out that Florin and his family were from Romania and were making their way to Chicago where other Romanians were established that could help them. I believe they had left Europe about 18 months ago. When he said he was from Romania I just knew that I was right where God wanted me that day. <br />
<br />
As the gas pumped I told him I'd been to Romania and seen it's beautiful country and met it's lovely people. I mentioned Bucharest and he said that's where he's from. He spoke of the poverty there caused by poor government and how it was just impossible to care for his family any longer. He spoke with love for his people, saying that they have a low crime rate and no drug abuse or other things of that nature so it was sad to leave. I grabbed my receipt and we headed back to the parking lot. Before I said goodbye I remembered that I had learned how to sing "<a href="http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/8278" target="_blank">This Is The Day</a>" in Romanian so I tried to repeat it to him best I could. He laughed with me as I gave it a go. That was one of my best memories from that trip in 2002.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, as I drove home, I felt great! I starting thinking of how everything came together for me to be there at the right moment. What if I had stayed home? What if I hadn't stopped for lunch? Or gone inside? What if I had missed the store's give-away announcement and wasn't delayed. I wasn't in that store very long, which mean Florin and his family had to have just arrived at that corner because they weren't there when I arrived. If the timing had been any different I could have missed them. I could have missed God. What a thrill!!<br />
<br />
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!! After getting home and putting away the groceries and mulling around a bit, I sat at my desk where I had laid the receipts from the day. Not knowing what the gas had cost I picked up the receipt to check. $55.11. I thought, wow, they really were out of gas! Then as I was looking at the numbers 55 11, I heard the word 'Isaiah', so I opened up and read. And then I laughed with watery eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="line1" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 25px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So is my word that goes out from my mouth:</span></i></div>
<div class="line2" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It will not return to me empty,</span></i></div>
<div class="line1" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 25px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">but will accomplish what I desire</span></i></div>
<div class="line2" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.</span></i></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Lq5gje6o8-E?rel=0" width="100%"></iframe>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-32411594242962371352014-06-30T15:45:00.002-07:002014-06-30T16:00:45.738-07:00Never Good WithheldTornado Season in the Mid-West can make for a roller coaster of emotions. Even more so since last Fall when a town less than 30 miles from me was <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&gl=us&tbm=nws&authuser=0&q=washington+il+tornado&oq=washington+il+tornado&gs_l=news-cc.3..43j43i53.3620.13002.0.13738.23.7.1.15.16.0.83.490.7.7.0...0.0...1ac.1.5yMsgN1AREU#authuser=0&gl=us&hl=en&q=washington+il+tornado+2013&tbm=nws" target="_blank">mowed over by a tornado</a> causing complete devastation. Hundreds of people were left with nothing but each other. As I'm writing this, we're currently under a Tornado Watch alert - meaning weather conditions are prime for a tornado to appear.<br />
<a name='more'></a> Looking out my window at the lightly swaying trees under a hazy gray sky, it barely looks as though it might rain. I get a better storm indication when my dog becomes my second shadow than I do looking to the sky. This is what makes the situation so trying. It could be just another day, or at any moment I could need to be seeking shelter. <br />
<br />
At each hint of a tornado possibility, my mind wanders to a safety plan. Where will I hide in my old small home that wasn't built with a basement? Will there be time to seek shelter with a neighbor? What if they're not home? What if the panicked dog got away from me while heading to the neighbors? What would happen if everything I own was picked up and relocated all over the city? What would I do if I had to start over with nothing? This is inevitably the question I get to every time. What would I do if I had to start over with nothing?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Savior, I would freely yield,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What most I prize, to thee;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Who never hast a good withheld,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Or wilt withhold from me.</i></span></blockquote>
It is both a frightening and exciting possibility to ponder over. We don't often have the chance for a fresh start, but it's tough to build from the ground up. The quote above expresses well the comfort my heart arrives at with each Tornado Watch. My house is made up of THINGS. Yes, things I enjoy and bring me a certain happiness, but THINGS none the less. I've enjoyed gathering them, and I'd enjoy gathering again if it ever came to that. My God is looking out for my good even more than I am, and He holds nothing back. He is a big and wonderful and living God and even if I'm ever left with nothing, I'll still have everything because I have Christ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ouwhoru.wordpress.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.crossway.org/site_media/galleryserve/images/Jesus--Nothing-Everything.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-27219300983585499732014-05-01T19:22:00.000-07:002014-07-11T19:22:48.256-07:002 Kings 6 & 7 - Be FREE!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MayTD-_ys2g?rel=0" width="100%"></iframe>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-22478593777876909682014-02-18T19:18:00.000-08:002014-07-11T19:20:06.742-07:001 John 5 - You're an Overcomer<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/d8_F3OB24eI?rel=0" width="100%"></iframe>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-72256588915159942992013-09-15T19:13:00.000-07:002014-07-11T19:20:39.935-07:00I Don't Know - A Cover Song<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8ByI8n4JvXg?rel=0" width="100%"></iframe></div>
Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-46813793404851484982012-08-03T13:56:00.000-07:002014-06-30T18:17:50.047-07:00What does chicken have to do with Jesus?The recent uproar over how the Chick-fil-a franchise donates some of it's profits is a bit funny to follow. Let's ask an overtly Christian company if they give money in support of their beliefs (or against their opponents if you'd rather), and then become outraged and act surprised that they do, followed by a cry for boycotting. That's the sort of mindset and response I'm seeing from the majority of the Political Left & anti-Christian groups.<br />
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
Next up is the wide spread response by those who say they stand in support of Chick-fil-a's choice to donate funds where they see fit, and those who just really like their chicken. August 1st was Chick-fil-a Day and an <a href="http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/02/13088211-chick-fil-a-protest-marks-rise-of-eat-in-movement?lite" target="_blank">estimated $8 million dollars</a> was made while people stood in lines for hours to place an order and make a statement. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The aftermath is making me giggle. The Left are commenting that the Supporters are hypocrites for using their Apple phones and Google services to post about their support of Chick-fil-a, which are companies with opposing values (or so they're telling me). It would only be hypocritical if the Supporters claimed to only consume products by companies whose values line up with their own. Which they're not claiming. They are supporting the company's right to donate funds to other organizations that line up with their values. In essence, using Google or Apple actually supports their demonstration.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Is it really a surprise that so many people took this chance to demonstrate their support? Come on! It consists of eating a tasty meal for a few bucks while also getting the chance to tell the story of how "I stood in line for 4 hours and then they ran out of nuggets!" We're Americans. It's what we do. Will we know how many other restaurants made some extra profits that day from those who purposefully ate out at a place whose values they support? Probably not. </div>
Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-83249194048409259802012-07-22T10:49:00.002-07:002012-07-22T22:27:23.500-07:00In the midst of tragedy, let's put the "Why?" aside.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Aurora, CO this past weekend, a young man </span><a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&gs_nf=1&tok=4x4ak-S-ElHpwcLkls_xDQ&ds=n&pq=colorado%20shooting&cp=29&gs_id=1i&xhr=t&q=aurora+colorado+shooting+2012&pf=p&tbm=nws&sclient=psy-ab&oq=aurora+colorado+shooting+2012&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=8dc7aa4149dd6eb9&biw=1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">opened fire inside a packed movie theater.</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A dozen lives were lost, and many more were wounded. Even if this gunman offers an explanation (which he hasn't at the time of this writing), the question "Why?" will instinctively come to mind. There's nothing wrong with asking this question, but there's nothing productive about asking it either. The scriptures make it clear that wickedness abounds because of our rebellion against God. In a word: SIN (Rom. 5:12, Eph. 2:2). The answer is simple, but for most it isn't satisfying in a time like this.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ultimately, until Christ returns and sin is no more, we will always have tragedy. So let us not focus on asking "Why?", but instead let us ask ourselves, <b>"Am I prepared for tragedy to strike?"</b> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the hours pass, stories of bravery are emerging. Like the one about <a href="http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/national/aurora-colorado-shooting-victims-identified">Matt McQuinn</a>, who along with his girlfriend's brother, shielded her from the gunman. Matt lost his life in the process. Or the one about <a href="http://cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2012/07/22/lah-co-victims-heroes.cnn.html">Josh Nowlan</a>, who was shot twice when he threw himself on top of his two friends. Or how <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/22/obama-allie-young_n_1693693.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009">Stephanie stayed with Allie</a>, her wounded friend, and in doing so saved her life. Throughout His Word, God has called us to be fearless and to act with boldness and courage (Deut. 31:6, 1 Cor. 16:13, Joshua 1:9). Have you prepared yourself to respond this way when tragedy arises? What about how Marie, who survived the shooting along with her two teenage daughters, <a href="http://aminiatureclaypot.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/so-you-still-think-god-is-a-merciful-god/"><span style="color: blue;">responded through her blog</span></a> by giving praise and glory to God after experiencing such unthinkable violence and terror </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Heb. 13:16, Psalm 34:1-3)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Are you prepared to proclaim God's goodness and mercy to those who question it during times like these? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gk96tzir0sg/UAw-Cwa4c6I/AAAAAAAAF98/q6suFwRhADU/s1600/Be-Prepared.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gk96tzir0sg/UAw-Cwa4c6I/AAAAAAAAF98/q6suFwRhADU/s1600/Be-Prepared.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gk96tzir0sg/UAw-Cwa4c6I/AAAAAAAAF98/q6suFwRhADU/s1600/Be-Prepared.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being prepared for tragedy isn't about spending time in front of a mirror honing your interview skills in case you need to praise the Lord via news report. It's not about learning the best way to protect someone from harm, or how to disarm the bad guy. It's about developing your character daily. It's about learning how to love other people the way God loves them. It's about choosing to trust the Lord no matter what happens, and knowing the victory has already been won. It's about doing these things purposefully so that when tragedy strikes around us, we instinctively respond with righteousness. It's about learning to be like Christ to a suffering world. Chances are you won’t experience tragedy to the degree of what happened in Colorado, but don’t think that excuses you from being prepared to address the lesser tragedies that happen in your circle. We should be prepared for spiritual emergencies the same way an EMT is prepared for medial ones, or a solider is prepared to go into battle should war arise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lastly, in asking yourself if you're prepared for tragedy, have you made peace with God? Have you come to the foot of the cross and humbly accepted His one and only Son, Jesus, as your substitute for your sins? Life is a fragile thing that we ought not take for granted. As we've seen this past weekend, your life CAN end while sitting in a movie theater, excited about seeing your favorite characters light up the silver screen. Don't wait to prepare your soul for the unexpected day your body dies.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I encourage you to take a moment to watch this short memorial video for the 12 people who were killed in this incident and say a prayer for their families who need comfort. </span></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="374" id="ep" width="416"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&videoId=us/2012/07/22/colorado-shooting-victims-nat-pkg.cnn" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><embed src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&videoId=us/2012/07/22/colorado-shooting-victims-nat-pkg.cnn" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="416" wmode="transparent" height="374"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-12134724840714990682012-05-26T22:42:00.000-07:002012-07-22T11:43:03.301-07:00Bothersome Quote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_h71SUz4uJY/UAxJZyB15rI/AAAAAAAAF-I/PpYPtRruNIk/s1600/distance-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_h71SUz4uJY/UAxJZyB15rI/AAAAAAAAF-I/PpYPtRruNIk/s1600/distance-quote.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes, you just need to distance yourself from people. If they care, they'll notice; if they don't, you know where you stand.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This quote has popped up in my social media feed several times lately, and every time I see it, I cringe. There's no way to know where it originated from, but I presume it was a woman since we are more naturally relational. It sounds like a whiny cry for attention from a child. I mean no offense to those of you who have re-posted this, but have you really taken the time to THINK about this quote?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
What gets me the most, is that this quote sort of implies a test of some kind. You can't 'go off the grid' silently and then get upset when no one notices. That's like playing hide 'n seek with your friends except you're the only one who knows there's a game going on, and then getting pouty when no one comes to find you. Unfortunately, we ladies can fall into this kind of habit easily. <br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anytime we make a relationship all about us and getting our needs met by the other person, we do damage to that relationship. God wants us to put others before ourselves, and yes, that does sometimes mean applying our own oxygen mask before helping others, but this quote demonstrates a very selfish attitude. Sure, maybe you do need some time to yourself, away from people, or someone in particular. However, why can't you let that person know that you need space? Give them warning. Or at the least, if you don't want to tell them you're 'distancing' yourself, then give them the benefit of the doubt that perhaps they have their own life to attend to rather than assuming they don't care about you when they don't "notice" you've gone silent. Ultimately, the person who holds to this quote and says they want some distance is demanding validation, not seeking distance. Quite frankly, that's not a person I want to be friends with.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reader, I urge to you turn the tables of our cultural habits and instead of gettin' all self-righteous when your friend hasn't noticed your distance, or your struggle, or whatever issue you want them to notice - instead, think of her first and realize that perhaps she has a bigger problem than you and is waiting for you to call her and find out about it. If it's out of character for her not to notice, there's probably a real reason for it.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's time to stand up and walk the Walk of Christ and LOVE those around us regardless of whether or not they love us back! We are NOT called to play petty games with our friends. It's time to BE the kind of friend that you THINK your friend ought to be to you. Give up your RIGHTS and take up your CROSS.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-68394124382713222252012-01-26T17:33:00.000-08:002012-01-26T17:33:52.851-08:00Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made some cheesy onion potatoes with dinner tonight. They turned out so-so. Next time, I'll add bacon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z074syHGDfM/TyH-KRoRwWI/AAAAAAAAABU/KZn4_2ucmzE/s1600/potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z074syHGDfM/TyH-KRoRwWI/AAAAAAAAABU/KZn4_2ucmzE/s1600/potatoes.jpg" /></a></div>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-59312119275429656242012-01-21T18:58:00.000-08:002012-01-21T18:58:03.802-08:00Stop Motion. Go.This video is kind of adorable. I caught a YouTube surf this evening for a little while, browsing Stop Motion videos in particular. I really would love to find the stop motion videos I made when I was in Junior High school. I once made my room clean itself, and I also made some legos come to life - until the evil one had to be shot.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jBACVxk2y-w?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-51103307375893823802012-01-08T07:00:00.001-08:002012-01-08T07:00:05.338-08:00WritingA children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest. C. S. Lewis<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-58821350795801730472012-01-03T07:44:00.000-08:002012-01-03T07:44:11.997-08:00You are capable of making your goals.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aha3R62kAcc/TwMiJYqNNKI/AAAAAAAAABM/MXENp4Q2Y-8/s1600/goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aha3R62kAcc/TwMiJYqNNKI/AAAAAAAAABM/MXENp4Q2Y-8/s1600/goals.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-76797413553646455252012-01-02T13:31:00.000-08:002012-01-02T13:31:00.785-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAeYcgkOThA/TwIGMMC0_SI/AAAAAAAAABA/RywIU0Ef7ow/s1600/mtrainier_mar2009_116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAeYcgkOThA/TwIGMMC0_SI/AAAAAAAAABA/RywIU0Ef7ow/s640/mtrainier_mar2009_116.jpg" width="467" /></a></div>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-61902666210053920182012-01-01T10:58:00.000-08:002012-01-02T11:35:49.782-08:00Wonderstruck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fb0kdTmpxQ/TwH-NHGZA7I/AAAAAAAAAA0/12qT3-2Wwl4/s1600/gutterstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fb0kdTmpxQ/TwH-NHGZA7I/AAAAAAAAAA0/12qT3-2Wwl4/s400/gutterstars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-81107833519807247322011-10-06T16:17:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:18:00.349-07:00Survived 3 weeksI'm writing from my front steps this evening. The colors of the trees as the sun light diminishes is awesome. The moment is only interrupted by the 5 or 6 different variations of bugs that have chosen me as dinner. It's been really wonderful weather here and I'm trying to enjoy each day as it will soon be winter and time for me to bundled up and hide near a heater. Is there anywhere in this world that is both warm AND bug free? I suppose I'll have to wait until Heaven for that.<br />
<br />
Guess that's all I really have to say for now. Heading to the broski's house for a flick. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-65323273311751223612011-09-26T12:57:00.001-07:002011-09-26T12:57:28.386-07:00180<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7y2KsU_dhwI?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7y2KsU_dhwI?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object>Katydidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01333488817174048648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-82522201366838263052011-09-16T08:30:00.001-07:002011-09-17T17:49:26.784-07:00Homeward boundWe stayed in Des Moines, IA last night and are only 5 hours from my new home. My sister-in-law is out garage sale shopping and will be on the lookout for things I still need. She and my brother have been bringing furniture over this week which is super awesome! <br />
<br />
Mav is sooooo tired. He can't relax in the car so he's pretty exhausted when we get to hotels at night. Hopefully he sleeps good tonight. <br />
<br />
I'm still a bit overwhelmed myself and could use a vacation :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QUmbstR-uzY/TnNrIzK_mmI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/Pc9mXIjA_Ls/s640/blogger-image--625670537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QUmbstR-uzY/TnNrIzK_mmI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/Pc9mXIjA_Ls/s320/blogger-image--625670537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CblCJgdMzdw/TnNrkrl4qaI/AAAAAAAAF1U/HFSMsgIyESg/s640/blogger-image-669266277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CblCJgdMzdw/TnNrkrl4qaI/AAAAAAAAF1U/HFSMsgIyESg/s320/blogger-image-669266277.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5062040328333238031.post-70471976772620867822011-09-15T07:42:00.001-07:002011-09-17T17:50:31.395-07:00Heading to NebraskaMade it all the way to Laramie, WY last night. Drove through a rain storm for about an hour which cleaned all the bug carcasses off my car. It also got some water in my rooftop carrier though. The wind here is so icy! I wasn't prepared for that kind of cold. <br />
<br />
We are aiming for Omaha tonight. We best get on the road soon! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7XPmo2Tg_uc/TnIOq9DbEeI/AAAAAAAAF1A/DyqAZtbTvII/s640/blogger-image--1329441649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7XPmo2Tg_uc/TnIOq9DbEeI/AAAAAAAAF1A/DyqAZtbTvII/s320/blogger-image--1329441649.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1V3rc10gkYA/TnIOryJeplI/AAAAAAAAF1E/RFIb_h4tuzY/s640/blogger-image--648479831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1V3rc10gkYA/TnIOryJeplI/AAAAAAAAF1E/RFIb_h4tuzY/s320/blogger-image--648479831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XFlEBqn3PkA/TnIOvFy-UNI/AAAAAAAAF1I/Vz_eqot87Ow/s640/blogger-image-1134270799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XFlEBqn3PkA/TnIOvFy-UNI/AAAAAAAAF1I/Vz_eqot87Ow/s640/blogger-image-1134270799.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6YfcLw0ewGw/TnIOvhUFSPI/AAAAAAAAF1M/CCJ83KEMpOI/s640/blogger-image-2081497009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6YfcLw0ewGw/TnIOvhUFSPI/AAAAAAAAF1M/CCJ83KEMpOI/s400/blogger-image-2081497009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0