Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

When hiding Easter eggs.....we were missing one last egg - Sophia just couldn't find it!  Where did that egg go?

Funny Anthony!

Faded Memories

 Faded memories of an era gone by always lure me to abandoned places.  I wandered about this old drive-in movie zone saddened by the decaying wood, flapping metal and signs that life had been here but won’t be again. 

I walked and heard the movie playing while children played on equipment now abandoned – their voices ringing with laughter as they ignored a horror show above them or some kissing scene.  

 Cars out here where now the Kansas wind blows and blows…things happened in those cars, a first kiss, a virginity lost, arguments, laughter, a child conceived, marriage proposals, break ups….so many possibilities.  Not to mention the popcorn, candies and sodas.

 Old signage left with messages not to be heeded again stares up in abandon. 

 The ticket booth vandalized – change drawer open sadly waiting for pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters that won’t come. The thick glass broken by someone who didn’t appreciate the beauty of this timeless era. 

A HGTV moment of my soul cried out “Wouldn’t it be great to restore it?”  But as the farmers drive by and the kids on their way to school – no one has time nor money to invest in something seasonal that doesn’t pay the bills….Netflix and Dish have taken over.  Sometimes change hurts…but it doesn’t change the reality.

 So I wander on ; looking at the next place that moves my soul with love for the old and the sadness that it brings in its state of neglect, yet it draws me in with my mind every time.  Oh the parallels of life I find in these places.

I have to remember there will be days like this

I have to remember there will be days like this. And when they come, Lord give us the protection to guide us in your wisdom to ride this one out.  We've stepped on the hornets nest and she is rearing her head....like a bucking bronc here we go.......

The Beer Bottle

The beer bottle:

 Day 1 – oh look, there is a beer bottle someone tossed out.  **pain** 

Day 2 – oh look, it is still there, wonder who threw it out?  **pain** 

 Day 3 – oh look, there is the same beer bottle sitting there, empty.  Who was drinking it?  Were they intoxicated and driving? Or just like “havin’ a Coca Cola” person? Did they make it home safely?  **pain**

Day 4 – oh look, there is the same beer bottle I’ve been pondering about.  I remember my cousin Kurt Friesen riding his bicycle home after visiting his girlfriend on a nice evening like this in 1981 late August , when a drunken man struck him from behind, leaving him a vegetable in the ditch until someone came along, found one of his shoes and upon further looking found Kurt unconscious in the ditch.  Kurt didn’t make it.  He was 17 years old and I still miss him.  His whole life gone.  Bottle of beer – shame on you.  Driver who tossed you, shame on you for littering and reminding me of this pain.  Kurt.  And others like Brandon, my bestie's son who was only 27.  And so many more.  That was a life changing year for me that altered the direction of my life back in 1981.

Not only do I hurt for those loved and lost – I hurt for the control this alcohol has had and does have over people I know and don’t know.  Family and friends.  Habits are hard to break – this is one bad habit.  This habit of another person has given us three of our children. 

 

Day 5 – oh look, there is that damn beer bottle.  I’m going to stop and get rid of it.  I’m going to pray before I recycle it that the mouth and hands that held this only enjoyed the hobs for their flavor like I enjoy a Coca Cola.  And that intoxication didn’t come into play on this beer bottle.   May the people fighting the demon of addiction for whatever substance of choice be given strength in their battle. Because I care - and love you too.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

White Lies

What is a white lie?  Is it the gray area between black and white?  I’ve been struggling with this one with my children.  If I allow white lies – then how do they discern the difference between lying and telling the truth?  This is hard for them given their backgrounds, people; especially adults they’d loved and trusted lied to them constantly.  We have real wounds from those lies that will last a lifetime and take therapy!

So in trying to show the better path of truth, one area as a parent I’ve been adamant about in telling the truth is in having a Facebook account.  You have to be 13.  That is what the company requires.  Today Tobias is 13.  This week he gets his Facebook account.  He has waited for this and I admire his patience in the wait.

I’d really like to hear from all the conservative Christians out there who have allowed their children to have a Facebook page, knowingly putting in a date other than the TRUE date of birth to activate an account and how they justify that?  Just a little white lie?  It’s OK because I monitor my child’s activity?  Their friends have it?  I’d like to hear from the kids who lied to get their pages and state they are Christians in their status – how does God see that white lie?  If we lie about this, do we white-cheat too?  Where does it stop?  Where does it begin?  What is honesty?  When does it apply – only when we want it to?  What worldly rules do we follow and not follow?  Do we speed past speed limits because we don’t get caught?  Underage drink? Do we only have to tell the truth in court after swearing on a Bible? When is it OK versus not OK? 

I’m not trying to present a “holier than thou” attitude; I truly struggle with this as a right from wrong perspective in wanting to set examples for my children.  I’m not perfect and fail regularly.  This one I just don’t get.  So enlighten me….challenge me, grow me, so I can understand societies need for deception in a very visible form and be OK with it. Why do you have a Facebook page if you aren’t 13 yet and if you are a parent why do you allow it?  What is the thinking that I don’t see or understand?

Wikipedia defines white lies in positive way:  White lies are minor lies which could be considered to be harmless, or even beneficial, in the long term. White lies are also considered to be used for greater good.

 

Harmless or even beneficial.  Hmmm.   

 

¹² Whoever of you loves life
   and desires to see many good days, ¹³ keep your tongue from evil
   and your lips from telling lies. ¹⁴ Turn from evil and do good;
   seek peace and pursue it   Psalm 34:12-14

 ¹⁷ An honest witness tells the truth,
   but a false witness tells lies.  Proverbs 12:17

What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.  Proverbs 19:22

 

 So, thank you Tobias for allowing me as your parent to hold to my ideals and be honest...and yes, I'll be your first friend as well!  Luv Mom