Author: Sandie D

I always have a hard time explaining who am I. I resort to the I am a mother to 2 beautiful adult daughters I have the most handsome grandsons and the loveliest grand-daughters. I'm married to an amazing man since 1980. The most important thing about me is that I am a Born Again Christian. The Lord has gotten me through so much in my life. So, I want to give Him the credit for all of my blessings. I'm also a blogger and I enjoy writing. blogs about my faith, family, and food.

My Take on Big Brother

Published on August 23, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

I almost always do at-least one blog on my favorite reality show. This is the time to do it. Even though if the end doesn’t go well, I may be venting. If you’re not a Big Brother watcher, this blog post may bore you.

Big Brother is in full swing right now. Big Brother is one of the very few shows I like to watch. I don’t exactly know why I like to watch it but I do. Maybe it is because I find it interesting to see human nature being acted out live and you really get to see what people would do for money.

This year has been a bit disappointing. Well not a bit, really disappointing. The house-guests are a bunch of mean and racists guests. Big Brother is a game and that is all it is. People are the pawns and one by one they are picked off until one remains. Normally there is a melting pot of different types of people that are thrown together and have to live together. But this year it seem’s like they got the yuppy, mean girl club going on. Which bothers me. It isn’t fun or interesting to see people like Aaryn, Gina Marie, Kaitlin and Amanda treat others horrible, They have said some of the most horrible racially induced comments I have seen. And people are worried about Paula Deen using the “N” word way back when.

These mean girls treated Candice horribly. Candice is African American and they made horrible comments and flipped her bed. Candice was in tears and was so hurt by the comments and the treatment she was getting from the mean girls. Howard came into the have nots room and prayed with her and consoled her. She was a basket case. I think those girls needed to be giving penalty points for their actions.

Then you have Jeremy that acted as a child. He took Jessie’s hat and though it was fun to wipe his but with it. These are all things that teenagers do to get attention and have everyone notice them. The mean girls reminds me of those girls in school who thought they were all that and would walk the school like they owned it and they could have any guy they wanted. It is disgusting.

Andy is the gay guy this year. I really liked him to begin with. But lately he is just someones puppet. She says what anyone wants to hear and is getting just as bad as the mean girls. It’s terrible that he has this ugly side to him that is very unbecoming.

There are only a few in the house that I thought was playing the game and that is genuine. Those few are Jessie, Helen, Elissa and Judd. Some who watch the show may be surprised to see that I said Helen. The reason I said that is because she is acting like a mom to all these children in the household. She stirs the pot every now and then, but she tries to keep the peace and moderates. She can be irritating because she goes on and on and it get’s old. I think this week she will be evicted from the house and sent to the jury house.

This year I would say that Jessie and Elissa are my favorites. Howard and Candice is up there pretty high too. But they seem like they have good hearts. I didn’t think I would like Elissa because she is Rachael’s sister. But she seems very sweet and someone that would be fun to get to know. You can tell her family means the world to her. She is nothing like her sister. Rachael is a very whiny and get on your last nerve kind of person. And her laugh made me want to cringe. I do hope that Elissa will turn the tables and make a move. Everyone seems afraid to do that.

I understand that Big Brother is all about outwitting the other house guests and that most times they all give into lying. Every year there has been those who are stronger than others and make life miserable for the rest of the house-guests. Evil Dick is a good example. He knew how to push people and would teeter on a fine line for most of the game. Then you have Dan. I think Dan had to be the best player of all time. This year it isn’t about the game as much, it is pure hatred brought on by those who feel they are supremem over the others.

Aaryn and Gina Marie will find out when they get out of the house that because of how they acted on live TV that they will no longer be modeling and bother are out of a job. Aaryn was a model in Texas and her parents had to hire someone to clean up her image. I say, “Good Luck on that one.” She is thinking everyone likes her and that is very far from the truth. She will go down as the mosted hated in all of Big Brother history.

Gina worked with pageants in New York or New Jersey and she lost her job. The company said that they were happy to see the real Gina Marie. They never seen this side of her and they are grateful to Big Brother.

I will be glad for this season to be over and hope that the next one will be better and they will get real people in there. Not girls that look perfect, but then you get to see just how ugly these pretty girls are.

I started on this topic the other day and didn’t want to post it till tonight’s live eviction. I have to say I was happy that Elissa got Head of Household and that she gets letters from home and to see pictures of her kids. So many of the house guests have been horrible to her and it is nice to see her win something when it counted the most.

Remembering Brandie, Maverick and Mattie

Published on August 19, 2013August 19, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

Brandie Muffins- She was my sweet girl and always will be- RIP Brandie

Oh my goodness. I just watched the worst ever video. It isn’t that the video was bad, but it took me back to when I had to put my dogs down. Brandie became sick very suddenly, Mattie couldn’t eat and was very sick and Maverick was old, couldn’t get up and walk, deaf and just the sweetest old dog.

I was watching this video of this lady that was with her dog Daisy as they put her down. Now I’m a basket case. I can’t help but be transported back in time to when I had to take Brandie and have her put down. They gave me her collar and leash. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. When I walked into the house with just her leash and collar Bridgette and my mother in law broke down in tears. The whole drive home was like someone kicked me in the stomach. If anyone has a pet that is a family member and you had to put them down, you know what I mean.

Maverick Christian- What an awesome dog- RIP Maverick

Then I think of Maverick. We got him at 8 weeks old. He was a white boxer that had a ton of personality. He was 11 when we put him down. To this day I still feel guilty over yelling at him when he peed on the floor because he couldn’t get to the door. I know he couldn’t hear me and it was beyond his control. But I think back to Maverick and hope that he forgave me for getting mad at him. He was my husbands dog and there was nobody like Maverick. He would fake sleep in daddy’s spot and loved to rough house.

My sweet Mattie when we first got her. I sure do miss her- RIP Mattie

Maverick got a hold of some dog food from IFA and he and my other dog Mattie had a reaction to it. I will never forget and always warn people to not buy that kind of dog food. We just feed them it while we waited to go into town… Within 2 days of eating it, they were both sick. Maverick had scars from open wounds all over his body. Mattie died about 3 months prior to Maverick. Every-time I see Maverick, Matties and Brandies face, I can’t help but think about them happy and healthy. And if there is anyone that says dogs aren’t in heaven, I don’t want to hear it.

My sweet Mattie. What a sweetheart she was. She had the smelliest breath, but the sweetest disposition. We adopted her from Almost Home Arizona Boxer Rescue. She was my dog and loved to be loved.

Here is a video that I did of Maverick, Mattie and Julie. We were fostering Julie at the time. Right after this video was made is when we gave them the dog food that got them sick. It makes me sick to think about it. I’m so glad I video’s them playing. Not a week goes by that we don’t watch this video. It breaks my heart to see them so healthy and then dog food is what took their lives.

This video of this woman with her dog ruined my night. It’s the same feeling I got when I watched Marley and Me. I will NEVER watch that show again. And as I type this blog post, it feels like I’m reliving the drive home with Brandie. I miss that dog so much and I miss Maverick and Mattie. I know pets die, but for us, they are family and it was like a part of my heart went with them.

If you want to see the video I’m talking about, click here. I warn you that if you have ever had a dog put down or love dogs, this is a hard video to watch.

Hatred Towards Stars

Published on August 18, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

I find it interesting when I read comments on yahoo or on one my my favorite reality shows “Big Brother”. The reason I say that is because the comments are down right hateful and mean. The kind of hate I’m thinking about is where you hate them so much you wish they no longer existed and want them dead or harmed. 99 percent of the people who make comments don’t know the stars personally. We only know them by what the media puts out there.

Lindsey Lohan– She has had a very troubled past and has made some horrible mistakes. She was born in July of 86. Even though she has gotten into a lot of trouble, I still like her shows for the most part and I feel bad for her. She was awesome in “Parent Trap” and “Herbie Reloaded”. She is a good actress who got involved in drugs and partying. She has stolen items and had to serve time. Even though for the most part she got a slap on the wrist from the courts, but has been racked through the coals in the media.

The comments about her are filled with so much hate that they would prefer her dead. They think she is a tramp and other things that I don’t or shouldn’t be mentioned. My thing is how can people hate her when the don’t know her? They don’t know what she is like personally. She has been tried and convicted by the media. My personal thoughts is that she is a young lady who made a lot of mistakes and bad choices and needs help. I don’t hate her. My heart goes out to her.

Justin Bieber– OK! First off, I’m not a big fan of Justin Bieber. He doesn’t sing my style of music at all. But Justin is just a kid who has made it big in the music industry. He has let his stardom go to his head. But is that a reason to hate him? I would think he needs to grow up and learn to be an adult. But that takes time.

While I don’t like his music I think he has a kind heart. He reaches out to these young children that are fighting life ending diseases and treats them like a princess. He should be given credit for the good he does. Shoot lately a lynch mob was about to get him because he asked a simple question about if Anne Frank would have liked his music if she was a teenager now. The hate mongrels were coming out of the wood work and judging him for wondering this. I seen no disrespect by what he asked. He spent time at her museum and was shown who Anne Frank was.

He is 19 for Petes sake, give the kid a break. How many of us at 19 would have it all together. Yes, he has made mistakes and said stupid things, but he has a whole lifetime to learn and grow. I’m still learning and growing and let me say that he is much younger than my kids and only not much older than my grand-kids.

Honey Boo Boo– I think this little girl is over the top and stardom has gone to her head. But I do like watching the show from time to time. Her family is a either hate them or love them. Not sure why others would hate them because they don’t know them. I don’t agree with many of the things that they do, but that is how the culture is down south. My children would never act like she does or her siblings, but I’m not her parents.

Honey Boo Boo has a big mouth and likes to be center of attention. She has won many trophies and awards for being in pageants. And that has gone to her head I’m sure. But how anyone can hate a young child is beyond me. The actions maybe, but not the person. At one time her mom was making up this high energy, high caffeine drink that was not what a child let alone an adult drink.

Now, I have gotten to where I like her mom. She seems to have more common sense than a lot of people. When you read her views on her family, she is one that would chase down anyone who hurt them. She loves her kids and wants them to be the best people they can be, farts and all.

Big Brother– If you haven’t watched Big Brother, then you may be lost on what I mean here. But basically CBS throws about 16 different people into a house each summer. Each week someone is sent home packing. It’s a game about lying, deceit and being the last one standing to win a 250,000 dollars. Each player has their own thoughts on how they are going to win and strategy, alliances and winning competitions is what will keep you in the house.

This year the house-guests have been boring and racists. You have Aaryn and Gina Marie who have literally lost their real jobs because of the comments they have said about African Americans and Asians. You have others who make off color remarks about those who are gay. These comments are horrible and I do think that CBS should do something about it, but they are taking the stand that in the house people are who they are.

Now those of us who have life feeds to see what is going on can see how horrible these people are and can be. There aren’t many nice people. But those who are commenting as we are watching the house guests are saying horrible hateful things to. They are talking about how someone should be dead or they are the most hated players ever. It just boggles my mind on how people can be filled with so much hate and not know the people.

On this years Big Brother, I am very disappointing in how people are acting. I don’t expect people to be honest. I expect people to manipulate and do what has to be done to win. All house guests and viewers under stand this going into the show. I can also understand how hurtful some of these comments and words that are being said in the house can be. It isn’t pretty. But it is a game and anyone watching and participating needs to know that. I also think that those playing may be different people outside of the house. I’m hoping next year they will do better at casting and making sure there aren’t racist house-guests.

President Obama- Yes, I’m going to touch on this topic about President Obama. When people bring up his name in the area I live in, the whole personalty changes of the person I’m talking to.

I very much live in a republican state. So it doesn’t matter what my views are on Obama. I could love him, hate him, or whatever else and it wouldn’t matter. But what gets me is that there is so much hatred towards him that it makes me sick to even read the posts.

And really it isn’t just him when it comes to politicians. Thinking about about all the hatred towards Bush and all presidents. I think we will always have this great divide of Democrats and Republicans. No matter what each side does, the other is going to hate it. It can be the best thing for our country and you will have haters out there. It is actually very sad when I think about how much hatred there is towards our president.

I would never want his job and anyone who doesn’t want to be a moving target would want it. It’s a no win situation. When I vote, I vote for the person, not for the parties. If you look back through time, you will see that there has never been a perfect president that has been loved by all people. All have been hated by someone. Which I think is wrong. It bothers me when I see headlines and posts on Facebook about our president, no matter who he is. Most times during elections I usually disable those status that comment about how our president is this or that. I will always check it out to get the real story. And most times the stories that are being shared are false.

The way I handle things and our politicians is with prayer. Even if I don’t like who got voted in they still need prayers. With so much hate, how can something positive be done?

Ecclesiastes 3:8

a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace

So to end this topic, I just want to say that stars or not, there is no room for hatred. OK! I will take that back. There are times I hate. I hate Hitler and all the innocent lives that were lost. I hate when I hear on the news that there was another mass shooting and innocent lives got blown away. I hate hearing about children dying of cancer. I hate war and all the hate comments around elections. I hate that Casey Anthony got off with murder. There is a time to hate and I think these are the times to hate. Hating someone you don’t know isn’t right. I personally think that we must hate the sin, and love the sinner. There are times when I would like to see someone fall off the side of a cliff and during those times I have to ask God to help me with those feelings.

We Have a New Pastor

Published on August 17, 2013August 17, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

Our church has been in the middle of a transition. Our previous pastor and his wife retired at the end of March. Pastor Dean and Ruth have been awesome and we will miss them. There isn’t anyone that can fill their shoes. But I wonder if we should be looking for someone to fill their shows. The reason I say that is that we need to look for a pastor that fits in his own shoes and one that Christ has sent our way. We should find someone who is an individual and someone who is will be respected for being who he is and our church has found that person.

Last weekend we had the opportunity to meet our next pastor and his wife. It had to be a whirlwind of a time for them though. Our church hires the pastor. We choose who would best fit our congregation with the help of Transformation Ministries. The new pastor was looking for a church that is Bible based and not one that is conforming to the world. I would have to say our congregation is very much Bible based and it is very loving. You won’t find many where you don’t feel like there are clicks and such.

That little basket of white papers holds the future of our church and the pastor to be’s life with St. George Community Church

What got me thinking about our new pastor and his wife is the process all applicants have to go through when hiring a pastor. We bring in the pastor that the search committee has found. Then they are called to come and get to know the people of our church, preach and all the things that go with meeting and greeting. I can’t begin to understand the pressure the interviewing pastor must feel at this time. He has to literally interview, have questions ask and put on the spot during this time. They aren’t just interviewing with a few, but the congregation at large.

Thankfully the pastor and his wife both got voted in unanimously and they will be an awesome fit. I’m sure they breathed a sigh of relief when all was said and done and the vote came back in their favor. The search committee had to make sure to pray and follow Gods lead when it came to who we would consider. It’s a tough job being on the search committee.

Thankfully we have been having this awesome young man named Andrew doing our sermons. He would fill in when Pastor Dean and Ruth would be on vacation, so this made it easy for him to step in and help. Hopefully our church will still use Andrew on Thursdays and such. He has become a member and friend of our church. I don’t know if he is literally a member, but he is there and he is part of the family of God.

October 1st is when our new pastor and his wife is due to begin their life here in St. George. I pray that they feel as blessed as we feel we are blessed. It’s a new chapter in the life of St. George Community Church. They have some wonderful ideas and gifts. I’m excited to see how things go for the church.

I promised the new pastor I wouldn’t mention his name or anything until after he has put in his notice at his church. It has to be hard for him since he is leaving his denomination and moving to Utah. They could probably use your prayers and thoughts as they transfer to our church and leave their church family that they have come to love.

One last note and I will add a picture of this soon. When the final vote came in and it was read aloud, you could feel the joy from the new pastor and his wife. What a huge relief this has got to be for them. They were met with hugs, tears and over joyed members of St. George Community Church. It took a while to find the right pastor for our church. But we had to be sure he was a man after Gods own heart and not rush into things. I think we made the right choice and our search committee did an awesome job.

Facebook Drama’s and Grumbles

Published on August 16, 2013August 16, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

On my Facebook, I have right around 420 or so friends. I have all of them categorized so I know if they are family, friends, church, acquaintances and games. I don’t get news feeds from all the friends because I don’t know half of them personally. Sometimes they are friends of friends or games and usually my husband is playing the games under my name. But I have found a couple things interesting or should I say sad when it comes to Facebook and that is the drama that plays out for hundreds to see. Many times these dramas happen in front of people who may not know all the characters in Facebook Land and they get very personal. Big Brother is on Facebook too!

The dramas I’m thinking of is when a person post somethings that is going on in their personal life. For the most part these are negative remarks that are hurtful to someone they may know, but not really many other people would know them. So they post a status about how so and so is doing this and that they want to do something to hurt them and the language is way out there. For the most part many don’t know what the situation is nor do we always care. If some privates me and asks for advice, then I will give it to them if possible. But when the status’s and arguments become mean and hateful, I want no part of that. And forbid the poor person who comments on someone’s status that is raging like that. Because they get yelled at and put down. There may be a comment about how they never asked them for their opinion so stay out of it.

OK! Out of all fairness to those who have to read such rages and comments, I would say that if they don’t want feedback or comments, then don’t put it out there for everyone to read. For the most part when I read some of these conversations of people who I don’t know, I think it is sad and pitiful. It makes me wonder what kind of a person who drag those they profess to love and care about in the mud in front of strangers all over the world. Here pretty soon, there will be a number of people I will be defriending because of this. It’s not fair to anyone to be treated the way that some people treat others. Facebook has made it easy for people to open their lives up as if it is a diary. Facebook isn’t a diary. It is a social network. Don’t take it personal if I don’t have you on my list anymore… Well! OK take it personal, because there is a good reason you are no longer there and maybe some people should take that into consideration.

Facebook and Online Etiquette

These aren’t rages by just one person or group, it happens in a number of groups. They want people to respect them and not think bad of them, but then they are the ones putting these horrible messages of hate all over Facebook. They are in a sense giving everyone free range to comment and respond to their status’s. I know I have my moments and I do my share of venting. But there are just some things that never should be posted. I wonder about people and how they put so much information out there for everyone to see. Some people needs to understand what privacy settings are. They are not only good for us, but for those in our family and on our friends list.

One of the sadder things is when someone posts horrible messages or pictures and either their friends, family or whoever else are forced to see these horrible things. When I see some of these messages, I have to honestly say I have no respect for the person who drags another through the mud on Facebook or other social networks. The comments tell me what kind of a person they are and if they are making heartless comments, then I don’t really want them on my Facebook. I don’t need the drama from those I don’t know and I don’t need it from those I do know.

Usually if I post something personal, there is a reason why… Sometimes people don’t need to know what is going on in our lives 24/7. And when I do post a status, it isn’t going out to all that are on my friends list, only to a select group of people. Those I don’t know personally don’t get all of my status updates and such. We need to be careful, especially if we don’t know them personally. I think my downfall is posting pictures. I like to post pictures of nature and my kids, grandkids and pets. But I do have them also restricted to who they go to. Not all people are interested in what I do and my pictures. I try to respect them.

I guess I will close out on this topic… In a nutshell, i wanted to just say keep the drama to yourself and stop posting crap. If you don’t want people to reply or give you advice, then you should never post it on Facebook, twitter or Myspace! Just saying! Stop and think about what you are posting and if what you are posting will destroy your personal or professional life. You never know who is reading your posts or wall.

Overall I love facebook because I can connect to my friends and family. That’s why I joined it to begin with. I have found family members I have lost tract of over 40 yrs ago. I have been reunited with school pals, and get to see up to date pictures of my sweet wonderful grand kids. There are many wonderful things about facebook. But to those who are the bad eggs, I have no use for rotten eggs and people filled with hate.

Sounding Off- Paula Deen

Published on August 13, 2013August 13, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

Food Network needs to offer an apology to Paula Deen… We are under the delusion that when we are charged with doing something wrong that we are innocent until proven guilty. That isn’t always the case by the looks of things. A while back news broke that Paula Deen said the “N” word about 30 years ago. She admitted that she did that and that she was wrong. As soon as she did that, the lynch mobs were out in full force. They already had her tried, convicted and about to be put in front of the firing squad before she even got to step foot in the courtroom. Food Network cancelled her show and endorsements were dropping left and right. Was it right that she was tried in the court of public opinion and bureaucrats before everything was heard? I say NO!

Today this is what the news is saying; “A federal judge in Georgia has thrown out race discrimination claims by a former Savannah restaurant manager whose lawsuit against Paula Deen ended up causing the celebrity cook to lose a big slice of her culinary empire. “

What happened to her is horrible and never should have happened. They should have waited to fire her and cancel the endorsements until the trial was over. People sure are fast to judge and convict. I wonder how many of these sponsors and the Food Network bosses are exempt from every doing or saying anything wrong. I have a very nasty taste in my mouth now when it comes to the Food Network. I didn’t watch all of her shows, but we sure did watch many shows on the Food Network. I gave a number of gift subscriptions to friends that love the Food Network. I have chosen not to renew any of those subscriptions and look for other magazines. Food Network was our only hold out when it came to keeping cable, and that isn’t a stumbling block anymore. If Food Network treats their employees like Paula Deen the way they did, they obviously have no regard for anyone else. They are all about money, not loyalty to their watchers and employees.

When I read that the charges were dismissed, it ticked me off. Not because I thought she was guilty, it was because they dragged her through the mud for nothing. I wonder also why if this lady that said she was discriminated against stayed so long. If she was having that much of a problem, why stay for 5 years? I’m pretty sure it had to be about the money. She was paid around $90,000 a year, wonder what she will make now?I wish I could get $90,000 a year. I don’t think that anyone should be called names and discriminated against. But I think there is more to this than what meets the eye and I think the judge seen it too.

One of the things that gets my goat is those who sold her products pulled them. I didn’t think I was bothered by this public display of hate until I was at Target and Walmart and seen her stuff on clearance. It bothers me that her new cookbook was cancelled and they won’t be selling it.

When I got to thinking about why this whole ordeal with Paula has upset me and got me posting this topic on my blog, I think about injustice and how it can happen to anyone. I think about kids I sat with on the bus at school that got shunned because they didn’t have money. And for those who had money, the poor ones called them all kinds of names. I have family members that are white, black, Hispanic, German, Irish and so on. Nobody has any room to be prejudice. I don’t like it and it bothers me when I hear black people calling other black people the “N” word. I hate it when people call other races anything that is demeaning. It’s uncalled for and there is no place that it is acceptable or should be at least.

Growing up in the mid-west, there were some terms that was common and we never thought twice about them. Once someone said that it was bad and what it mean, I did everything to not say it. For example, Brazil Nuts were called ‘N” Toes. I didn’t know why, but that’s what everyone called them. I was only a young kid and knew no better. Once someone is told what it means and that they are hurtful words then we are responsible for what flies out of our mouths. For me it has been over 30 yrs plus since using words that I didn’t know I couldn’t use. And I can almost guarantee that unless you are living in a convent that everyone has said or done something stupid in the name of stupidity and not knowing better.

Sorry I’m on a rant here, but it bugs me that she lost so much and it isn’t even the money, it is her name and character that others were judging. Shoot, I could imagine if I was judged by public opinion I would be in front of a thousand firing squads and having a life sentence in prison. Thankfully I have been forgiven and I know that Christ has forgiven me. Paula Deen has publicly asked for forgiveness and understanding and many have offered her that. But there are those who must be pure as snow and perfect like Christ who finds that it is beyond them to admit they have ever said something stupid.

OK! I’m getting off this topic before I get myself in a ton of trouble and have my name raked through the mud of public opinion.

Why Don’t/Do People go to Church?

Published on August 11, 2013August 11, 2013 by Sandie D2 Comments

As many know, I am a pretty opinionated person and I will almost always have a thought on something. My thoughts today came about because of my daughter Jessica. She and I were talking about why don’t people go to church. Or why do they stop going to church? I’m pretty sure if you ask a group of people, you will get a butt load of answers.

Now, if you ask my husband he says it is boring and he doesn’t like how some of the music sounds like he is going to a funeral. And on the flip side he doesn’t like it when the music is for hours long and then he has to sit there and listen to the sermon. lol. I told him he just wants to be a heathen. That is a whole other subject, lol.

church6

When I asked people why they don’t go to church I get a number of answers. The very first answer was somewhat of a slap in the face because as a Christian, this is something we all should be doing. Most of those I talked to said that they don’t go to church because they were never invited. After thinking on this, I can see how this could be. Jessica said that she thought it was the number one answer too. Let’s think about this for a few here.

We have our own little world of family and friends. Every now and then someone new enters into our lives and they become a part of our little world. If anyone is like me, they know that I am a Christian and I have no problem sharing that with anyone who is around. But there are times when I hesitate to share with someone out of fear of them thinking I’m a street corner Bible thumper. There was once a time when I didn’t want to be known as a Jesus Freak or something similar to that. It wasn’t the cool thing to be. Anymore I could care less if people know that I am a believer in Christ and that He alone is who I need to answer too.

So back to my thoughts here. Many times people are afraid to step out of their comfort zone and talk to those who we are closer to. We don’t want them to think we are shoving our faith down their throats. I have actually tried to visualize this happening, lol and it is not a pretty picture. Many times I fail to ask someone to church because I know they go to another church or that they don’t believe in God and want no part of it. This is my thinking at least. It’s more than likely not reality. So as a friend who wants to respect my friend or family member, we talk about the weather or who is going to beat the Lakers in the NBA playoffs. I don’t want to be that person that is known for taking a hammer and knocking some sense into someone when it comes to getting to know Christ. It is a no brainer to me… OK, maybe I would like a hammer.

When Jess and I were talking about this, it brought some thoughts to my head about why people don’t go to church, These are also excuses people use;

church-excuses

Was never invited to not go to church;
No time; schedule conflicts; working 2
Not interested in church
Don’t know
All they want is my money
My beliefs are different than the church’s
Don’t believe in organized religion
Don’t need to worship at a church
People will judge me because I don’t have nice cloths

One thing that did catch my attention was that some people find

that when they go to church it is like they are going to a show. Whoever can be the loudest and get the most attention is the one that is center of attention. Three of the people I talked to was talking about how some churches don’t feel like they are worshiping God. Sure there is preaching going on. But it isn’t to glorify God. God isn’t the center of their church and hearts. When churches is all about show and things like that then God isn’t going to bless the church. God has to be the center of the church. Without God you just have a lot of people making noise and saying “look at me”.

I have been to some churches myself where I didn’t feel the presence of God. I have also known a number of church leaders who are more into themselves then Christ. They say they are there to save souls. But all I see is a bunch of words coming out of their mouths and not a whole lot of anything else.

Social Media and Streaming of church services have also taken the place of going to church. Anymore you can plug into a church service on ROKU, Facebook, Twitter and the hoards of other channels. These types of services are great once in awhile. But they shouldn’t take the place of truly worshiping Christ with other believers. We were created to be with other people and I think that counts when it comes to going to church. I’m not saying to not watch church on TV. I’m saying that it is good to get off your butt and go to church and worship with other fellow believers.

There is one other important statement that some have made and that is that they have been hurt. Unfortunately, there are those who don’t attend church because they have experienced great pain in a local church. We are sometimes brutal when it comes to our own people. Christians aren’t exempt from hurting others. I know I have made more than my share of stupid mistakes and unwise choices.

Here are some awesome reasons to go to church. Not a virtual church, but a church where you are greeted with a handshake, hug or whatever as you walk into the door and find your seat. After checking with some people and asking the question about why they go to church, here are the answers…

for spiritual growth and guidance
Relationship Other than Family Member
Friendliness of Members
keeps me grounded/guided
Pastor/Preaching
church was a vital part of their relationship with God
felt that church was helping them become a better person
it’s my faith

Go-to-Church--the-funpop-432221_370_270 — I really liked what this church sign said… SOOOOOOOO True- It’s not from my church, but says it all…

In closing, I want to say that I personally don’t think that church can save you. It is a building. For me church is the people I worship with each week. The body of Christ is the church. A building won’t save you. The only one who can save you is Christ alone. We can all come up with excuses to not go to church and I can come up with some pretty good ones if I don’t want to do something. But for me going to church is an honor and blessing. If I don’t agree with the message, I have no problem asking the pastor where he got his information. I don’t want to get preachy and I have a way of doing that. So I will close up on this thought for today.

A Friends E-Mail

Published on August 8, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

This blog posting is what happens when I can’t sleep due to pain and discomfort. Hoping instead of reading that my writing will help me get so tired that I need to sleep.

I sent a friend an email some time ago. We were basically talking about what kind of help someone may need. Her take on friendship and standing up for yourself was very important. I do think that people have different needs and that all depends on the problems or issues we are going through.

For example toxic relationships. I have had more than my share of these kinds of friendships. And because of some things this friend and others have told me is that in a round a bout way, they need to be gone. That is much easier said than done. But for those people who have the courage of a lion, they have an easier time. I also believe that we make things to easy for others by enabling them and not following what God wants us to do in our lives. There are a whole boatload of people that I threw out of my boat of friends. Mostly the ones who were only there to get what they wanted or who played head games.

I had this friend that I met in Angelhaven and she passed away I would say around 8 years. It was very difficult being her friend. I felt the most important thing in life was a personal walk with Christ. Donna I would say is a new ager that isn’t new at all. She believes in Christ, but in a way that she feels he was a great teacher like Buddha. She felt that if you were good, then all people could go to heaven. It became difficult to talk to her for too long, because on my mind, I wanted to save her. I wanted her to understand what God had in store for her. I don’t know if she ever truly accepted Christ. But I did plant the seed and sometimes that is all we were meant to do. Others jump in and water and eventually they become mature and can stand up on their own little roots.

In this email from my friend, at-least I hope we are still friends. Anyhow, she brought up how she is a doer, which is true. She isn’t the best listener, but she tried. Many times what I need isn’t always someone that will do something for me. But I need someone to listen to me, even if they don’t get it. I’m the kind of person that does well talking and praying about what I need to do. I don’t need someone that needs to save the day for me. For the most part it is hard for a doer to do unless they have had the same experiences and life lessons. She has had difficulties in her life and her own life lessons. I admire her that she can say what is on her mind and just do it. I have to reason things out.

I think all my life I have had one thing or another going on and since 17 I have had my share of medical things. I would say I have a type A/B personality. I can be strong on many things, but when it comes to me, I would say I am a type B. I’m grateful for all the people that God has put in my life. Even when I didn’t like what they had to say.

Now my friend that emailed me is a small women, but she is a force to be reckoned with. I never really thought much about her personality until a couple of months ago. But I do admire that she puts her mind to doing something and she does. She doesn’t take anything from anyone. I think with her though and I couldn’t put my finger on why I pulled back on sharing things with her on certain problems or thoughts. I felt intimidated and like I wasn’t in the same class as she is. It isn’t really anything she did or said. But I felt outclassed. She is very smart, knows what she wants and does what she has to do to get it. I feel kinda stupid if that makes any sense when I talk to her. If you can imagine the peasant girl going into a queens home, then this is how I felt. When I would visit, she tried to make me feel at home and so did her husband. But I was afraid I would break something or do say something stupid. I use everyday words and when someone uses a word that is above my head, I find I don’t know where to go with the conversation because we are on two different wave lengths. One last thing and I know this is my own thoughts and my friend may not think this is a problem. But one day we are out and we go to a place that has a heavier lady working there. My friend made a comment about her weight. And with me gaining so much weight because of my friends, I haven’t called her up to see if she wants to come over. The reason is that I would be wondering if she would look down on me because I’m heavier.

I remember one conversation we had while I was in the hospital. I doubt that she would remember this, but I did. And that is because it left a huge scar in my heart. But we were talking about getting my records for the past couple of years. We wanted to see what was in them. I hesitated for a while and she got mad at me. I was trying to talk and she told me that I needed to shut up and let her finish. This was also done in the Dr’s office. So I did, but the tone upset me. When she told me to shut up, I felt like a little kid all over again. I was trying to talk but I got the feeling that nobody wanted to listen to me because I wouldn’t say it correctly. Back to the records. I told her I would think about the records. I know she wouldn’t understand this, but I really didn’t want her or anyone reading how much I weighed. I get very upset and depressed over it. She is very thin and I don’t think she understood how much that bothered me. And it bothered me because I know what she felt about heavier people. We were going to send them over to her house so they wouldn’t get lost. About 30 minutes after she left and I said I would send them to her, I knew at that point that she didn’t feel I trusted her. When that is far from the truth. It’s just my own personal feelings about my weight. I have struggled with it most of my life and I didn’t want anyone to know what I weighed. After that time in the hospital, I think I only seen this friend twice and that has been over a year now. I know she was trying to help me, but I found it more depressing when I think about how much I gained because of medications. For those who never struggled with weight, they wouldn’t get it. I do miss our friendship.

Last year I sent her an email and wanted to know if I did anything wrong. She wrote back and told me no and that she needed to step back. I understood this. But she told me that if I needed her to call. I don’t know about anyone else. But I don’t want to call someone up just because I need them. I want to call them up to say hi and ask how they are doing. Someone who wants me to call when I need something is more like an acquaintance instead of a friend. I want a friend that I can call to see if they want to go for a short road trip or go to Starbucks and talk.

One of the things about this friendship is that she was able to help me open my eyes up to things around me. My old pastor and his wife was doing the same thing. When we are in the middle of toxic friendships and such it is hard to see where we are going and if danger lurks ahead. My friend would do whatever needed to be done and they are wonderful, kind hearted people that belong to God. She has this protective shield on and she doesn’t let people mess with her friends.

Both of my friends taught me to be aware of things around me and don’t trust others that don’t deserve to be trusted. Because of a lot of things going on, I don’t see her much. But not a day goes by that I don’t wonder how she and her husband are. She is the kind of friend everyone needs.

When I think of friends and the kind that I have I would say I have the best ones in the world. For me in the last couple of years, I find that I really needed and received the kind of friends that listen. With all my medical things and not knowing what is going on from one minute to the next, a listening friend does me a world of good. They don’t have to save me, but listening helps me think and decide what needs to be done. I do try to be someone that listens to others. The reason I do is because I know that everyone needs to know that someone is listening to them and that they care. Doing is one thing and it’s about taking action. We or should I say I don’t always need action, I love it when I can jump into my car, listen to music or just chat about nothing.

I use to have some horrible dreams and I would have the same one every night. Now, this is about the kind of friend that nobody needs. But this friend knew certain things that bothered me and she would want me to talk about things that happened when I was younger. And each time she did that I would think of nothing else but those things. It was literally eating at me all day and night. I know that it is important to talk about your past or mistakes. But there are things that are better left alone and live in the present. Because of this so called friend, my dreams were overflowing into my day time thoughts. She was feeding negative things into my brain and of course they are hard to get out of the head once they arrive. There is too much to mention on this topic. But she is 100 percent a toxic friend. Friend isn’t even a good word to use for her, Ever since she has been out of my life, the dreams stopped and other things are much better. I don’t allow someone like her to get close enough to know everything about me. God knows everything about me, even when I don’t.

Back to this email. My friend was saying that she had to step back because she couldn’t offer the kind of things like listening. She was getting frustrated because I wouldn’t do certain things to help myself. I know she is right about most things. But in my world, I have found that I’m not the type of person that will go out and make someone accountable and take action on certain things. I have always been the kind of person who when pushed will pull away from those around me. I guess I just needed to put it in Gods hands and will let Him handle it. There are some things I need to handle, but when the bigger things become to big I have to give it to God. I really had to pray over things and work on the giving to God thing. It isn’t easy to do. I know I need to, but it’s not easy. I also needed to make sure that my walk was coinciding with my talk. My friend told me that I needed to pray about that because she didn’t think so and that I was all talk and no action. For a very long time this bothered me. But then I had to look deep inside and ask myself why it bothered me. The only reason was because I wasn’t doing what God wanted me to do. I was keeping the last pieced of candy tucked away so I could have it. I needed to give God everything, not just the pieces I didn’t want anymore. She was right, I needed to examine myself and give everything. If I didn’t it is fruitless and the outcome is going to be horrible.

For a long time, I was trying to control all things in my life. I knew I loved God. But I was holding back from letting Him have complete control. If I did that I would feel weak and inadequate. I would feel like I was a bull in a china shop. If I made a wrong move I would shatter something that is precious. And to me the most precious things are my family and friends. OK, my dogs too.

OK! Now I’m done with my 5 am rant… Hoping I can sleep now… If she reads this I want her to know that I didn’t write this because I was mad at her. She wears her heart on her sleeve and has a heart of gold. I have been blessed in so many ways. I wrote it because it has been bothering me for so long and I think it is important that people understand and know that not all of us to things the same way and that not always do we need someone to do something. Just being their for one another is important and that everyone is an individual. I wouldn’t trade anything for those people and friends put in my life. OK! There are a few I would be OK if I never met. But I have learned from each and every person and situation.

Troubled Stars Like Lindsey

Published on August 6, 2013August 6, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

Every now and then I will make a comment on a story that is posted on Yahoo. I don’t post too much but there are times I feel I need to let the world know what my thoughts are. As if those really made a big dent into the way people think or feel.

Just the other day Lindsey Lohan was released from Rehab. I know she has been there many many times. She has had one problem after another. This also goes for The Olson Twins, Amanda Bynes, Briteny Spears, Miley Cyrus and so on.

Some of the comments that people make are really horrible. They make me wonder if they live in this perfect little world in their own lives and they have never made a mistake as they were trying to find out that they are or need to be. I actually feel very sorry for Lindsey and the others that live under a microscope all the time. Every little thing they do is scrutinized and publicized. Now granted, they made a decision to be in the public eye in some cases, but most cases parents put them there. Here are just some of the horrible comments others have made about Lindsey Lohan and in their own words;

She needs the money for drugs
“HEY!!! LOOK AT ME, I AM TOTALLY CURED IN JUST 90 DAYS…..BUT THEN I NEVER ACTUALLY HAD A PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE, IT WAS ALL JUST THE BIG BAD MEDIA……..” She said as she slams back another shot to take the edge off of the snort she just finished……”IT’S ALL GOOD, I AM READY TO GO BACK..
This girl can fall into a barrel of doo-doo and can come out smelling like a rose.
Lindsay, u-0r smelly
This stupid skank will never learn. Just do the taxpayers a favor and just OD already.
Die already
And, when there’s booze…the coke isn’t far away.
ALCOHOL POISONING WITHIN THE NEXT 30 DAYS. DAMN DRUNKEN WHORE!
Why is she always seated in VIP? I’m more important than this 7 time loser.
You can’t save someone from themselves. Let her drink herself to death and be done with it already. Is there anybody who isn’t tired of this sh*t ?
UGH SHE IS SUCH A DISGUSING LOWLIFE. LOCK HER UP FOR SOMETHING ALREADY.
KIDS stay off the streets of L.A. and New York. This drug addict loon is back driving.

Here are my own personal thoughts and feelings on this. And I’m pretty sure there will be a lot wondering why I would feel bad for her and others like her.

I have known many family members who have been hooked on drugs and alcohol. I have lost friends that were addicted to Meth, Cocaine and Heroin. It isn’t fun to watch them go down this path. There comes a point where they can’t do it alone and needs help. They can’t see that they need the help, but others can. The last thing they need is people telling them that they are worthless and can’t make it. They will never amount to anything and should be dead. I find those comments heartless and mean. They make me wonder when people make those comments why they are saying what they are saying. Are they trying to be bullies or are they just cold hearted people that don’t care about a person’s life.

For some reason child stars and adult stars get mixed up into the whole drug world. It seems like there is more media that is drawing the attention to them. There is no way to really understand what Lindsey and other child stars had to go through each day. When I see the paths they have taken it breaks my heart. I would hate to be someone that thousands of people who don’t personally know me want me dead because I made mistakes. They have made mistakes that probably millions of us have made in the past and now.

Why is it that people are enjoying watching others fail? I hope that Lindsey and all those other stars and addicts out there can find peace and get back on the right track. Could you imagine if people would be there to help them up, hold their hand and just be there what a difference that could make.

Stars get paid a lot of money and almost everyone knows who they are. But does that make it OK to treat them like they are the scum of the earth and are worthless? I would have to say NO. It shouldn’t matter what they do for a living, how much they make or who they are. They deserve just like any of us to have a chance to make it right and to be forgiven. If Lindsey, Amanda, Britney and others like them were our children, would we kick them to the curb and want them to overdose and die? I would hope not. The people who are fighting these horrible diseases of addiction are loved and cared by others. There are people who want them around and they can make a difference in this world and in the life of others.

I hope that Lindsey does well since her release from rehab and that she is able to find her way back to acting. Out of a lot of the troubled stars, I do think she has a lot of talent. I can’t really say that for some of the starts out there like Paris, Kim K and so on. Lindsey deserves a chance to be happy and find peace in her life. All this hatred and wanting her dead is ridiculous in so many ways.

Now I do think she should stay away from driving until she has been clean for some time and that she needs counseling and such. She obviously has had a heck of a problem with her family dynamics. For those who had wonderful childhoods, there is no way you could understand how destructive parents like hers can be to her and other kids like her.

But, I’m going to get off my soapbox and wish Lindsey and all those who are fighting addictions the very best and I will be keeping them in my prayers. Instead of breaking down and kicking those who need help, why not offer a hand and be there for them? Her new documentary that she is doing with Oprah is one that I may find myself watching. The reason I say that is because I think it would do her some good to be able to opening talk about her life so that others who have similar problems can get help. Even though I’m sure there is going to be a lot of haters out there and those who don’t think she deserves a second, third or how ever many chances. I know in my own life, I am very grateful for all those who have given me many chances. I may not have addictions, but I do have my own set of issues.

I think of this verse when I think about not judging others: John 8:7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Dreams in a Different Language

Published on August 2, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

I have very vivid dreams and usually dreams that will either warn me about something that is going to happen, different languages and unknown people.

The dreams that get me wondering about if there is such a thing as a previous life is when my entire dream will be in a different language. For me it is German. I don’t know German and have never even attempted to learn it. My grandmother was German, but she didn’t really speak it around us. Well, she would say one phrase as she was getting mad and throwing a show at us when we did something wrong. I never did figure out what it was she was saying.

In my dream there are people all around me that I obviously know and I know it is me, but I don’t look like me and nobody else looks like themselves. I know they are friends and family. I can have conversations with them in German and understand everything they say. I can’t help but wonder why it is when I dream that I dream in German. When I wake up, I remember everything about my dream, but I can’t remember what the conversations was about. I’m guessing because I don’t speak German.

And almost always in my dreams I look a certain way and I have two daughters and married. My daughters don’t look anything like they do in real life and neither does my husband. But I know they are my daughters and husband. And of course they speak German too. But why is it that some people can dream in other languages as if it is real life?

I find it interesting when my dreams are about a typical dinner with my family and then going for a walk through the little town or village. They are pretty much just everyday normal things. Maybe this is because I would like to go for a walk in a village after dinner or maybe it is just a dream. My dreams will take off where they left off at previously, unless there is a big gap in time.

Maybe these are just dreams and nothing more. But it is intriguing to me. I can always remember all the details and what each person looked like. For instance, I have dark hair that is cut into a pixie cut. One of my daughters is a ginger and the other is long dark wavy hair. My husband looks more like a business man and works in an office. Even when going to the local market for fresh vegetables and fruits are something that is memorable. The smell of freshly baked breads draws me close to the kitchen in my dreams.

So, now I’m on a search to see why I dream sometimes in German and can carry on conversations even though I never spoke German in my life and have never been there. No matter why I do this, it is cool to get to travel to Germany in my dreams and get to know the locals, lol. It’s even nice to try out food dishes that I never had the chance to taste. I know it sounds off the wall, but it is what it is.

Dreams like these always makes me wonder if we do have a previous life or we lived in another time and place. De Ja Vue makes me wonder about this too. I know that God knew us before we were even born. But this is a different kind of thought.

I do like how in these dreams, there is nothing horrible happening. It is just life in general and going about everyday things.

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