A Wave of Republican Red

November 5, 2014November 5, 20142 Comments

Get your surf board out. Let’s get ready to ride the wave! Last night, Republicans took the Senate in a wave of crimson red. Though commentators such as Juan Williams did not want to describe it as a wave, it sure was. It was a riptide that washed over the nation. The whole map of the United States was dotted red by the end of the night.

Televisions all over the country donned bright new faces in the Senate such as Joni Ernst in Iowa, David Perdue in Georgia and Thom Tillis in North Carolina. These faces had one common message – let’s get bloated government out of the way and fight for the rights we are given freely under the Constitution.

They valiantly stood up and said, let’s turn this country around. And Americans responded favorably to these cries for freedom. After all, every free citizen should respond well to a charge of liberty!

Surprisingly, Virginia, a race that was thought to be called in minutes, hung on all night and still may go to recount. And even Louisiana spoke up – sending their candidates to a run-off, even though one of those candidates is a 3 term incumbent.

One of the biggest developments (not predicted) of the night was the amount of Republican governors who swept over the country. In fact, Obama’s home state of Illinois was claimed for the GOP. Amazingly in Maryland, typically a blue state, Larry Hogan, the Republican, was donned the winner of the night.

This signifies not just the discontentment of the American people in President Obama’s policies and outright blatant disregard for their needs and wants; but, truly displays the desire for a change.

Too many people have lost their jobs under Obama’s watch. Too many people have lost their healthcare under his ‘free’ government plan. Too many doctors have been driven out of their practices due to this monstrosity that is truthfully costing the taxpayer billions.

Government has run amok under President Obama’s watch. Scandals after scandals have lined the front door of the White House. The lack of leadership has riddled this country with fear and uncertainty. What Reagan once described as the ‘shining city on the hill’ has been convoluted with disease, anger, overrun borders, unemployment and ambiguity.

America has been crimpled due to policies the administration is enforcing executively. And, I, for one am so happy that her people showed up in mass numbers and voted to help themselves reclaim the nation that was built on liberty and justice for all – not handouts, dependency and the cycle of oppression.

This nation, last night, decided to pick up that discarded stripped flag of red, white and blue, wipe the dust off and wave it proudly for all to see. America is still the land of opportunities and prosperity –despite what others may try to mold it in to. Its strength is not in an iron fist; but its brawn lies in the faces and hands of free individuals that thirst and hunger for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Check out all the election results on FoxNews.com.

Reminiscing on ‘The Good Ole Days’

June 18, 2014June 18, 2014Leave a comment

Today was just like any other day. I sat at my desk, typing away, researching – and an Associated Press breaking news alert popped up. I expected some overseas news – especially since the situation in Iraq is not too great.

But this message popped up on my iPhone screen –> ‘#Breaking: U.S. Patent office rules Redskins name is disparaging, and thus cannot be trademarked under federal law.”

To be honest, I don’t have a dog in this fight. I am a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan; but, c’mon people, has political correctness really washed over our society this severely to strip a mascot from an age-old, beloved team?

I never once before viewed the name ‘Redskins’ to be offensive before now, and I still don’t. Yet, I am more sensitive to it now – with all the voices crying out. Yes, I am talking to you Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

This news really made me reminisce on ‘The Good Old Days.’ And, I am not talking the 1950’s here. Although, give me a petticoat, heels and an oven, and I frankly might be happy – considering the state of the country today. I am talking about days that were not too long ago.

Days when moms could bring homemade cupcakes to their children’s classroom parties. The days where saying The Pledge of Allegiance was an honor not marked as offensive. The days when our military men and woman were respected and esteemed by all red-blooded Americans. The days when prayer was esteemed and Christianity was not ridiculed. What happened?

It won’t be the end of the world if the Redskins have to change their name. However, this controversy points to an even bigger picture. Let’s not allow the government to meddle in the NFL. That’s purely and simply an overreach of power. Are we going to allow political correctness to destroy the America that millions of Americans know and love? I hope not. I pray not.

“If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth.” – Ronald Reagan

Buy A Chosen Child Adoption Band & Support The Choice of Life

January 24, 2014January 24, 20143 Comments

Jonathan & Megan – prime example of a sweet couple who want to open their hearts and home to a little one in need.

This week marked the 41^st year in America since Roe v. Wade (1973) was set in place. I read a news article that stated that 55 million unborn lives have been lost since that date. Abortion rates in the United States are simply outrageous. Thousands of little lives are snuffed out each and every day.

I won’t spend this entire post talking about the statistics. But, if you are curious and concerned, which you should be – check out this link {here.}

Choosing life for your unborn child is not only beneficial, it’s right. And, there are beautiful, amazing couples out there – looking for a special child to love on. Adoption is key. Don’t snuff out a life because you are scared. Look for alternatives for that baby inside of you.

Thank goodness that many people have chosen life for their little ones – so that precious families can adopt them and accept them into warm, caring homes!

Jonathan and Megan are the prime examples of loving people that your child could be blessed with. After 6 years of marriage, they are choosing to give a child a life, love and a family. According to their blog {which you should check out} they are adopting an infant through the ABC (African-American/Biracial Children) program of The Gladney Center for Adoption in Fort Worth.

They need your help and support in adopting this little one.

This is the cool band you will get – only $10!

Will you give of yourself – to help a little precious child go to a good, happy family? You can simply purchase an adoption band {pictured} and all the proceeds during January and February will go directly to their agency. How awesome is that!?

It is based on Ephesians 1:3-6, which says, ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves’

By the way, don’t you just LOVE the name of the band – chosen child!? Chills. Seriously. Please read more about the bands, here. Again, all the proceeds go to Jonathan’s and Megan’s agency during the months of January and February!

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. {Psalm 127:3}

“Duck Dynasty” Suspension

December 19, 2013December 19, 2013Leave a comment

What discouraging news – the patriarch of the #1 cable network show was suspended for simply stating his Christian viewpoint in a magazine interview?

Really, what is the world coming to – or really, what is America morphing into?

I was born and raised a proud Texan. Cowboy boots, horses and hunting were not distant concepts. They were a reality and a way of life.

I didn’t blink twice seeing churches on every corner and camouflage in the grocery stores. ‘Hey, y’all’ is a common greeting in the Lone Star State and belting out a country tune, with windows rolled down, is seen as normal.

Even though I am not a faithful Duck Dynasty watcher {I have only seen a few episodes}. It really is a breath of fresh air to see the popularity of this show surge –simply because they embrace family, faith and good clean fun. That is the America that I know and love.

These burly men, draped in American flag apparel, have given me a new sense of patriotism. And, I would think they provide hope to a lot of other freedom loving men and women out there– especially in a time when so many Americans feel like their freedoms are being taken away from them.

Working and living in Washington, DC {a politically correct mixing bowl} can get overwhelming to a native Texas girl. It’s refreshing to see a TV show embrace dinner prayers and Bible reading.

It makes me think on the Normal Rockwall painting, ‘Saying Grace’ that was plastered on The Saturday Evening Post in 1951. {This would never happen today}. However, I see this show as a picture of what returning to our roots looks like.

Everyone has the right to express their own opinion. That is promised to us in the U.S. Constitution.

Yet, Gov. Jindal (R-LA) does have a point when he says, “The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints, except those they disagree with…It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended.”

A&E has made a lot of money off of the Robertson family’s ‘beliefs.” The network knew their religious and moral stances before the show began. This decision to kick Phil off the show is absurd and another example of the double standard placed on Christianity. A&E does not have to agree with the family or Christianity for that matter; but, it’s simply wrong to punish someone who has a different belief than you.

Does this sound like a less than tolerant person to you?

“I myself am a product of the ’60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me.” – Phil Robertson

Eat Like Michelle Obama: Tips On Making Your Own White House Kitchen Garden

October 27, 2013October 27, 2013Leave a comment

Yesterday was a pretty neat fall day. I toured the White House Fall Garden with a good friend and Taylor. I was not really sure what to expect, but it was pretty educational – and we got to see the First Lady’s Kitchen Garden, which I had wanted to see in person.

I’m sure you are familiar with this garden. It has been touted in her campaign to end obesity and harvested for the DC Food Pantry. Michelle Obama has even written a book about it, ‘AMERICAN GROWN: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America.’ Here is a book review on it – if you wanted to read more. Also, this looks like a great book if you wanted to read about all the U.S. President’s beautiful gardens!

As I scanned the greenery of her garden and saw the signs for peppers and lattices overgrown with ivy like plants, I wondered just what is planted in her garden and can I make one to?

So here is the gist ladies – you too can make one. Obviously, not on this grand of a scale (you don’t have gardeners paid to tend to it); but, who says you can’t turn your balcony or little patch of green backyard into a little harvesters dream for one or a small family?

Looking at the LBJ tree – channeling my Texas roots.

Mrs. O is currently growing – various kinds of lettuces (one being the peppery arugula), blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peas, spinach, fennel, carrots, kale, herbs and broccoli. Fitness Magazine reports that the White House spent about $200 on start-up seeds alone for the garden (so it can get a little pricey to start your own!)

So, here are a few little tips that might help when even contemplating starting your very own garden:

Start small. If you are a condo dweller, like me, space is limited. I (have not yet) but am planning to start a little herb garden in the spring and also plant some lettuces. These seeds are inexpensive to plant and will save you bucks in the grocery store. Organic lettuce can be pricey. Johnnyseeds.com sells a variety of organic salad seed mixes. How fun! You can harvest your own salads.

Plant produce that you can plan a meal around. Fitness Magazine also suggests, “Heartier items like squash, potatoes, and beans can substitute for meat and still be satisfying.” Remember, I made a whole meal around spaghetti squash a while back.

Connect with an online gardening community. Kitchen Gardeners is a pretty cool website to find out what plants work best in specific climates. Here is an online site that lists some online gardening communities to join – check it out here.

Leeann and I with our favorite Texan President and First Lady (and Barney!)

All in all, you can start a garden, maybe not just like the First Lady’s, but you can save a pretty penny on some organic produce by growing the hearty stuff at home. Give it a try. I know, I will.

The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul. – Alfred Austin

And this Bible verse is also beautiful…

Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce.

– Jeremiah 29:5