The Words...They Don't Mean What You Think They Mean!

The new popular political terminology these days involve words like "career politician", "establishment", "political insider", and the ever so popular buzz word "outsider." I'm getting fed up with these words and here's why:

Today, we received two mailers from those running for Congress: Jim Banks and Kip Tom. While I understand WHY those around here are voting for Kip (given that he's a local, a farmer, and the "outsider") I am casting my vote for Jim Banks. 
 

Kip's mailer condemned Pam Galloway, Liz Brown, and Jim Banks for being state senators; labeling them those oh so terrible words of "career politicians" and "political outsiders". I think the only trendy word he forgot to throw in there was "establishment." In probably every instance in which these words and phrases are used, it is meant to be an insult and encourage voters to think that it makes a person corrupt and that they should be voted out of office. Generally speaking, I think that would probably be a fair generalization for many politicians (like Nancy Pelosi, for example). Indeed, there are many politicians that have been in the government for far too long and have used and abused their power; all the while accomplishing NOTHING for the American people. They most definitely deserve the the negative meaning of the label and their days of "service" should be over.

However......

Like many words, there is more than one meaning. I think it is tasteless and unfair for Kip Tom to try and use these labels in its negative connotation to describe these decent conservative senators who have served Indiana well. I'm particularly turned off by the fact that he would like to slap a label like that on Jim Banks who has earned a few more "labels" that far removes him from the negative picture that Kip is trying to paint of him.

Jim Banks is a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran who took a leave of absence from the Indiana Sate Senate and his business to deploy to Afghanistan. I don't think he had much time to be a "political insider" because he was busy defending our freedom and doing more than just standing around talking about what America should be doing overseas. He actually went over there and DID something! Furthermore, this "career politician" has the endorsements of Allen County Right to Life, Indiana Right to Life, Gun Owners of America, The Senate Conservatives Fund, Dr. James Dobson, and MANY many more! WHY? Well, that's because in his "career" as a "politician" he has been taking action! He's not in this for himself. He's SERVING and getting things done and standing up for Hoosier values!

Meanwhile, Mr. "Outsider" has only one claim to fame: that he has no political experience and that because of that, we should vote him straight into Congress. Now, I don't know about you, but I am very confused as to WHY it is now a BAD thing to have experience, know what you're doing, and  serve as an elected representative for the people of the state/country that you love! I can't imagine running for office, but if I did, I would obviously start small and work my way up. That's how it typically goes, right? I mean, my own "career" in customer service type jobs didn't start with me being an Administrative Assistant at 14 years old. No, I started as a waitress and then a cashier at the local grocery store. I moved on to a local Christian bookstore, did some factory work for a short time, was a stay-at-home-mom for many years, and then reentered the workforce again as I went from retail superstore to small business bookstore once again. Each time, my experience got me better pay, a better position, and more experience to take into my next role...all leading up to the wonderful job I have now as an Administrative Assistant for the Salvation Army. Each employer gave me my job based on my experience as a "customer service insider" and my "career" in customer service lol. The retail "establishment" world hasn't soured my character or my passion for people. Rather, it has given me the opportunity to gain more insight and knowledge into how big businesses AND small businesses work and how to relate to people in different work environments. Experience makes you valuable!

It is our job, as voters, to look at a candidate's resume and see if his experience and accomplishments fit the job. Kip Tom "says" he's pro-life and for the 2nd amendment, but I see nothing on his mailer (or on his website) that tells me more than just those phrases. Compare that to Jim Banks' website where he gives details and insight into what he believes, what he fights for, HOW he has already fought for it, and WHAT he is going to do to CONTINUE that fight. Basically, the only thing Kip Tom is saying is that he's a farmer, has created jobs, and believes in our values. I'm sorry, sir, but just because vagueness works for Donald Trump doesn't mean that it's going to work for you (and it certainly doesn't work for me!).

Bottom line is, don't condemn a politician just because that's his title. It's not fair and accurate to apply a job stereotype to every person and situation. There are good and bad seeds in every profession. Some mechanics are fair; others rip you off. Most doctors are excellent, but some should have their licenses revoked. Most cops serve and protect the way they should; some abuse their power. Politicians are the same way. There ARE some good ones who really do care and serve the way our forefathers intended (like Rand Paul, for example). Don't let the corrupt ones sour it for you! Additionally, no one (no matter how good they are at their job) will be free from mistakes or be perfect in what they do. We're all human.  

I do not condemn Jim Banks for his experience or his career. It is BECAUSE of those things that he has been able to serve well (and will continue to do so). As for Kip Tom, I'm not doubting that he possibly has the potential to do well in Congress even though he has no political experience. After all, I have no degree or "real" experience as an Administrative Assistant but was still given a chance to prove myself, show off my skills and natural abilities, and serve my bosses, coworkers, and clients with all my heart. Kip may be worth a chance, but having no political experience doesn't automatically make you a good choice just because you're an "outsider". Experience IS good and it DOES matter! Kip's tagline on the other side of his mailer says, "He isn't like the other candidates." I agree. He's not, and that may not be such a good thing; just as having experience isn't such a bad thing. After all, the "career politician" isn't wasting space on his mailer to label Kip and try to make HIM look bad. ;)
 

My family & I with Marlin Stutzman at the Walk for Life.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! No matter what state you live in, I hope that you research the candidates and vote for those with the character, integrity, and experience to serve your state (and our country) well! I also endorse Marlin Stutzman for Senate and Ted Cruz for president! God bless you all and may God bless America!! 

3 Essential Steps to Make 2016 an Awesome Year

There is one New Year's resolution that is always especially good (and at ANY time of the year). That resolution is to spend more time with God. Even if you just start small, it can have a bigger impact than you could have imagined! I've found this to be true with the Beth Moore "Breaking Free Day by Day" devotional that I've started. I was expecting the devotionals to be longer reads, but I'm finding that the verse with a short paragraph can be all you need to springboard you into more!

Today was a perfect example of how my heart was so blessed that it spurred me to read more. Then, I started putting what was on my heart into a Facebook status and discovered that it was more suited for a blog. What I've found in Isaiah 33 today are three really great tips for getting 2016 started off right! It begins with the verse featured in today's devotional that first inspired me:

1. Have the right foundation! He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. - Isaiah 33:6.

If there's one thing that's an absolute "must have", it's the right foundation! You can't build a house, a life, or ANYTHING without it! You have absolutely no stability or reliability if the foundation isn't solid, strong, and well established. I'll tell you one thing, Christ is my firm foundation and "on Christ the solid rock I stand! All other ground is sinking sand". I can hear my Grandmother's singing voice in my head as I remember that hymn; which further makes me remember how long my foundation has been there. My parents laid it for me because my grandparents and great-grandparents laid it for them as well. It's a rich legacy of faith that has been passed down because I come from a family who has a fear of the Lord. Therefore, we have "the key to this treasure" which is the Kingdom of God. The rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge have never been in short supply in our lives! It has nourished and sustained my family for generations! I am incredibly blessed to have this foundation; and to pass it down to our children as well. Sadly, I know that not everyone has had this same experience. The good news is, it's not too late to start rebuilding! If you have a crumbling foundation, or no foundation at all, start building on The Rock (no, not Dwayne Johnson; I'm talking about Jesus!). Get plugged in with a great church in your community. If you don't know where to start, leave a comment or contact me and I'll help you get started wherever you are! You aren't meant to be a loner; get connected with other believers to help build you up so you can start growing in your faith (Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 10:25).

2. Pray! Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. - Isaiah 33:2.

When I read that verse, I could feel the intense depth of that earnest plea! I think I will put this on the fridge so I can see it and recite it in the morning. To me, it communicates the strong desire to be close to the Lord as well as the hope that He will hear us and pour out His Spirit and blessings. It speaks of the need to be filled with His supernatural strength and to save us not just in the eternal sense, but in the every day sense. This verse feels very powerful to me because I know that God hears a heartfelt prayer like this. I know it is His joy to answer by providing the fruit of His Spirit in abundance! I believe that Beth Moore mentioned in another study that the fruit of the Spirit doesn't just change our lives, it changes our day! Yes, all of us who yearn for immediate gratification, the Spirit of the Lord is for NOW! It's not a distant hope or promise; it's NOW! Take hold of it through prayer! That relationship with the Father is for EVERY DAY; not "someday" when we go to heaven. "Ask and it will be give to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7.

3. Discover Him in His Word. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us. - Isaiah 33:22.

This verse makes a point of reminding us about how multi-faceted our God is! It's hard to take it all in sometimes, but as we read His Word, we learn more about the character of God and who He is. He is our King, our judge, the lawgiver; and we are the sinners that constantly break his laws. However, He is ALSO the one who SAVES us! Does anyone else find that amazing? It's almost difficult to comprehend, but it makes sense when you remember that He is our Father. A loving parent, even though he disciplines his child, works to restore and strengthen fellowship again even after the child has done wrong and broken the rules that are there for his benefit. I am thankful that God has allowed me to experience this as a mother because it helps me understand how He is with me as my Father. I will always be His child. No matter what I've done wrong, He restores and forgives me; always working to restore fellowship and intimacy with Him again. He rescues and spares us ALL from His own judgement because of the blood of His own Son who took our place! He is a good, GOOD Father; it's who He is (yes, that's a worship song....watch/listen!).  

The more I've discovered and read about the heart of God in the Bible, the more that I understand! That understanding has been more valuable in my life than anything because every truth I meditate on and absorb enriches my life in ways that nothing else can! His Word is the bread of life that always satisfies (John 6:35) and Christ gives us the living water that never runs dry and always quenches us (John 7:38). In Him, our soul's deepest longing is met! In fact, Beth Moore mentioned that in the previous devotional. She pointed out the simple fact that when we're hungry or thirsty, we eat and drink to satisfy/quench it. We need to take the same cue when we sense our soul is empty: "The most obvious symptom of a soul in need of God's satisfaction is a sense of inner emptiness--the awareness of a 'hollow place' somewhere deep inside--the inability to be satisfied. Let this longing drive you to your Savior." 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that this will be a blessed year for everyone! May we all discover God in fresh new ways which will deepen our faith! God bless you n the new year (and always)!

Bucks for Babies

Tonight, I posted on my Facebook and Twitter about the Walk for Life that is this Saturday (please share my post and tweets on your own social media!!). I'm DESPERATE to get the word out at the last minute to help reach that $60,000 goal for Heartline Pregnancy Center. I am sad to say that at this point, they still haven't even met half of their goal.

I truly do not understand how or why this is so hard. Life is the most basic thing that there is. There are many causes out there to fight for, but it all comes down to just one.....life/quality of life, and survival of the human race. If we don't make this our priority, nothing else matters. If we don't fight for our own lives and the lives of others, what's left? Nothing!

Please, read my post about all that I'm willing to do (and the goals I have laid out) for this walk for life. Or, just simply click here to go to my fundraising page to pledge/donate. Then, share this post with as many people as possible....PLEASE! Email it, Facebook it, tweet it, etc. Please, DO SOMETHING!


Grace and peace to you, my friends. I am fighting hard and it's killing me inside because I feel like I'm pouring myself into something so vitally important and no one cares. It's like sounding an alarm that no one hears or warning people and yet they are unmoved and unchanged. I have to know that there are still people out there that care and are willing to stand with me and with the women and children that need us. Will you be that person? Share this post and share whatever you can spare to donate....even if it's just a buck, they all add up! Bucks for babies; and the kind that SAVES their lives and not profits off of them! God bless you!