Jesus is here to take me home - Is it OK Mommy?

On December 14, 2012 a horrific school shooting took place in the sleepy little town of Newtown, Conn.  20 precious little children lost their lives.  Many on Facebook found various ways to express their thoughts, their anger, and their condolences.

My youngest daughter, Sandi, found her way with the following.... written not only for those families, "but for all the children in the world that parents don't have this Christmas".

 May these words bring peace ....


My voice has always been little
So small.
But on that day I was screaming so .. yelling but no one could hear me.
"Mom I am right here"
"Mom its OK don't cry"
"Mom there is this man with me"
"Mom he is a big man he has a long beard but is not fat like Santa I know it not Christmas yet still 11 more days on my calendar"
"Mom he says his name is Jesus and he has came to take me home but I have never seen him before and he said I am on his list to check me out, mom tell me its OK"
"My child I love you go stay with Jesus and Its OK"
" thanks Mom I will see you soon"
" I love you my child - can't wait to hold you again ... Jesus I know it isn't my time  - so take care of her till I get there"
"I love you Mommy."

The Meaning of Christmas in a Jar of Pickles

I have two daughters - both now grown with families of their own.  Raising them was tough, I was not always able to get them everything they wanted or even needed.  For a good part of their lives, we were on food stamps, so simple things like pickles were a treat.  So much of a treat, they actually got them as 'gifts' one year in their Christmas Stockings.  As things got better, the Tradition grew - from small jars in the stocking - to the big jar of the whole dill jumbos wrapped and placed under the tree.  This is continued today - each family gets a jar and they are the one gift the Grandchildren look for under the tree at our house.

Both of my girls know what it is like to struggle raising a family.  They also know the power of simple gestures that can brighten someones life. And they are firm believers in  "Pay It Forward" , which both have done more times than anyone knows.

Today, the youngest one - Sandi - posted the following on Facebook.  Now she could have just walked away, for she truly does not have the resources to offer help.  But her heart would not allow that.

Today has already been a busy day got up went and took movies back took Libby to the school to go to atlanta. Paid the water bill swoo. But the most important thing was this lady was parked beside me and she was asking if we had to b back up at the school to pick them up and we was talking she told me she had no money for her little girl to eat on today no gas to get her this afternoon wasn't going to have Christmas for her kids I was sadden by this so I took a 10 and 5  ones I had and as soon as I turned to Libby and said here Libby said u want me to take this to her don't u mom I said yes please she went over and gave it to that lady. The woman started crying and said no I can't take this I said please take it she said thank u turned and looked at her little girl and said baby now u have money to eat on today as I was leaving the lady thanked me again I said y'all have a merry Christmas. I paid it forward for all the times I had been helped out. Not just cuz it Christmas or the time of year it is if u know me I would do this any day of the week or year thanks for reading my story. I hope it touch ur heart like it did mine and always remember there is someone out there worse off then u r and if u r meant to help them god will put them in ur path to help them.

The one thing I can say I am proud of - is somehow I have taught my girls the true meaning of Christmas - that sometimes it is the little things that matter - helping - sharing - giving.  It does not need to be anything big -sometimes a simple a jar of pickles can be the most important gift under the tree.

Mixing Rhetoric into your Opinion is Un-American

Real American Patch

The picture is of a patch I sell. You don't like it?  Sorry.  But it is your right not to like it and I will always respect that.
I have a phrase I use often - " I may not agree with what you say, but will always defend your right to say it."  This is the American way after all.  But, do to some unfortunate events, I must amend that.  " I will defend your right to voice your opinion, until it becomes hateful."   Recently, I posted something on Facebook that, although I did not agree with part of it, the general context I did.  I honestly felt those who follow me and know me would understand that, ... at least would respect my right to feel this way.  I was wrong.  The attack was vicious, full of hate and name calling.  Was even told I had no right to my opinion.
For those who don't know me - or know what I believe in - let me clarify.

1. I  believe in the right to keep and bear arms.  I am a proud gun collector - I enjoy shooting, have a love and respect for guns, and honestly believe in the 2nd amendment.  You don't??  That's your right, and I respect that.  Please respect mine.
2. I believe we need to secure our borders, and we need not a "comprehensive " immigration policy, but need to enforce the laws we have.  I do agree something needs to be done for the kids that are here do to no fault but of the parents, but do not agree in the President unilaterally changing the laws.  You don't agree?  That's your right and I respect that.  Please respect mine.
3. I believe that Obamacare is putting the USA on the fast track to a more socialist society.  I feel that it will not make healthcare affordable and more accessible,  but will in fact have the opposite effect.  You love it??? That's your right and I respect that.  Please Respect mine.
4. I believe in marriage to be between a man and a woman.  If you are gay and have a partner, I am happy for you and wish you both nothing but a lifetime of love.  But although I am not a 'bible thumper' I believe where it states marriage is to be between and man and a woman.  You defend the right of gay marriage?? That is you right I respect that. Please respect mine.
5. I believe in the free enterprise system.  I believe that America is the land of opportunity, not the land of the "I deserve it"  and once the government allows businesses to either thrive or fail everyone will be better off.  I do , however, believe the Government needs to watch for greed, and not allow gouging.   You want more taxes on the so called "Fat Cats" and more bailouts and handouts - that is your right.  Please respect mine.
6. I Believe in the piece of paper called the Constitution is a concrete foundation for our way of live we call the American way.  I do not see it any less concrete than the ten commandments.  To me it is not a "living, breathing thing" that we must change to fit every whim.  You do?? That is your right. .... That piece of paper says so...until they change that right too.

I believe in a good debate of issues.  I welcome exchange of ideas.  What I do not welcome is a slam of nothing but name calling rhetoric that has no substance.  Save that for someone else. 

I am a registered voter - independent - but I do have conservative values.  I respect the views of democrats, republicans, tea party, and libertarian.   I respect anyone's religion, whether it be Catholic, Baptist, Islam. Jewish or Wiccan.  What I do not respect is extremism, attacking someone for believing differently, or forcing your beliefs onto anyone.  Take that elsewhere - it is un-american.

Again ... That is my opinion ....