In Search For a Better Life

Immigrants: They are people first
God created and loved.
They have earnest lives and tragic deaths. How do we treat the undocumented workers in our midst?
With the same compassion and respect we afford other human beings. Some are here to work and return to their home countries, as many do throughout the world. But, if we are fortunate, they will choose to stay, raise their children and make the same contributions all past generations of immigrants have. The presence of brother and sisters from different cultures should be celebrated as a gift. When we enrich each other with our diversity, we become what God envisioned when he told the Israelites: "You too must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves." Human respect for our fellow man is a much more uplifting human response to immigrants. Immigrants simply want to survive and provide a future for their families. It is so limited and tortuous now that the only solution for so many long-suffering good people who would rather be legal is to become illegal for the sake of there families survival. We need to reestablish hope instead of fear that has become their primary emotion. We need to respect their rich culture and active faith. I will continue to support their human rights. This country holds the promise of a better way of life for most. What impresses me most, in the Hispanic population is their willingness to work hard for the money that they earn. The pride that they demonstrate in the fact that there families come before all else.

Do you have indoor plumbing?
Do you have running water?
Does your home consist of one room with a dirt floor?
Did you get a chance to complete elementary school?
Do you make more than $4.57 a day?

These are the things we in this country take for granted.
We need to promote peace, justice and respect for our immigrant brothers and sisters. Who are in search for a better life.

I urge everyone to voice there comments to the Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones office blog check it out see what our goverment is trying to do.

http://www.butlersheriff.org/blog/

Also check out Pastor Kevin Jobe of Norwood's blog as he speaks out.

http://citizensforabetternorwood2.blogspot.com/2007/09/pastor-kevin-jobes-cincinnati-post.html

Strenghth Through Weakness

"My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to brag about my weakness. Then Christ's power can live in me. 2Corinthians 12:9
God has blessed you with gifts and talents to make a difference in your world-including your family. But He's also created you with the need to depend on Him consistently. Sometimes the greatest challenge in our lives is to not try harder but to trust more. The good news is that with trust in God, we are never powerless or helpless. In the midst of pressure and busyness, firm belief in a good and loving God is the only road to vibrant living. I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.

As a single mother of three beautiful daughters life often feels like a three-ring circus. I don't mind the circus so much, but trying to be the ringmaster of all those rings at once can make my head spin. On one of these manic, crazy-busy days, my bright eight-year old reminded me that one thing that could have taken the sting out of the rush was the first thing eliminated from to-do list.

My daughter came wandering to the car while I was convinced Moses could move faster than my daughter even if he was on crutches. As she piled her backpack, her muddy shoes, and herself into the car, I sighed, started the car, and said, "Mommy's in a hurry." I suppose it would have taken too much precious time to say hi before I started grumbling. She says "Your always in a hurry," looking out the window. I felt bad. But still kept on rushing and huffing and sighing.

By nine that night, I was finally able to get around to prepping may daughter for bed ...lucky her. I just knew that long after she had drifted to sleep with her stuffed monkey, I'd still be awake, busily attending to details. I tucked her in, kissed her hastily on the forehead, and said goodnight.

She stopped me at the door in my rushed tracks as I flicked off the light switch. "Mommy, make sure to say your prayers before you go to sleep," she soberly commanded. I was glad she reminded me, but embarrassed that she had to.

In my crazy task-and worry-filled day, I hadn't left room for the most important thing of all, and my daughter as young as she is, had remembered something so much more vital than laundry and meetings and dishes and home work.

God tells us to "be still." I think He tells us this because He knows that our lives are not still, and it takes some effort on our part. It isn't always easy to set aside time to pray and commit my fast paced life to God. But being still and soaking up His provision of wisdom and guidance is worth every effort. And, thankfully, even if I forget to put Him on my agenda, He always puts me on His.

"Fill us with your love every morning. Then we will sing and rejoice all our lives."
Psalm 90:14

The Year Of New Beginnings

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion speed bumps called enemies caution lights called family. You will have flats called Jobs detours that get you lost for a bit but, if you have a spare called determination an engine called perseverance insurance called faith a driver called Jesus you will make it to a place called success. This will make your journey filled with peace, joy and true happiness. Be confident that God has a plan of good work in you. He will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus. That was my story for 2007.

I have many blessings to be grateful for the past year. One of which brings complete joy to my life everyday. My gift from God... He brings me sweet comfort, tender love, joy and laughter. I am amazed by him. There is no other pleasure than someone to share life with.

As I look ahead to 2008
THE YEAR OF NEW BEGINNINGS

God directs my every step as I seek His will for my life. My prayer filled decisions will take me down the path he has chosen for me not my own. A year filled with personal development, spiritual growth, and service to God. May God direct my outward behaviors and inward feelings in order to bring glory to Him. I pray that God's supernatural power is added to my free will so that I may experience the full blessings of God.

My 2008 blessing Numbers 6:24-26

Love as long as you live!
Many Blessings Be Unto You