Excersing my Freedom of Speak

I need to defend myself and that is the sole purpose of writing this entry. I am tired of people thinking that if you are not up for a heated political debate then you simply do not know enough to debate. Not true! There are people out there like me, who are just not confrontational and the idea of getting into a debate with one's friend is not the least bit enticing. Unfortunately, I believe this election has brought out the worst in people. And I am not just pointing the finger at others I am pointing at myself too! Our country is in need right now. Our country NEEDS change, our country NEEDS to be protected, our country NEEDS to figure out what the heck is going with this war but more then anything our country NEEDS God! And voting in line with what the Bible teaches is how I am going to be voting. Personally I do not believe that either candidate is the ideal pick for the presidency. It's killing me not to state my opinion here on issue's that are important to me....foreign policy, the war, our future relationship with Israel, socialized medicine, and abortion to name a few. Again, though I am not confrontational and even more then that I do not like to hurt any one's feelings. But know that I DO know enough to debate and with family and people that I am comfortable with I enjoy talking politics. My mother taught us at a young age to always look at both sides of the coin. Sometimes it would infuriate me..."why don't you believe the truth"?! However, she knew exactly what she was doing. For it was the truth that she wanted me to get to by being the opposing force. Looking back I know she argued with me even when she felt the same way I did. This taught me empathy. It also taught me not to follow the crowd but examine both sides of the situation. So yes, I do know what I am talking about when I talk politics and yes, I do understand how both candidates feel on issue's that are important to me. The Bible says to be prepared to give an answer for what you believe. This political season is an example of just that. Proverbs 8:32 says "now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways".

Make New Friend But Keep The Old

The other day I was riding in the car with Luke and he started to share with me how he was missing his friends from our old neighborhood. That old "Brownie's" song popped into my head "make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold". It broke my heart that he had yet to meet friends in our new neighborhood. Don't get me wrong we have met some of the nicest kids but they are all older then Luke. I explained that I too was missing my friends. That song is so true isn't it?! I have started to make new friends here and I feel that, as funny as it sounds, Facebook was dropped into my lap at the right time. Because I have been able to reconnect with my old high school pom girls and my old sorority sisters that live here in the GR area. What I have come to realize is that people really don't change, which in my case is good. I have down right laughed out loud a number of times reading things people have written to me...lot's of old memories. Those who always had a great sense of humor still do. God is so good, I know I say this in almost every entry but he is and friendships are just another example of that.

Let me briefly tell you about some new friends and how God provided them. One morning I was doing my prayer time and I had prayed that God would help me find a Bible Study. I knew that I needed something soon. Later that day I was outside with the boys and my neighbor next door came out and asked me if I would like to come to their Bible Study! Ok, well that was a quick answer to prayer! But even better then her asking me was that I realized we had even more in common then I originally thought. Another time a neighbor had a welcome party for Neil and I...which was just so sweet. Anyway, I made a connection with someone....we planned a play date and she too invited me to a Bible Study. The only book I had pulled from my packed books was the one her Bible Study was doing! Crazy. No, not all my friends need to be Christians nor am I ignorant enough to believe they will be. My point is that it has been so neat to see God provide any friendship! Old friendships are like gold. The girlfriends that know me best are the one's that have known me for years. But that doesn't mean there is not room for new "silver" friends. I am so excited to get to know new people. And I know that some of my new friends will someday fall under the "Gold" friends. God created us to be social creators. He made us in his image and Christ was always surrounded by people. I know he will take care of me. If you just moved or are just feeling like maybe you need some new friends ask God for his help. He care's about every detail or our lives...even our friendships!