Joseph

I always feel bad because it seems that I write alot more about Zach than I do Joseph. It's not because I favor one over the other, but because Joseph is so laid back and calm. He just goes with the flow of whatever is happening. He is very smart and does well in school with little effort. So far, he does not conform to the crowd but is more of a leader (I really hope that remains the case) and gets along with everyonE. Zach on the other hand is always into something which gives me so much more to tell. Joseph is a GREAT kid and I am very proud to be his mom.

Movies

This past week Zach has decided that he has to watch movies...we have watched all three Jurassic Parks (more than once), Scooby-Doo (which I think have to be the dumbest movies ever made) and A Bug's Life. I know, a very strange combination of movies but 3 year olds have a mind of their own! Wonder if I could get them to watch a few chick flicks??? Joseph I am sure would protest that!

Politics

OK, I am not very outspoken when it comes to politics, BUT I do feel like voicing my opinion on what I have been hearing lately about this election concerning race. I am not sure when exactly it became about race but to me IT ABSOLUTELY is not a matter of what color the candidate's skin is. It has everything to do with whether or not I agree with his or her views. I believe that this country has made great strides and continually seeks equality for ALL people, and I don't understand why we are even having this discussion. I read in the Wall Street Journal and have heard on several radio broadcasts that people are saying that if Obama looses there will be race wars and riots that rival the 60's. I guess the real question is, WHO is making this election about race instead of a person's individual political views? Many other elections have been lost because the majority did not agree with that person's political views. I personally feel like all of this hype is a threat....does it make me prejudice or a racist if I don't vote for Obama? Should I be afraid if I don't vote for him? I am neither prejudiced nor racists and have many friends with a different skin color than my own. I think that it is very sad (and untrue)that if Obama looses it is because he is black!

rachel Quinley Devotion

This didn't copy and paste exactly as I had hoped it would, but I really like this devotional message so I thought I would share it.


Designed By Who?

I can't believe I did it: Cut Lascoste "alligators" off a pair of socks to sew on my son and daughter's shirts.
My kids--like most middle-schoolers, then--were design-conscious. But we couldn't afford the pricey shirts, so I took care of the problem. Or did I? Rhonda later told me, "I held my breath that no one would see the Sears tag on the back of my collar and know that my shirt was not the real thing."

Ever Felt Like You Were an Off-Brand? Look at the label in your jacket. It may be a "George" from Wal*Mart or a "Ralph Lauren" from Nieman Marcus, but what difference does it make? It's not the suit on the man/woman that counts but the man/woman in the suit.

Don't let people hang a cheap label around your neck. if you're a child of God you're not a "loser;" you're a "winner." Long after the label on your clothes has faded, people will still see the "real you."

Ever Felt Like You Came From a "Clearance Rack?" No matter how good a garment is, if it is stained or has a flaw in it...to the clearance rack or table it goes. These items are never neatly folded or hung straight on a rack. They're usually half-on or half-off and are tossed and shoved around by customers who are hunting for the best of the worst.

Some people may treat you like that. They may say you're worthless and no good, but don't believe them. God says you are second to nobody. Oh, you may have a little stain on you here and there. You may even have a wrinkle or two in your character that needs to be ironed out. But when God gets through washing you in His blood and ironing you with the heat of His purging fire, you'll be "brand-spanking new."

Never mind that your clothes tag says, "over-size," "mini-size," or a perfect "standard-size." Never mind that your nose is too big or your shoe soles too thin. Never mind if you eat at a steak house or at a burger shack. Hold your head high.

Stand tall and sport your designer tag. It says: Made by God.

You've heard it. I've heard it. it's true: "God don't make no junk."

To Look at Me You Would Never Know I Came From Dirt?"For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (dirt)" (Psalm 103:14). Knee-Mail Prayer:Dear God, Remind me every day that I was wonderfully made...by you.