Believe Everything?

You can't believe everything you hear.  For example when this three year old was asked his age a couple of weeks ago, he replied, '18'.  It doesn't take a lot of reasoning ability to ascertain that he is definitely not 18.

One of our very best tools to get us through life is the ability to rationally look at the evidence and come to conclusions that will help us to make good decisions.  It is my opinion, that parents and schools have fallen short in the last decades in teaching that skill. We have actually been programmed to go along with the crowd, instead of standing out.

Of course, knowledge is necessary.  We need to know facts, not theories, but facts. 

Because of this failure on our part, many these days will believe anything they hear on the news, for example, or read on the internet.  Naturally, that is a big mistake because there are many people and groups of people out there with agendas who are willing to slant the truth or out and out lie to us.

Those of us who know better than believe all we hear have an advantage all the way through life.  
"Do you believe everything you read online? Of course not! Do you believe everything you watch on TV? No. Do you believe everything you read in the newspaper and in “People” magazine? No. Why do we spend more time reading and watching what we know is a lie than reading what we know is the truth? " 

The above quote of  Rick Warren tells it like it is.  Why do we continue to spend much of our days reading and listening to things that we know are or may be untrue? Sometimes it is easier just to let down our guards after a busy day.  But is it wise?  I think not.

If you are looking for something that is true, try the Bible. You will find advice that will serve you and others in a real way. Try it. It will do you no harm and will bless you richly.

Gun Control

I was delighted to get this awesome picture of Caleb and my magnifying glass. It doesn't seem long since I got close to the same pose with the triplets.  That magnifying glass is probably the next best 'toy' stationed in my living room...next to the piano.

I've had  a fright this evening. I can't find lots of the pictures I took while Caleb was here with his mom and dad. I'm consoling myself though with the fact that Ron is an expert and will be able to find those shots. But it does bother me. How in the world do these things happen? I've never heard a satisfactory answer to that question.

Of course that is just a minor thing. There are much more important, even dangerous things going on in our world these days. A very big concern now is gun control.

What has caused the greatest loss of human life in history?

A clear answer is here : 

Photo Booth

More and more I find myself making excuses for my blog. I guess it is time to abandon it, but for some reason, I still feel a sense of duty here.

The layout tonight includes pictures that were taken at least a year ago with Photo booth on my Mac. The date I had for it was March, 2012, but I think in fact it was taken in 2011, for that is when this computer was new, I was learning some of its features and when I wore those jeans.

In any case, it is nice to have children who can assist me with technology. (My husband is an expert, but the kids are often ahead of him on new developments.)  Both John and Chelle have helped me a lot with the computer, my iPhone and things like FaceBook and Apps.

The next thing on my list to learn is how to use apps to digitally decorate my iPhone pictures. I'm sure it isn't hard, but it certainly looks daunting when I see all the supplies I could purchase to achieve some of the looks I like.

There is always something more we 'need'. As humans it is very difficult to be completely satisfied, yet the Bible hints that we should learn to be content.

Philippians 4:12 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is  to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Hebrews 13:5  "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Life Group

I've been meaning for months to take pictures at Life Group, but I've just been too busy. But last night, I remembered, popped out the camera and everyone cooperated...after a little coaxing.  I love this one of the guys.  They are  a joy to know.  

So what do we do in a Life Group?  We eat, eat and eat and talk, talk and talk. And it is all fun as well as encouraging.  It is meant to be a place to learn, but most of all a place to feel welcome and loved.  We are forging close relationships and becoming great prayer buddies. 

Hoping soon to have a page about the female half of our bunch. 

May God bless our group with joy and peace. May he give us the time we need to be together and to help each other whenever needed.

It's a Girl Thing

Our granddaughter Ashley got a lot for Christmas, much of it Barbies and accessories. It's a girl thing for sure.

I  bought some of them myself.  Wish I could be the kind of grandmother my mom was to my girls. she made them the most wonderful Barbie clothes of all kinds. They were tiny little things from a great variety of fabrics, even fur and with delicate details. I'm lucky to be able to put in a make shift hem in a pair of pants...and I don't mean Barbie sized ones.  

Tonight was our  life group here. As usual I ate too much and am feeling quite sleepy. It was a great night and I have pictures for a layout or  two.  

We were also quite happy to receive on iPhoto pictures of Caleb and the big 5 inch snow in Colorado which both came and melted today.  Caleb built a snowman. 

May the Lord  bless you and keep you.  And I pray that each one of us will be still and know that He is Lord. Speak to Him about your guilt and fears, tell him your concerns and trust that He will furnish you with everything you NEED.

Raise the Debt Limit

It was an exciting day for our three year old grandson, Caleb. We ran into Santa and Mrs, Claus at dinner. It was March  the second, but Caleb could not 'be fooled'. He would have recognized Old Saint Nick anywhere, especially with the Christmas vest Santa had donned for the evening. 

You can read more about it on the layout itself.

On a more serious topic...While our government is running around trying to play Santa Claus to practically everyone on earth, it is (we are) running out of money. There is only so much of it to go around, especially while they are making it more difficult all the time to make products and thus jobs within our borders. 

The solution some of the more liberal in government has found is to raise the debt limit so that we can borrow more money from other countries.

I am linking  to a very good explanation of how that works. Check it out  here.

1881 Steam Fire Engine

We are back at the Fire Station Museum with Caleb. He is standing by an 1881 Steam Fire Engine, a far cry from the trucks of today. 

Now for my public service announcement.  9 out of 10 of you may be guilty of  referring to the change in time as daylight savings time. I've been asked to set you straight. The correct word is 'saving' singular. It is not plural or possessive.  It is daylight saving time. 

Teresa, thank you  for your insight. I feel much better knowing that at least my friends are now informed. I have done my duty to God and my country.

 All is well... And if you believe that, we need to wake you to what is happening in Washington hour by hour.

Speak to our father in heaven who is waiting to hear from you.