Georgia

So I decided on a whim that I was driving with the girls for a weekend in Georgia. I have some relatives there that I haven't seen since I got married, and I knew they would be excited to see the girls. And they were.

I also found out a lot about my dad's side of the family and got some photos of him when he was younger that I value very much. I don't have much of my dad's things, so I really enjoy the things that I have that were once his.

Plus I got to soak in the Georgia weather, and come back to an equally beautiful day here in Michigan. That was awesome.

The girls were fun traveling companions, although I was worn out when I got back. They are a lot of work, but those amazing times when the wonder and awe of a different world reaches their eyes. Priceless. Laurel was amazed with the mountains, we first encountered the mountains at night, so I told her that the rock face on either side was just a small part of the mountain, she couldn't comprehend how huge they really are until we saw them on the way back. Then the amazement really set in.

We went through Chattanooga at night time, and if you ever go, go on I-24 from the North to the South. It goes around Chattanooga and night seems so black, until it opens up suddenly to the twinkling lights of the city, cascading up the mountainside. It is truly amazing to see the city lights and know just how many people are living in one area. I could imagine the horror that people felt in ancient times when invading armies of thousands upon thousands start to crawl down the mountain each with a torch in their hand. It was an awestruck kind of a moment.

The girls and I had an impromptu picnic on the way back through Kentucky. Cassie was having a meltdown, and it was about time to stop anyways. I had packed food for the trip, so we wouldn't have to stop fast food style. So I grabbed out the plates and cups and we sat on the lawn of a hotel part way up the mountainside. The girls had a lot of fun and it seemed to be perfect timing; since we made really good time after that.

So now I'm planning a trip with my mom for a weekend, not sure where or when yet.

Just browsing

The scientific view of God: (by www.doesgodexist.org)

The purpose of this brief study is to offer a logical, practical, pragmatic proof of the existence of God from a purely scientific perspective. To do this, we are assuming that we exist, that there is reality, and that the matter of which we are made is real. If you do not believe that you exist, you have bigger problems than this study will entail and you will have to look elsewhere.

How very appropriate.

Chain mail for God.

We as humans are so alike in so many ways; we are all trying to survive to some end. All of us have some sort of desperation, an idea we cling to, just to make it through. For some its work, others family, religion, music, books, food, even death, there’s a spark of an idea in everyone. A desperation. And on that note, there are products and materials in this world for every desperation, to appeal to each person and their cravings or desires.

So yesterday I received a letter in the mail to appeal to the desperation of life and financial need.

Another credit card offer anyone?

Imagine my confusion as I pull out a beige and pink piece of paper made to look like it was embroidered. Embroidered stationary? I thought. Then I found as I unfolded several pictures of Anglo-Saxon Jesus, that it was meant to be a prayer handkerchief, which you were to place your name and a name of someone you want to pray for on the handkerchief and send it back to the church it originated. Which I'm all for people praying for me.

What I’m not for as I read on, was the testimonials of people, like O.C. and Anonymous, who sent it back and received large amounts of financial blessings, all attributed to this pink hanky. What would make me want to send it back and add yet another name to their list? The money! Forget prayer. Oh, I’m glad we have that cleared up.

Money: the Deity of Desperation.

As if that weren’t good enough. Enclosed is the sealed magic prophesies that you aren't suppose to open until you send off the handkerchief back to the church, within days of receiving the letter, that is specifically written for you.

I confess, I can’t help but open forbidden prophesies.

I just can’t imagine a church believing, trying to get people to believe in this idea of magic and charm of what seems like a jaded Christianity to me. People see this kind of letter and think, what are those stupid Christians doing this time, as if we are all the same? How far from Christ do we have to get to get people to believe in Him? Does this church not believe that the Bible is full of prophecy? It’s completely and fully open to everyone, not hidden just for Christians to read! How many Christians do YOU see hiding in corners and reading their "Magic" bibles? The point is it’s not magic, it doesn’t change, doesn’t need to be printed on pink embroidered handkerchiefs.

I just feel this plays on human desperation and that actually makes me pretty angry. Makes me almost want to drive out to Oklahoma or wherever they sent this from to tell them how a chain letter full of prophecies isn't really the way to go.

I'm thinking about sending it back. Free postage.