Let's Not Forget Homebase

We have all been succumbed to the tragic circumstances that have hit Haiti. Before we even turned on the television that very day Haiti was living in a state of turmoil, due to the political upheaval and onset of hurricanes that have devastated one of the poorest and least developed countries. The United States of America offered its aid, and rightfully so, and because of us they will probably in the aftermath become more resourceful as a nation.

It is very hard to compare our nation's poor to Haiti's poor. Our poor still have hope....foodstamps, medicaid, etc. While Haiti's lack of government intervention have left them with no direction, and squalor conditions.

It was wonderful to see the incredible support that all of us Americans have shown toward Haiti. It proved that among our wealth we can still reach out to the less fortunate, even when they are way beyond our reach. It was great to see our very famous come out and ask for support for this troubled nation. Our very best, Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aquilera and many more sang their hearts out, while images of suffering Haitians flashed across the screen. The phones rang and millions have been raised.

My only hope was that they could of taken a few minutes and shown images of the poor tent communities that are popping up all across our fine country. We still have so many suffering here, with 47 million Americans still lacking healthcare. Would it of been an absurd thought to take pledges for just a few minutes for our own brothers and sisters? Have we forgotten what is happening in our own backyard?

What If God Says, "Yes"

All of us at some point in our lives have prayed for a "yes" as an answer to many of our concerns and prayers. Sometimes the wait seems life forever. As I grow in my faith, I realize the concerns of my heart already rest in the Lord's hands. Whether it be a "yes", "no" or continue waiting. As I wait in faith for what I expect to be a "yes" I have come to realize the battle has only begun.

Whether your vice is food, money issues, restoring a relationship, beating an addiction, marital problems, or striving desperately to achieve a goal, etc. It's what is after the answered prayer that seems to be the hardest...it's when the real work begins. Maintaining the gift that was given is most often forgotten. Such as, a relationship that has been restored... giving one's time to the other is the priority that most often gets overlooked. Beating an addiction is a challenge that one faces one day at a time....stepping away from the bad influences, and focusing on other constructive alternatives may seem to be a lot less entertaining over time. Losing the spare tire is wonderful....keeping the exercise schedule and the hands out of the cookie jar gets somewhat laxed after the weight is achieved.

I have found in my own life that I have to resist being lackadaisical after an answered prayer. I have to continue to pray for God's guidance in helping me maintain what has been granted to me, and for strength to resist the negative. It's the continuous dialogue with Him that gives me the aftercare I so desperately need and keeps my answered prayer a "yes".

Blessed with Boys

Just recently my mother cleaned out her basement and found two boxes filled with porcelain dolls and carousels, which I collected as a young girl. I had completely forgotten about those beautiful collections, although there was a time when they where so precious to me. Finding them brought back so many memories.....I remember packing them ever so gently because they would be saved for my beautiful daughter, who of course would cherish them as much as me.

Growing up I was a "Barbie" girl, I had every Barbie imaginable and each one had a name, and even her own personality as I would recreate scenarios between them. When the "Cabbage Patch Doll" craze came out it was my mother's mission to find me one. After several futile attempts she could only get a boy, "Nicolas Ross". I could not help hide my disappointment. Although, I proudly displayed him on the bed, in my heart I truly longed for a girl doll with pigtails and a pretty dress.


As a mother of two beautiful sons, without any plans of having more children I accept that my dream of having a girl is not going to be realized. I am surprised by the absence of longing in my heart for the beautiful daughter that I once so wanted. I love having sons, and would of chosen these two angels out of a pumpkin patch. Dance lessons have been replaced with Karate and Baseball. Tea Parties have been replaced with out of control wrestling on the bed. God did not grant me my childhood dream, but he gave me far more than I could ever imagine. As for the boxes of porcelain dolls and carousels, I have them put aside for my future granddaughter.

Facebook Friends???

After swearing that I would never join a networking site I joined Facebook in August. I must admit I love it and it's my guilty pleasure...It satisfies my passion for writing. I usually write a post everyday, and I must admit I'm a people watcher.

When I signed on to Facebook it was like entering Munchkinland, where everyone is welcomed by just a click of a button. After signing on I was amazed by how many people from highschool wanted to be my Facebook "Friend"...Yet, 20 years ago wouldn't even look in my direction. Of course, I obliged I was just as curious about their life as they were of mine. Since signing on I have yet to get a comment or posting from any of them...

Then, there are what I call the "Voyeurs" of Facebook. They are the "forgotten" Facebook friends, they write no postings, or comments that you could see. Although, if you happen to run into them they could recite your posts verbatim . These "Voyeurs" eat up everyone else's posts like chocolate-cream pie, without ever giving a glimpse into their own thoughts and lives.

Overall, Facebook has been great I have reconnected with some beautiful friends, and it is a great way to share everyday frustrations. Who knows maybe someday I will get a posting or comment from my FaceBook friend I didn't know 20 years ago, and still don't know anything about today. I guess I'll have to go check Facebook...