Jesus, Love, And Duck Calls

If you're on social media in any form, watch any news programs, or simply open your email's homepage you have probably seen the news about Phil Robertson's GQ interview and in repercussion his suspension from his show, Duck Dynasty.

On my Facebook page I've seen many varying comment and posts about it from my many friends, conservative and liberal alike. I've seen some hurtful things said on both sides, which honestly hurts my heart concerning those friends.

Rather than post a ten word status or share a link, I thought I'd blog about what I'm thinking through all of this. So, here we go!

Let's start with this. My political views are neither conservative nor liberal, neither republican nor democratic. Let me also say this, the first amendment which so many people are quoting, protects your free speech from the government, not friends, family, or employers. Just to put that out there.

Let's also put Phil Robertsons' direct quote here. (You can click HERE to read the full interview).

“It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

Mr. Robertson has also come under fire for allegedly racist slurs, but let's read that quote real quickly...

“I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person. Not once. Where we lived was all farmers. The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I’m with the blacks, because we’re white trash. We’re going across the field.... They’re singing and happy. I never heard one of them, one black person, say, ‘I tell you what: These doggone white people’—not a word!... Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.”

Now from my personal newsfeed I've seen people ranting and raving and going so far as to say that Phil Robertson is a racist who denies the civil rights movement. I do not believe he says anything similar to that in any form. He was raised in the deep south, and that is his memory of what life was like growing up then. You cannot say that the people he encountered were mistreated or not. You were not there, he was, and that was his recollection. Can we just look at that objectively?

I wish we could look at this whole thing objectively but I don't think that will happen unfortunately. No matter the opinion or belief, everyone believes their way is the correct way and isn't open to anything else. And that's alright, if you're going to believe in something you need to be willing to stand up for it wholeheartedly.

Which, if you look at this objectively, is exactly what Mr. Robertson was doing. Voicing what his belief and opinion is.

Now myself... oy. This is such a heavy subject that weighs on my heart often. So I plan on being open and honest and I hope you can bear with me, regardless of religious beliefs, spiritual beliefs, or sexual orientation. I'm sure I'll come under fire either way from both sides, so why not be honest.

I personally do not care who marries who or who loves who. Of the many friends I've had over the years, many were heterosexual and many were homosexual. Who am I to say who they love? I am not them, I'm not in their head, and I've not had their experiences.

That being said, I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus, and the Bible. And I cannot deny what my God has said on that subject. That would be wrong, and not standing up for what and who I believe in.

I also believe, however, that as a Christian we are not called to judge those who do not share our faith. Which is why I will not judge how a person who does not believe in my God lives their life, it's not my place.

“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?” - Phil Robertson

Mr. Robertson has come under fire for that comment as well. Folks, I don't believe he was saying being gay is like terrorism. As a Christian we (most of us) believe that all sins are equal, there isn't one worse than another. I am as guilty as you, vice versa, and I believe that's all he was trying to say.

Anything anyone says in writing can be taken the wrong way and twisted into something else. It can be printed or repeated out of context and you cannot correctly express emotion or tone. We don't know where exactly they were in conversation when those quotes were expressed nor do we know what else was said afterwards, because it wasn't shared with us. Same goes for TV interviews which are often edited and things are removed and placed in different areas. Point being, unless you're face to face you generally aren't getting the whole story, tone, or the reason behind it. Especially when someone writes and article about you who clearly disagrees with your beliefs and opinions; they can spin it anyway they want. And people will perceive it that way.

 "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. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other." - Phil Robertson's statement after his suspension

My point here is this, the Bible is known for  it's stance on homosexuality. I don't understand why people are still shocked when a Christian expresses their belief in the Bible, that's our guide, our manual.

I have nothing against LGBT groups. I honestly don't. I have no hatred or dislike of them. And I know God doesn't hate them either. God has SUCH love, for everyone He created. Everyone. Oh such love. So powerful and amazing, and I wish everyone knew it and felt it.

I don't know why God said what He did in His word. But I cannot go against what He says. It's my faith. I may not understand why, some things may be confusing, but He is my Savior and I live under His grace and New Covenant.

I may not understand everything He says, or why, but I know He says what He does for a reason and for my best interest. Just like any parent may set rules or guidelines for their children's protection or safety that they may not understand, I believe that God said what He did for that same reason. I may not know why but I obey that.

Now that is me. Because I am a Christian. I will not condemn someone who is not a Christian for living a different lifestyle or having different beliefs. Phil Robertson said that too.

One of my friends on Facebook posted today that she hoped anyone who liked or followed the Robertsons would unfriend her, she wanted no part of any who would be derogatory. I hope anyone reading this knows from the bottom of my heart, I am not being derogatory or hateful, and I do not believe Phil Robertson was meaning to be either.

I would hope that anyone reading this isn't offended, but being that it's the internet I'm sure that its nearly impossible to not have stepped on any toes. But know that I am not saying anything out of hate, or anger, but out of a hope to spread understanding. I'm sorry if anything has hurt anyone in anyway. But I can't lie about my beliefs to please someone. Because that would offend the person I love most, above all.

I am friends with a variety of people. I have atheist friends, pagan friends, religiously Christian friends, spiritually Christian friends, Islamic friends and while we have separate beliefs that doesn't mean I care for anyone any less. The same goes for Christian friends I disagree with on what certain verses may or may not mean, or parents who disagree with my parenting style and beliefs. Just because we live differently or believe differently doesn't mean we cannot coexist in peace, respect, and love for one another. That was after all, Jesus great commandment, yes? To love one another?

It's not fair to demand freedom to live how you want, do what you want, say what you want, if it's not the same for everyone to have that freedom also. That goes to both sides. You will not win anyone over, or change minds, or at least garner support or respect if you are hateful to those that are different.

With all of that, I will still watch Duck Dynasty. I'm a fan of the Robertson family, and while I do not know them in person, I imagine they are a very loving group of people who stand firm in what they believe in. I leave you with the Robertson Family's official statement (which you can read again HERE.)

"We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support.  The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E's decision.  We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word.  While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate.We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right.We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.  We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty.   Again, thank you for your continued support of our family."

34 I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.

35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

John 13:34-35

Amplified Bible (AMP)

The Challenge

These pants you see here to left? Those are my pre-pregnancy pants.

8/10s.

I'm definitely not an 8/10 anymore.

I find the best way to challenge yourself is to make it publicly known what you're doing, otherwise, if you fail it's perfectly fine because no one knew about it anyway.

I've come to love my body, in all of its imperfection, so much more postpartum than I ever did before I was pregnant. As a teenager and young adult I thought I was so fat. I was so insecure. And I was so wrong! I wasn't a size 2, no, but I had a flat stomach, was somewhat toned, and while I wasn't skinny I was thin and curvy. I thought I was disgusting.

And then I look at myself now. Let's just throw this embarrassing fact out there, I'm a size 16 right now. I was an 18/20 two weeks after giving birth. I gained about 50 pounds during my pregnancy, and my already large hips got larger. (The hips just never went back haha.)

While I am quite larger than I was before my first pregnancy, I also love my body a lot more. I've come to see it for what it is. I grew a life. Does that resonate with you? It's pretty astounding to me.

I grew a life, a human being, inside of me. I grew this amazing, nine pound baby, for ten months. And then I birthed her. Out of my body. All on my own, without help! I'm a freaking rockstar. This body GREW A HUMAN. I also solely kept her alive for seven months with just my amazing breastmilk. I not only housed and grew a person, I kept them alive with my body afterwards.

These stretchmarks that are forever tattooed upon my stomach and hips, those lovely ripples in my previously flawless skin, are my reminder of how strong I am. How powerful I am.

And so I love myself. So much more than my insecure former teenaged self ever thought she would.

And in loving myself, I want to feel better about myself. I still struggle with insecurity sometimes. Other times I look at my lovely hefty self and smile. I am that ultra curvy, smiley, sarcastic mom you see in supporting roles in romantic comedies. I'm the best friend who cooks. And I love that about myself! My husband loves that about me!

However. I have decided I want to feel better about myself and my health. I am horribly out shape. I am no longer toned and my muscles are nonexistent. I have no energy! Not okay. Not okay because my baby is morphing into a toddler before my eyes and getting super active because of it. I need to keep up with her. I need to be able to lift her!

So this is my challenge. I already eat pretty well, and I'm not one to go on a diet to lose a few quick pounds just to gain it back when you resume your normal eating habits. I eat a lot of chicken and veggies, and I have the occasional Starbucks. I'm fine with that.

But for Christmas, I'm getting a gym membership. I used to love working out. I shed the pounds fast when I'm active, so that's what I aim to do! Regularly. Those jeans you saw above are my goal pants. I will fit into those pants! I am not putting a date on it, because I know I'll feel better just by doing cardio and toning muscles on those awesome machines I used to adore.

I tell you this because I want to be accountable. I'm done with being lazy. I am fine with being a 10. I am happily married to a man who adores my body no matter the size or shape I'm in. I don't need to be a 4, I don't need to attract anyone (face it, the usual force behind girls losing weight), I don't need to be a 2 to feel good about myself or to get people to like me, and honestly, my structure wouldn't look good as a 2 or 4. I haven't been a size six since I was 16! I am a mom, a wife, and I'm fine with getting back to a ten. I just can't be this out of shape exhausted person anymore. That's the driving force behind this challenge. Getting into my old jeans is just a bonus! So is not having to buy new jeans anymore haha.

So there you go. My challenge! It may take a while, I'm a busy person. But I'm okay. I am happy with the fact that I will get "me time" in a gym. Something I am just doing for myself.

(smile)

My Favorite Season!

It's winter!

Not really. It's still technically fall. But it feels like winter, we had our first snow two weeks ago! Ahh Ohio.

My fall, my beloved, eagerly awaited for fall, hasn't lasted long. It was barely here. It was so enjoyable while it was, and then we got the sudden cold snap. Two days ago we had one solid day where it was warm enough for me to open the windows (60 degrees). It was that crisp, breezy cool I love so much. And then the chill and rain appeared again.

Not that I don't love rain. I love rain. So so much! But the crisp cool kind. Not the kind that is so freezing cold it seeps into your bones and you never feel warm again. That is still nice rain, but nowhere near enjoyable you know. Especially considering now when it rains my knees and ankles start aching like and old woman who just got done working on the farm all day. What is this nonsense?!

So I'm just pretending it's winter already so I don't feel bad about the lack of appropriate fall weather.

I'm getting so pumped for the upcoming holiday season! I adore Halloween, of course, and Justin and I threw our first annual Halloween party last month. We went as a vampire and her slayer.

It was a blast! We went all out. And by all out I mean fifty dollars in pizza and fifty dollars in printer ink to print a Halloween bunting for our fireplaces and a freaking ton of "Halloween-y" and Harry Potter labels for bottles and decorations, and I even made a spooky map to some common Halloween places. Leading to our house, Castle Dracula of course haha. Justin bought a strobe light but we didn't end up using it, we just watch corny scary movies and The Walking Dead!

Now it is November. I am thrilled! It's the start of the best time of year. People are generally more happy and of good cheer, more thankful than grouchy, and I can listen to Christmas music. I so look forward to Thanksgiving!

I look forward to it so much.... that I couldn't help myself. I made a pre-Thanksgiving dinner with Justin this week.

It was really the most wonderful of days. I watched a Thanksgiving Hallmark Channel movie with Bree, did some laundry and cleaning, listened to rain and Christmas music on Pandora... and Justin came home from physical therapy with the groceries  requested. He even helped with dinner by peeling the potatoes for me, pouring me wine while I worked on stuffing veggies, toasted bread for me, and made the chicken all on his own.

After it was all done (a significant decrease in the usual Thanksgiving food cooking time, due to the fact we weren't roasting a turkey) we sat down together, my sweet husband, lovely baby and myself, and enjoyed a dinner we worked on together.

IT WAS SO WONDERFUL!

Now I'm working on my list for Christmas to do's. A fabulous book I need to buy for a tradition I want to start, entitled How Murray Saved Christmas, twinkle lights for our dining room and new tree, some ornaments, our own stockings (our only stockings adorn Nana and Poppa's house), and various family present ideas.

Tis the season! The best part of the year. I am so excited and aim to enjoy every moment. That's what's been going on in the life of this little family!

Quality Time

I miss my husband.

While Autumn is my favorite time of year and I never want it to end, I can't wait for December. Because that will mean Justin graduates from school and I'll actually get to spend time with him!

Right now he is working and going to school, both full time. He isn't home often, and when he is, our time is mostly spent with friends or family. Which I don't mind, I love seeing our friends and family! But I miss him sorely. Our alone time and family time with Bree has been really lacking.

When we were first married and kept having dates instead of just hanging out with friends, someone (single) asked me why alone time mattered so much, since we lived together and saw each other all the time. Until you're married/in a serious relationship, you just will never understand.

Do we sleep in the same bed? Yes. We wake up and see each other. But then it's a mad rush of showers, baby, and coffee and Justin is out the door. Sometimes he doesn't get to come home until almost ten. So yes, I see him when he comes home. I sometimes get to make dinner for us as a family. Then it's the process of putting Bree to bed. Or having people over or going to visit someone. Which we love, our friendships are important to us and need cultivating. But can you see where the alone time, talking and catching up with each other, romancing each other comes in? Kinda hard to squeeze in there.

I'm realizing we need a change of priorities. Work and school we are not able to work around right now, but we need better time management. Less TV time, more family time. Time with extended family and friends, but first and foremost with OUR family.

You get so busy with things and people that time flies by and you realized you haven't had an actual conversation one-on-one with the love of your life in far too long. My heart is pretty sore today. Some if you're reading this, married, dating, whatever... make time in your life for those who matter most. Even when it's hard. You can fit it in somewhere.

I miss Justin. Bree misses Justin. He was home for some of this morning (a Saturday) and Bree happily played around, content we both were near, but as soon as he started getting ready to leave she got fussy. When he left, she sat by the door and screamed for him. This season of life is okay, but not very fun. And when we don't see each other, get to cultivate our relationship, we're like two roommates. We get short with each other, impatient. It's a vicious cycle! Summer spoiled us.

So, that's what's going on with this little family this week. Boredom, loneliness, lack of time. Crying baby. I am so in love with my family, I'm not enjoying this very much.

Toodles.

I Found A Flea

I found a flea. On me. This morning.

WHAT?!

This is NOT okay. Especially considering that we do not have any pets. Our downstairs neighbors did. Illegally. For the entire summer. I'd be pretty pissed if this was because of that. But alas, there is more than likely no legitimate way to prove that.

I feel itchy.

I'm fairly certain I killed it. But then it disappeared and that makes me think... mmm.... maybe not.

As most people know, I'm a very "natural" minded person (you can read all about that HERE), so I'll be trying some alternative treatments before we go to chemicals. Not just because it's natural but frankly I don't want icky chemicals around my daughter.

And apparently they can't live long if there aren't animals to feed on. (But I'm not sure I believe that.)

I'm so skeptical! About many things. I don't think that's a bad thing, it's been the leading force behind all my research about everything I'm know and am passionate about. Skepticism can be healthy! It's okay to question things.

However. Because I am so skeptical and often seen as "against" things, there are some things I refuse to look into. I know enough about GMO food and chemicals and Big Pharma... honestly I am coming to understand the term "ignorance is bliss." Because it really is. However, I would rather know what I know to better help and protect my family. But once you know what you know, there is really no going back!

Having said all that, I still eat pot pies, drink Starbucks, and really enjoy fast food on occasion. Because, while I know what I know, I also know that God's got my back and some things I can enjoy. Now, if I knew suchandsuch caused cancer directly, I wouldn't willingly continue to put that in my body. But I know that Wendy's once in a while won't kill me.

Meanwhile.... the flea has not turned up. It has come to my attention that vacuuming and baking soda and the fact that we lack carpets and pets may  deter them. As soon as the baby is done napping, it's on!

It's Bree's Birthday!

Today is my little girl's very first birthday! Whoa! It's been a crazy busy year that has flown by way too fast. I may not be online very much today (only by the grace of a nap am I writing this now!) but I wrote a little bit in retrospect for the past year, which you can read here.

Have a lovely day, I am off to celebrate and play with my little girl :)

Our Comfy Little Home

As a teenager I never expected to have the life I do today. I never thought I'd be married to such an amazing man, or have such a lovely daughter. I'd always dreamed of having a cozy, warm, inviting home for my family and friends. And while we don't have a house of our own yet, God has really come through and realized many of my dreams, including a cozy place to call home.

I've been wanting to get up some sort of virtual "tour" for my friends and family who can't visit (yet) and here it is! Finally. Hope you enjoy seeing the place our little family calls home.

(p.s. it's missing pictures of Bree's room and our room, but we aren't finished with those rooms yet. When they're done and adorable they'll be added haha.)