Hello Again,
I was wondering what to share with you all today. Then it came to me!

So many people ask me what I do all day, and do I like staying home for a 'living' now. That makes me laugh so hard!

Let me say this, it was very difficult for me to learn to be content with staying home, those comments did not help things out. Not. One. Bit. You see, I have had a long and adventurous employment history! I had begun my first employment in the eighth grade at Art's Parkway Market in Brooklyn, Ohio. I loved working there and made so many friends. My brother also worked there. We would ride our bikes there in the summertime and I only got one flat tire the entire time! Sometimes my dad or mom would pick us up after work and toss our bikes into the trunk of the car. 

Those were the 'good old days!' We would unload trucks of produce and flowers and then sell to the customers. I loved working in the air-conditioned deli / amish cheese area. I learned how to 'cut the cheese' correctly!! Hahaha  No, but really, there is a science to slicing it and also wrapping it so that it remains good for a long time. We didn't have to bring our lunches either. For almost a dollar we could buy deli meat, cheese, fruit and veggies, and then there was always the 'oops' watermelon that was 'accidentally' dropped when unloading the trucks. Someone had to eat it!! Then when we worked into the evenings, there was always the Homemade Honey Ice Cream stand next to the market. 

I worked at Art's until I graduated High School (11th grade for this over-achiever) and headed to Cleveland State. I also had gone to Cosmetology School after my regular school hours so that I could pay my portion of the private school I attended. My brother paid a portion of his private school too. We truly appreciated being able to attend these elite schools and worked hard both scholastically and physically to be able to do so. My weeks resembled this:  Monday - Friday: Nazareth Academy until 3:30pm; Mon/Tue/Thur Cosmetology school from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Weekends at the Market from 9:00am - 6:00pm, then hurry home on Friday and Saturday night to go to the CYO or local school dances. Gosh it was a busy existence! And I loved it!

Then I worked full time at several different styling salons. Though I was very gifted as a stylist, my personality did not fit as well and I knew that there was more out there for me to conquer. Hahaha!! Then I got a job at Bearings, Inc in the accounting dept reconciling books (before online spreadsheets kids.) There I transferred to the Computer Department and learned computer operations from the bottom up and worked so many different odd shifts I hardly knew if it was daytime or night time. I became a lead operator and worked on creating flow sheets for all of the programs so that we didn't have to do it by pure memory. During that time I was also the Worship Leader for Freedom Chapel, and I taught middle school Sunday School classes. 

When we moved to Tulsa in 1981, I worked for several different companies in their Computer Operations departments, and finally with Sooner Federal Savings and Loan as their Data Control Supervisor and Computer Operations Mgr. I worked there when Roy and I married and until Rachel was born, then my 'working' career took on a different look for awhile. When Roy and I moved to Seattle, I was blessed to be able to be a stay at home mom to raise my children until they all started school. Now there were times when I needed to take on temporary work to help out, which I did gladly, but we always worked it out where one of us was with the kids, and maybe only had a babysitter for an hour at the most. That was important to us! We were always very involved with church as well, and we volunteered in many different areas. God had also conveyed to Roy and I that our kids were to attend private Christian schools through the 12th grade. Great. I thought where would that money come from?? And you know what, God always saw to it that I had a position either with the schools that my kids attended, or was able to volunteer on my time off at the schools they attended.

When Aimee entered kindergarten, I was asked to become the Children's Pastor at our church, Mill Creek Foursquare. I was so honored to be able to serve the children and their parents and to teach the teachers how to teach. I would go into work after I dropped the kids off at school and work until Aimee was picked up at 12:30pm. That way I was home with the kids after school. On Mondays I was the 'Lunch Lady Monitor' at the school. As they were eating I would read a story that never seemed to end and then off to the playground to run off some energy! On Thursdays Aimee would come back with me to the church in the afternoon because I had a staff meeting. She would rest and watch videos (and nap) during that 90 mins. In 1995-1997 I also was blessed to run an after-school program at the apartment homes that we had moved into. I was able to utilize the extra curriculum that we had from our church and the apartment management also purchased all sorts of game materials for us to utilize. My children helped with this and we all looked at it as our Family Outreach to our community. So many kids came to know Jesus through that time. I had the privilege of working at Mill Creek Foursquare and the apartments until we moved back to Tulsa in 1997. 

When we arrived back in Green Country, I took the first school year off of searching for 

employment to ease the transition of the family from Washington to Oklahoma. It was quite the adjustment for some of the kids (and me). But we knew we were supposed to be here. God knew what he was doing! Then the following year, Chris Yenni, the Children's Pastor at Grace Fellowship (whom I knew from hosting Children's Seminars in WA) hounded me until I accepted the position as his secretary and Pastor Mike Goolsbay, the Youth Pastor was stuck with me too! The position was with both of them! Oh my goodness we all had a blast! I secretly felt pulled to and loved working with the Youth so much!! While at Grace, I worked for both the school and church at different times. After the Youth and Children's Dept, I transferred to the IT Dept. I went full circle from where I started years ago in Cleveland. This time I was able to do the Help Desk as well as be secretary. How fun!!! I loved it too!  Then I transferred several years later to the school side and was kind of the IT liaison for the school and church while assisting in the High School office for Mr. West. I needed 4 more hours a week to substantiate my position, so they put me in as assistant librarian to work (annoy) Alice Sheth too! Alice and I became fast friends, and to this day if she needed me, I would be there, and visa versa. 

When it was time to move the kids to Victory, God opened up yet another position for me. Secretary to the Athletic Director. That was an amazingly busy job! Nowadays they call it Admin Assistant. I think it should be named Jack of All Trades (right Rachel?)!  I loved the diversity of the position. From one hour to the next you could be doing a plethora of things! There again I was able to serve the kids and families of Victory. Then when all of our kids graduated, I moved onto computer things again, this time in Web design and brochure designing. I worked at Cox Media for almost 4 years, and loved my evolving position there. I was a Web Producer and Web Content Specialist for 4 of the major radio stations in the Tulsa area. Then I was laid-off in Oct of 2011 when corporate moved all of the Web Producers to headquarters in Atlanta, but not the people. Nice severance package though. 

Now I am a stay at home wife. I am a kept woman. I love it!!!  Now it took me almost 3 years to get into that mind frame. I always loved cooking, but now I really love cooking and figuring out new recipes. We have 3 diabetics in the family here, and one is Type 1. So I am constantly trying to find and tweak recipes that give the most flavor and least amount of carbs. I have really come up with some great ones too!  Check out my Recipe page on this blog. We are mostly gluten and grain free here, so most of my recipes will follow that trending.

I also started a Stitching Group titled: Saved By A Stitch. Right now we are on Summer hiatus, but will beginning back again soon!  I love having people over and love teaching, and love crocheting and knitting and doing needlework, so this is such a win-win for me! I just wish I had the room to have mom's with young kids! But right now I do not have anywhere for the kids to play. Some day. It will come. I know that in my knower.  

Ok.. all that to say... I love an adventure and my life has been one awesome adventure so far!! How many people can say that they have been a: Cashier, Salesperson, Hair Stylist, Accountant, Computer Operator and Programmer, Children's Pastor, Teacher, Secretary, Web Producer and Content Specialist? (and race car driver.. but we will address that at a different time).

You know of all of the things I have done so far, there are 3 that I am most proud of:

• Wife
• Mother
• and most of all... Daughter of the King of Kings 

Blessings on you! 

Signed...... Christine

A Muse of the Remnant

Prayer Corner:

Psalm 37:23-24 – “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Thank you Lord for my journey so far. I know that at times I either stepped off of the path or zigged when I should have zagged. Thank you for being faithful even in those times. I cannot wait to see what the next 55 years hold for me. Thank you for the adventurous nature that you placed in me. 

A1c... 6.0

I had my appointment with my Endo last week and my A1C was down to a 6.0 from a 6.9.  Happy Dancing here!! She told me not to come back for 6 months (insert jaw drop here). 

When I arrived, my meter all of sudden was not working for them to pull my readings from. When I told her that the readings have been really great, she just arched her eyebrow at me and 'mmm-hmm-ed' under her breath. I wonder how many people are in denial and fib and say that to her every week? She just looked me square in the eye and said, 'We will just see what your A1C test says in a few minutes!"  Well, when she read it and saw that it had gone down almost a full point, she told me to keep doing whatever I was doing. 

I asked her what was a good reading for a non-diabetic. She told me 5.6.  I now have a new goal. Selah~~

I am telling you, this new way of eating is working for me. I am no longer hungry all the time. I am satisfied with my meals. I am also down just over 12 lbs now as well. I don't see it yet, but others tell me they do, so I will go with that!! 

I am sure I would be further along, but I have been testing out recipes too and to test you have to taste, so MyFitnessPal daily log looks like a non-committed calorie binger lives in my skin. Hahahhaha. 

I have several reasons that I am tweaking these recipes: 

• I love to cook! 
• I love to eat!!
• I will get bored with the same thing all the time 
• I have a son who is Type 1 and two others of us are Type 2
• Gluten affects several members of my family 

I know that when these recipes are completed, I will morph even quicker. For now I am happy with my progress. I feel better. I even went down a flight of stairs and my knees didn't jump up and slap me upside the head for a change. (Usually they also jeer and chant, "We'll get even with you!"  hahaha)  Coming soon are Chocolate Chippers and I will attempt a Greek Pizza! Now don't those sound good??!!

Prayer Corner

Dear God, 
Thank you for opening my eyes to a way of eating that works with the way you created my body to function. I am sorry for abusing myself by eating all of that junk food and then going on those crazy fad diets for so many years. Please help me to be strong in cleaner eating habits, while I renew my mind daily in what your word says in Joshua 1:9 - "I repeat, be strong and brave! Don't be afraid and don't panic, for I, the Lord your God am with you in all you do."  (Net Bible Translation)

Signed....... Christine
A Muse of the Remnant

New Way of Eating and Cooking

Alrighty~
Time for this gal to get in shape. (And not the current round shape I am in.. hahaha) But seriously!

Starting tomorrow I will begin a new way of eating and cooking for this wonderful family of mine. Most are pretty excited about it, and one will catch up with us next week, and Roy has already been low carb for eons.

It is adhering to a Lower Carb, higher fat consumption. I have been researching this and talking to my doc and know that when I was following the Atkins, I always felt better, but I would overdose on protein. As a diabetic, I cannot do that. My joints bellow loudly!!!

I will be sharing my progress on here and also the meals that I attempt to make with the related Carb info. I will no longer concentrate on the 'Calories', but rather the carbs and and fat. And by LOWER Carb, I do not mean eliminating carbs. I mean lowering them, and ingesting them mostly

in vegetable form. I will be eliminating most grains, potatoes and rice. Now I know from time to time I will have some too.

I am talking MODERATION here.

I know that after the last 3 years of six surgeries and a few extra hospital stays (read past posts if interested), my body needs some help getting kick-started into working correctly again. I think it forgot!

Here are things that have changed so far:

1. My A1c is now in the 6.9 range! Diabetics will hoot and holler for joy with that one!
2. Doc found that I was vitamin D deficient. No longer!
3. Kidney doc gave me the go ahead to schedule my next appt IN A YEAR! That means no new kidney stones formed in the past 6 months! Glory!!
4. I drink a minimum of 2 liters of water a day. That does not count coffee or tea.

Starting tomorrow and on, I will be adding to that list, and am so looking forward to doing so.

Say a prayer for me when you think of me.

Prayer Corner:

Dear God,

As You know, some days I wish I looked different than I do. How good it is to be reminded, Lord, that You had me ~ exactly this me ~ in mind long before I came to exist! So today I present myself to you with a grateful heart. Help me to be a good steward of my body. Because You designed it, I am to celebrate, nurture, and respect it. By Your power at work in me, I praise you for every molecule, gene and mole!

Signed...... Christine

A Muse of the Remnant 

It's Been a Year Already!

Dearest Daddy.....

This marks your first year in Heaven. At 8:22 am on June 22, 2013, you stepped into eternity with your Heavenly Father and your brother Jesus.

Helping me gain my footing

I have this vision of you in my mind. As you were stepping into Glory, you had on the fluffiest pair of white socks. You took a running start as fast as you could and you hopped onto the Streets of Gold. As you began your slide in perfect surfer form with your new glorified perfectly healed and whole body, your face was lit up with a mixture of ultimate peace and happiness. No tears, no more pain, just pure joy!

During your long slide, the streets were lined with cheering and clapping family and friends as they welcomed you. God was so excited to see you too and stood up rejoicing over you.

Back down here, I kind of miss you a whole bunch. And that is an understatement. I miss your giant leprechaun smile and ornery glint in your eyes. I miss talking to you and waiting for your answers. So many people were impatient with you after that third stroke. If only they had known you before that one... you still were slow to speak... not due to the stroke, but because you always

Teaching me to bait a hook

chose your words carefully to make sure they were correct and edifying. I strive to be more like you in that.

Rachel, Caleb & Aimee with Grandpa

You were one of the most even-tempered people that I ever knew, and so wise too. Thank you for all of the advice over the years; from how to put a worm on a hook and not toss my cookies, to helping me when I was promoted at work. I will try to impart this wisdom to my kids as the
occasions arise as well. They are your legacy. They are and will continue to make you proud.

I don't know what kind of clout you have up there, but please ask Jesus to send some extra blessings to some folks back here who are not processing your passing into Glory very well. The rest of us are doing as good as can be expected. We have ups, we have downs. We have tears, we have smiles. We always hold tight to all of the memories.

Miss you Daddy... Love you more... I understand the choice you made.
Signed.... Your lil Princess, Christine

Until Later Daddy  :o)

Spirit of Entitlement Part 1

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Hello Gang!

I wrote these several years ago, thought I would share with you.

I am going to be posting a series of 8 - 10 Notes on what I deem to be one of the most prolific challenges today - The Spirit of Entitlement. I see this mostly among the 15 - 35 age group, but it does seem to creep up in about every age grouping to some extent.

Fasten your belts.... lock up your "I'm offended" button in a drawer somewhere..... and let's get rolling.......

Spirit of Entitlement Part 1

B.K. Eakman exposed [Washington Times (26 April 1999), “Children of the Therapeutic Society” ] how social scientists, at first, wrongly suggested that direct involvement of parents with their children was synonymous with over-protectiveness. Eventually, hands-on parenting was likened to “child abuse.” In time, to tolerate a teen tantrum (or that of a two-year-old) became viewed as “being flexible.” 


Parents of Generation “E” (for entitled) are very, very “flexible.” It is of paramount importance to them that their kids like them, no matter the cost. What once was called “talking back” is now “having a voice.” Even tag artists who deface public and private property are deemed “creative” for their “thinking outside of the box.” 


All too often our youth are nurtured on what Gene Edward Veith calls “mind-candy of pop culture.” Void of deep-seated convictions to stir passion, they are prone to be cynical, nihilistic, and sometimes criminal. 


Today’s growing selfishness is likened to “knowing what you want and setting out to get it.” The “hormonal teen culture” justifies being insular, and lust for materialism smacks of what is perceived as healthy ambition. 
In a word, privilege today is more an expectation than a rarity. 
Entitlement to Privilege 


As the story goes, a wealthy farmer sent his sons to the fields, where they worked long hours in the heat of the sun. Neighbors were appalled. After all, they reasoned, he had more than enough money to hire out such work. In disgust, one neighbor stormed the father’s estate, accusing him of unthinkable stinginess. 


“Sir,” the good farmer responded, “I’m not raising wheat; I’m raising sons.” More than saving a penny, that father wanted his sons to learn well the simple lessons of life—lessons he credited for his own success as a farmer, businessman, and most importantly as a father. 


No doubt those lessons mirrored life rules expounded by author Charles Sykes—the first of which follows: Life is not fair; get used to it. On occasion, but not always, the ball of blessing lands undeservedly in your court. Because of the likelihood that unmerited fortune will, from time to time, advantage you, let that suffice. 


Kids do well to keep in mind that the world won’t care about self-actualization or self-esteem, but instead will expect accomplishment as prerequisite to commendation or financial reward. No amount of ego will land you a vice presidency right out of high school. You must first earn that title; and, in the process, you’ll need to “find yourself” on your own time. 


Incredulous as it sounds, before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way paying your bills, cleaning up your messes, and listening to your revelries in self-aggrandizement. If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you get a boss who has no apparent interest in polishing your ego or feathering your nest. 


Progressive schools may have done away with “winners” and “losers,” but their self-esteem enhancing paradigm doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to real life. Believe it. When you flub up, it’s not the fault of parents, teachers, or colleagues. 


Life isn’t divided into semesters, with breaks following; and, by the way, television does not mirror real life. Some youth may be reluctant to accept that flipping burgers is not beneath their dignity; in fact, it’s called “opportunity.” 
Finally, be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one! 

Spirit of Entitlement Part 2

Teachers Owe Me

A recently published Seattle Times article lauds a local child-centered school characterized by “freedom” and “democracy” (1 April 2007). Just as children ambulate and speak with seeming spontaneity (no “formal” instruction needed), it stands to reason that they will learn to read, write, and compute similarly unencumbered by pesky teachers, assignments, tests, grades.


“Free” students study only what they want to; these “find their bliss” by playing cards and shoot-‘em-up cyberspace games. Should they have questions, students are owed answers by attending adults. Unless asked, however, “facilitators” remain seen, but not heard. For this, parents dish out yearly tuitions nearing $6,000.


But, then, “new” basics of consensus building and interdependence are not new at all. Founded in 1921 by A. S. Neill, Summerhill was presumed to be a haven for children to discover who they are and where their interests lie. Anticipated outcomes were “nurtured” in a self-governing, democratic community much akin to the 1960 model classrooms at differing universities.


Insofar as rules were concerned, pupils and staff alike had equal vote; and, yes, lessons were optional. For young and inexperienced teachers, it didn’t take long to realize that this was no way to run a school—unless, that is, you don’t mind ducking water balloons or dodging skate boarders hording the hallways.


Certainly, I’m not calling for “the good old days” of the late 1800s when teachers were required to fill lamps, clean chimneys, tote daily supplies of water and coal, and whittle pens for their students—in addition, of course, to dispensing knowledge and honing basic skills. Even so, for most, education imparted in one-room schoolhouses was highly esteemed; and educators commanded due respect. Despite grueling requirements, teachers enjoyed the supreme satisfaction of equipping their students with academic skills and a firm sense of personal accountability and character.


No more. What B.K. Eakman terms “psychological calisthenics”—this, in lieu of yesteryear’s far more challenging textbooks, rigorous assignments, and stricter teachers—paves the way for students to become inebriated with an exaggerated pre-occupation with self.


Despite the fact that American high-school students are falling behind even the Third World when it comes to math and science, our kids still rank near the top when tested on matters of self-esteem.


Something is terribly wrong with this picture.

Spirit Of Entitlement Part 3

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Life Owes Me


More than ever before, feeling good about oneself trumps all. In psychology, narcissism is an exaggeration of normal self-respect and involvement, yet networks and magazine ads scream the message that kids are entitled. Life owes them, don’t you know?


The best car, the latest technology, the designer label, the spring vacation, endless junk food—all are expected, even demanded. After all, advertisements proclaim that I’m “worth it.” “I deserve a break today”; it’s “my thing” to “do what I wanna’ do.” The so-called “Imperial Self” is “born to rule.” While theirs is “the spirit—with attitude,” kids today “regret nothing.”


Thus armed with commercial jingles and slogans, Generation “E” (for “entitled”) strive to turn the tide of favor their way by opportunistically flashing the “victimology” card. Unfortunately, in the real world, parents and teachers do youngsters no favor by appeasing the oft-cited whine, “That’s not fair!” My reply has always been, “Get Over It!”


Horace Mann believed in the perfectible nature of man and, in 1850, sold many Americans on the misguided idea that in one hundred years secular education would solve crime and poverty. To the contrary, a “mental hygiene” approach to education, coupled with permissive parenting, has erupted instead in grotesque violence (can you say “Littleton or Virginia Tech”?).


Cheri Pierson Yecke characterized the rising tide of mediocrity in America’s schools as a veritable “war against excellence.” And a war it is. Is it any wonder that the longer students attend American schools, the farther they fall behind age-mates in most industrialized nations of the world (Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family)?


That the focus on academics shifted dramatically in the 1960s to emotional health issues begs the question, “How is this working for you?” Apparently it’s not working well. Whistle blower Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt uncovered the mother lode, armed herself with it, and then fled the US Department of Education for which she had served as senior official.


A recent “Cosmo Girl” survey reveals that nearly one in three would pocket a $5 bill if she saw a stranger drop it on the floor. Indeed, former secretary of education William Bennett rightly reasons that “value-neutral,” standard-light schools more often than not fashion morally indifferent students. Society, he concludes, is no better for it.

Spirit of Entitlement Part 4

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God Owes Me


Not long ago, I overheard a middle-aged woman reminiscing about her lifelong journey as a Christian. Never having had a husband, or children, this seemingly unfulfilled woman blurted out, “God owes me BIG TIME.”


I’ve got to admit, this unexpected outburst took me aback. Yes, my friend had devoted her life to Christian service; but, then, a “living sacrifice” is what the Bible describes as “reasonable service.” Somehow this good woman felt “owed.”


That conversation reminded me of an earlier experience when my girlfriend employed a worker to undertake a construction project in the backyard. In the business sector, effort minus output seldom reaps reward, certainly not monetarily; however, despite this job’s remaining incomplete, her workman demanded five times the amount of his previously agreed-upon bid. His rationale, as I heard it, was that God’s intent was to bless him at her expense. No matter the mess left behind, he nonetheless felt “owed.”


These scenarios underscore the principle that life isn’t fair; but then it is the Lord’s prerogative whether to bless or not, depending if we are abiding by the promises that He has given to us. Wisdom dictates that there is no inherent virtue in material gain or loss. Neither ensures salvation, sanctification or discipleship; either can ambush and ensnare; both, when embraced, contribute to character maturation and “abundant living” in Christ.


To feel “owed” is a far cry from acknowledging and, then, appropriating more than thirty thousand biblical promises ripe for the picking. We who died to sin and self upon accepting Christ as Lord dare not indulge a covetous spirit of entitlement. God is in debt to no one, but we are forever in debt to Him. In fact, the Bible calls us His willing “love-slaves.”


As was the case with the apostle Paul, most Christians experience abounding and abasing, being full and being hungry; but God’s love and valuation of them never vacillates. No matter the quality of life enjoyed or tolerated, as the case may be, believers can trust that God remains their faithful provider. 

Spirit of Entitlement - Part 5

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Parents Owe Me


Recently at school, I witnessed an attitude-propelled, manifestly disgruntled teenaged girl insisting that she was owed a replacement phone. Yes, she broke the one she had (when she threw it in anger); but after all, that phone was “cheap” and bound to break sooner or later.


No matter the sweet reasonableness with which she was implored, this young woman relentlessly insisted that she shouldn’t have to wait, or be asked to contribute to, purchase of what she obviously has coming. Bottom line: parents owe her—and now.


Banking on the power of persistence, this young woman demonstrated intuitive knowledge that, given time, concentrated hammering on her parent was certain to get her what she wanted—if only to curtail the annoyance of an extended tirade.


Most likely, she was right. For any number of reasons, today’s enlightened parent willingly takes to heart such scathing rebuke. Eager to sidestep escalating tensions, the exhausted adult rationalizes her teen’s demand: Going without would surely wreck havoc with my child’s self-esteem, wouldn’t it? Friends have what they want. Shouldn’t my child as well? Perhaps I really do owe her.


With that, the child is appeased, conflict ceases, and the relieved “problem-solver” applies the “smile gauge.” Because the placated child appears happy, that parent basks in false comfort that her work here is done.


While throwing money at a problem often paves the path to least resistance, it seldom cures what’s ailing. Take our public schools, for example. They have been, and remain, the best funded on earth, yet when competing with other industrialized nations, American students consistently score poorly in math and dead last in physics.


With this in view, former secretary of education and drug czar William Bennett poses the fitting question: What do we gain if our youngsters “smile their way into abysmal ignorance and educational oblivion”?


Insubordination won’t cut the mustard in today’s emerging global economy, nor does it serve to nurture healthy relationships of any sort. If Generation “E” consistently skirt self-gratification, whether delayed or denied, they are the real losers. 

Spirit of Entitlement - Part 6

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“Citizens” Owe “Aliens”

Ok... now... remember to put that "I am Offended" button back into that drawer and lock it up! These are opinions of myself and of those whom are noted.... No hate mail accepted!


Left-wing mission groups like No More Deaths and Border Action Network persist in giving aid to illegal migrants braving the Sonora (World, 15 April 2006). Apparently, well-intentioned Americans, as these, view the US of A as a sort of “boarding house for the world’s poor” (Phyllis Schlafly, July 2006). To them, proponents of legal and measured immigration are “nativists” and “racists.”


The very term “illegal alien” stirs the ire of today’s politically correct crowd. Lawbreaking immigrants are categorized instead as “undocumented workers”; nevertheless, whatever the nomenclature, the key word is illegal. It stands to reason that enabling lawlessness invites even more of it.


Indeed, increasing numbers of America’s “undocumented workers” feel entitled to jobs and all the rights and privileges (minus responsibility) of American citizenship. According to Frosty Wooldridge, Arizona taxpayers foot over $1 billion annually in services for its half-million illegal aliens. Similarly, the average California household contributes at least $1,200 annually to subsidize the deficit between what illegal immigrants cost in services and what they pay in taxes (Victor Davis Hanson, Professor of Classics, California State University, Fresno).


Phyllis Schlafly of Eagle Forum further contends that amnesty for tens of millions is but “a drop in the bucket” when compared to “temporary guest workers,” for whom American citizens are expected to pay staggering entitlements as Medicaid, Social Security (with credit for FICA taxes paid under false numbers), Supplemental Security Income, Earned Income Tax Credit, the WIC program, food stamps, public and subsidized housing, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and federally funded legal representation. Add to these costs of public schooling (replete with lunches)!


Steve Forbes rightly suggests that while we are the land of the free, we are not the land of free loaders. Nonetheless, statistics reveal that, after twenty years, even legal Mexican immigrants have double the welfare rates of naturalized citizens.


Over the last three decades, bilingual education, expanded welfare, the hyphenated identity and radical historical revisionism of SW American history, propelled by racist reconquista rhetoric, have proved to be detrimental to assimilation and economic improvement.


When the rate of immigration exceeds that of assimilation, riots and chaos are inevitable. Some surmise that under the titanic weight of diversity, multilingualism and entitlement for lawbreakers, America already has begun its downward plunge. 

Spirit of Entitlement - Part 7

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Society Owes Me


Politically correct black activist Randall Robinson wrote The Debt: What Americans Owe to Blacks. In it, he blames white folks for black poverty. To level the score, Robinson calls for taxpayers to underwrite black reparations to the tune of trillions of dollars. This applies even though not a single African-American alive today was ever a slave, nor was a single living white American a slave owner.


While the global community applauds reparations for bygone ills of American slavery, it takes little or no action to condemn ongoing atrocities by the Sudanese government, for one. Go figure.


Consider this as well: If you lost a family member in the 9-11 attack, you are entitled to reparation averaging almost $1.2 million (for some, millions more). This, however, does not apply if you are a surviving family member of an American soldier killed while defending America from further attack.


As a surviving spouse, the first check you get is a $6,000 direct death benefit (half of which is taxable). Next, you get burial costs ($1,750) and $833 monthly—that is, until you remarry—and each of your children is awarded a mere $211 monthly. Once each child turns eighteen, he is cut off completely.


Because it is not right to do wrongly that somehow good may come, blanket entitlement cannot possibly be a viable solution for bygone offenses. But, then, if one believes society owes him, this is not an easy pill to swallow.


Being “Italian-Irish-American,” I am aghast at the hardship endured by Italian and Irish immigrants who once flooded our country. In support of their families, and to make ends meet, my rugged predecessors were forced to work under intolerable conditions and, then, for meager recompense. What about balancing the score on their behalf?


So, then, if society truly owes African-Americans and Italian-Irish-Americans, it surely owes Japanese-Americans, all victims of terrorism and natural disasters, unwilling hostages, war prisoners, families of those lost-in-action, the handicapped, those discriminated against, the sexually harassed, victims of crime—just about everyone.


So, pray tell, if everyone is owed, who pays?

Spirit of Entitlement - Part 8 (The End)

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“Haves” Owe the “Have-Nots”


The United Nation addresses the question, “If everyone is owed, who pays?” with two simple words—namely, sustainable development. Sustainability incorporates socialist principles into the emerging global governance structure. Simply put, those who “have” naturally owe those who “have not.”


In the global economy, wealth redistribution (socialism) trumps allegedly greedy gain from free enterprise. “Acting together for a just world” has a noble ring, true, but then today’s brand of egalitarianism is nepotism, plain and simple.
It may well be that the vices of ostentation and conspicuous consumption are so prevalent in 21st century American culture that they no longer are viewed as such (World, 15 April 2006). Americans shoulder trillions in debt; in fact, ours is the largest debtor nation in the world. Moreover, ABC news has reported that the average family in America wields ten credit cards and accrues, on average, twenty-six thousand dollars in debt. Experts warn that consumer installment debt is propelling our nation toward disaster. But, we reason, if the Joneses have it, so should we. It’s owed us.


Disturbing as this is, I am equally alarmed by the growing mindset that “you owe me because you have it, and I don’t.” Although the US pays fully one-fourth of the UN budget, she is scolded nonetheless for being selfish and stingy. How dare she enjoy the fruit of her labors when others need and want what she has—not necessarily because it’s earned, but because somehow it’s “owed.”


In Deuteronomy 16, Moses instructed the Israelites to appoint for each of their tribes those judges and officials who “hate dishonest gain.” To the contrary, God pairs true equity with righteousness, viewing a just weight as “His delight” and a false balance as “abomination” (Prov. 2:9; 11:1).


Having studied Third-world countries, I am haunted by earmarks of poverty—tired, old faces; torn, filthy garments; bellies distended from starvation. Each draws the heart of compassion; each reminds us of blessings that too many Americans take for granted.


Responsible social programs and faith-based outreaches give legs to the Golden Rule; and I affirm wholeheartedly that the affluent—Christians most particularly—have a moral mandate to reach out to the weak and poor of the world. Nevertheless, wisdom dictates that if we value entitlement over justice, we end up forfeiting both.


Thank you for reading Parts 1 -8 with me. I have enjoyed sharing them with you.

I did, however, have to block one lady who forgot to lock her "I'm offended" button up in a drawer. I believe that we are all free to express our opinions, but to do it tactfully. I will not have my web-area littered with junk.

Blessings...............

Being Obedient (aka.. You want me to do WHAT?!!!!)

Good Morning!


This has been one long bedraggledly blessed week. It has been filled with blessings and challenges; high peaks, low valleys: emotions running high and also rampantly askew. I do not always appreciate the Refiner's Fire, do you? I always likened God reforming me on the Potter's Wheel; pliable clay and slip to round off the edges and make things all smooth and pretty. It did not cross my mind that after that has air-dried for a time... IT GOES IN THE KILN at an exorbitant heat!  And, sometimes goes through the Kiln over and over too!

Let me say this. I HATE cancer. Right now two very important men in my life are walking through it. My brother-in-love and my bestie's husband (who also happens to be my hubby's bestie). Both are great men. Both have wonderful families. Both are in a fight for their lives. God is faithful. He is in control. I keep reminding myself and everyone I meet of that.

**** Praise Break ****

First, my sweet brother-in-love. There is a huge family network, so we are all tripping over ourselves to help him. Hahaha. I even had words with one sister when I 'thought' she was ignoring my pleas to assist.. so not in my character.. or hers, and here it was just a misunderstanding and stupid cell phones not sending messages. We were all functioning in zoomy gear after the operation and news. After fervent praying, I was to assist from the sidelines. Do whatever needs to be done behind the scenes when asked. I love to cook, so I was able to set up the initial meal center. Now that chemo has begun, we will see how things go and where I am needed most. I do comedic relief (sometimes without even trying). Gordon's meds are extremely costly. Please pray that the funding comes in for the entire duration of the treatment.

With my friend in Seattle, the word to Roy and I was clear, "go."  So I found out on Monday night that surgery was slated for early Wednesday. I was on a plane 10 hours later, and to bless me, it only cost the normal amount for travel. Thank you Jesus!

People who really know me know that I am a Type-A go-getter. I like to be movin-movin! Well, that is not what was needed. What was needed was for me to be an anchor for the moment. I was in all of the waiting rooms, crocheting and praying with most every stitch. I did see Todd too, but that is not what my mission was. It was one of a calming persona, prayer warrior and protector of Lisa and the kids.

I met all sorts of interesting people in the waiting rooms too. Most of whom also needed prayer. Some patients, some family of patients. It was a constant stream everyday. Lisa and I had to giggle about that one. One day when I was just tired my ownself, and what/who appears? A pastor from Oregon visiting someone and we were able to talk the Word. Talk about the goodness of God. The faithfulness of God. What a breath of fresh air from the Grandfatherly man. Then the next day I visited with a sweet almost-daughter who spoiled me rotten all day long.

Back at the hospital I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to jump up and smack a nurse upside the head when she was talking to my friend in an uppity fashion. Didn't she understand that this all is life altering for this family? Didn't she know??? Why the apathy? Why the rudeness?  Boy did the Holy Spirit gently smack ME upside the head on that one. I asked to see her as He sees her. I saw a scared little girl hiding behind a facade. So what did I do? I prayed. Did she have an attitude adjustment? No. Not at first. But remember, we don't go by what we see or how we feel, or how others act. We go by the Word of God. The Word says that when a believer prays accordingly, the prayers are answered. Guess what... first, my heart changed, then her attitude followed suit. God really is faithful.

So for the past week, I crocheted a full blanket stitched in prayer, and the beginnings of another one;  kept my mouth shut when I should and hands to myself; played referee with 3 dogs and one old cat, kids, nurses, their extended family members, and people galore, and mostly learned more about myself. Now how does that work?  ha.

I have learned that I am not always called to be a mover and a shaker. I am also called to sit and pray things out... just because He asked me to.


Signed,
A Muse of the Remnant
Christine