Private Jackson

I only watch this movie around the anniversary of D-Day. I have always said this is one of my all time favorite movies for more reasons than I can explain. These clips grip my heart and remind me of a generation that I fear we will never have again...

You know...

for those of you who think your candidate/political party (whoever it might be) is going to save the world and solve our nation's problems...there is way too much Splenda in your Kool-aid. Both candidates are scaring me in all sorts of ways.

I may sound like an extremist...but you might want to start praying and putting your faith in the Almighty. These are frightening times.

(moment of silence)

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free suffering humanity....

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith...Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong...Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; we know by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unit that will spell a sure peace-a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

-D-Day, June 6, 1944
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Hate Speech Much???

So Scott had a riveting video about the "conservative movement" in media. I have to say it disgusted me to no end and I have no tolerance for such hatred...BUT...if you are going to point the finger across the room to one side...you better be ready to get it served right BACK at you...

This past week the lovely Sandra Bernhard suggested that Sarah Palin should be "gang raped by black men in Manhattan."

This ALL disgusts me...

Mountaintop

I've been one to believe that change is always a good thing. I've been through some change and I can tell you there has been a difference in me lately. Especially the past month, I've had this thing on my heart. I can only call it a "thing" because that refers to my confusion about what it was. Now that I am starting my family, I've had a desire to learn more about me and how I benefit this world...and then I had this revelation...a flip of conscience I guess you could say. My heart was telling me to let go of my personal ambition and to wait. Be patient. It's not about YOU.

What?? Me? Queen of the spotlight?? You mean to tell me it's NOT about me??

I've had so many questions on my mind and could just feel my Lord tugging on my heart strings to get some insight. I had been battling some very mild depression over the direction of my life...you know...

-I married the man of my prayers (I don't say dreams because Andy was literally an answer to my prayers)
-I am fortunate to where I don't work full-time
-I have a wonderful home/family
-health in the family (Lord, I thank you)
-fortunate that I have a little job that I enjoy to do and hope to grow in

You know...a girl just has to be unsatisfied with that.

Then it sorta just hit me. How incredibly selfish I have been. I believe as a society, even when we have wonderful things going for us, we still want more. We won't be satisfied. It's that whole "pride" thing that is always catchy. I believe pride is the hardest thing to recognize in ourselves because we often confuse that with what many will call "self-esteem" or "ambition." It's a very faint line. I personally believe it is the biggest downfall as a Christian. We are not only prideful in ourselves but about our belief. As society and the media tend to dilute what Christianity is (in terms to be considered "tolerant"), we are served this microwavable salvation in order to make us feel whole. We take fragmented parts of the Bible in order to fit them in into OUR terms of Christianity. We want the lovey-dovey God but forget the Holy God. And that is where we faulter to no end. It shouldn't be any wonder why we are so unhappy as a society...as a country...as a world.


I remember being Saved when I was very young. I remember my Mom holding me at our very first home and praying. I remember laying on my parents' bed and crying because I couldn't understand why Jesus had to suffer. I remember making the decision on my own to be Baptised a few years later. I went to church where my Papaw was/is a Deacon in a tiny, precious church. I remember being brought to my knees in prayer at the thought of losing my Papaw when I was 13. I remember praying because of a broken heart.But...I never got it.

As a Christian and as a sinner...it is so easy to get caught up and thinking that God is here because of you. We run to God when times get dark. We talk to Him because we feel it is on our checklist...and that will make our relationship strong and that will please Him. We have this image of Him being this grandfather figure that we can skip to with the hope he will have butterscotch candies in his pocket. It wasn't until very recently that I finally saw how deceieved I have been. I AM HERE BECAUSE OF GOD. It was at that moment that I realized what my problem had been. My image of my God had been this Genie figure that I believed would make all my desires come true. How incredibly selfish is that??.

Before, I would get offended at people's insults toward Christianity...but now I realize that my hypocrisy is direct cause for criticism. Believe me...I have much to be criticised for but there is comfort in the fact that I am being lead into a more satisfying relationship with God. If God could be put in a box (like I had determined before)...he would not be God. His divine purpose and being goes far beyond what our tiny human minds can comprehend...and that in fact is AWESOME.

to die for recipe....

Thank you foodnetwork...

If you happen to have Marsala wine in the house...DO THIS RECIPE!!

Artichoke Gratinata
3 tablespoons olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 pound frozen artichoke hearts, thawed 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/4 cup Marsala wine 2 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup plain bread crumbs 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Warm the olive oil in a heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the artichoke hearts, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and cook until the artichoke hearts are starting to brown at the edges, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth and wine and simmer for 3 minutes. Transfer the artichoke mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Melt the butter in the same skillet used to cook the artichokes. In a small bowl mix the melted butter with the bread crumbs. Stir in the Parmesan and top the artichokes with the bread crumbs. Bake until the top is golden, about 10 minutes

mtv

This past week, I was dumbed down by watching MTV's video music awards. Has our generation gone completely down the drain? I remember watching on the news how the award show is losing ratings and MTV is literally scrambling to find some kind of controversial topic so they can keep it going.

First of all, MTV has completely lost its value in society in my opinion. The shows are completely fabricated and takes 30 seconds to predict...but lets move on...I believe I have said that in my blog in the past.

So...the VMA's this year opted to go with a British comedian that is apparently just HUGE...overseas. I had seen one or two promos with him and they actually did make me snicker. That changed. It is really sad when a person feels the only comedic material in our country is to bring up the election. Wow. That is groundbreaking.

On another issue, these Jonas Brother wear promise rings. Ok, I will even admit it may be a little hokey. I am not against it (I 100% believe in their decision) but I do believe that a personal decision doesn't have to be laid out for display...especially for pop stars...it seems like a marketing pitch. I personally do not care to hear about sexual escapades or lack of...I just wanna hear you sing Mmmbop. AND...they are what...14 years OLD??! They don't need to be having sex!!!!

It blows my mind.


However, we now live in a time of mixed messages. We hear all the time...wear a condom...safesexsafesexsafesex...ALL THE TIME! MTV itself has promoted such things, but if a person decides to opt for abstinence...then that is just CRAZY!! Abstinence doesn't just apply to us (what some of you may call) "Bible Folk." Abstinence isn't just a religious choice.

Anywho, it was endless jokes and sarcasm for a decision that a small portion of the USA may choose or had chosen. Why can't our society come up with something better to make comedy out of? Seriously, I am having bad flashbacks of that Comedy Zone comedian.

No No, I've got YOU!!

After Andy and I got married, I was lucky enough to get a brand new car. I never knew the wonder of XM radio until my new car...and man oh man...how did I ever go on without it? One station that I have programmed is called "The Standards." It plays all the classics...Dino, Peggy Lee, Ella...and of course The Chief himself. Nothing better than to ride home after a tiresome day...and have him serenade you All the Way (FYI: All the Way is one of my all time favorite songs...speaks the truth...download it!). I never get tired of his music...he even has a place in our home in the form of a coffee table book. Just thought I would treat some of you if you hadn't had some Sinatra lately.

I will be so happy...

when this election is over with...both parties are wearing me out. and I hate the media...wait...does that mean I hate myself?