Just A Chat

One day my daughter called and started sharing her day with me, which is not unusual. It seems like since she has went away to school we have become closer. We talk more and fight less. I value her opinion, I look forward her laughter and her cheekiness.

As the conversation continued it started to morph from a 21 year old super genius talking to her mom, to more of one full of deep thought and concern for her future. I listened a little more intently because I knew this was as close to "mom I need your advice" as I was going to get and I wanted to savor every moment.

"There's this boy", oh now we come to it I thought, "who is smart, handsome and is studying in my field", "uh hum". She continued "he never really paid attention to me before, but today I said hello, he said hello and started to walk away but then he turned and just stared and smiled." " At first I thought awkward, but then I smiled and we just kinda looked at each other. I knew I was blushing and he went his way and I went mine, but MOM I was totally shocked and was like..I wonder if he wants to hang out because I do". I knew she was smiling through the phone. Cautiously I asked her if this meant she would consider dumping her current interest, (which I would not be mad about at all), to maybe pursue the possibilities with this young man. She replied in a heart beat.


We finished our chat with a little mom-vice;

• If you already know that a replacement is desirable then why stay when you want to go? 
• If you are not sure if you have traded up, and in the world of dating you always trade up, then it is best to cut your losses and move on.
• Why go against the grain? If it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck then it's a duck. Ducks no matter how high they fly can't soar with an eagle.
• Friendship sets the base for a strong romance. Commonality sparks the possibilities of a friendship. If you have nothing in common in the beginning you wont later. 
• If you can't see the edges of your decisions like the shore to the ocean then it's best to wait and not act.
• If you don't believe you are priceless, he won't either.

Like I said I enjoy our talks as she matures and grows in the wisdom God has given her. However, I would be lying if I said it didn't feel good to still be needed. Even if she is an adult.

-sj

Soap Box

Can I just be real for a moment? Thank you in advance.

I am so sick of those who seek to destroy or demean the bond between Husband & Wife. I am speaking specifically of those in the world of entertainment and their followers. And to those who throw around marriage partners like I recycle plastic..constantly.

Marriage is a sacred bond that should not be entered lightly. It is a contractual agreement between a man and a woman taken out before GOD and a host of witnesses. Children are to be brought into the world from this structure and taught how to be responsible and loving citizens. I am not downing you if you are a single parent, I was for many years. I am just stating the structure intended.

Sex is one of the many benefits of entering into this union. It is not something to be publicized, or characterized by anyone other than the two people who are lovingly involved in the act. It is not for those underage, single or those who claim to have an "open" marriage. If you have an open marriage then you are just dating and having casual sex with the benefits of a steady. That is cheapening the institution and cheating all of those who are involved.

So far we have allowed sex to be -a do what you want to who you want- type of deal; and we deal with the consequences by mandating legal abortion, divorce without conscience and marriage without definitions. How is that working out for us America? It isn't. What we call freedom is leaving a trail of immorality for our children. Nothing of substance to follow but a how to on destroying themselves. We are not teaching them how to live above their lower nature. We are giving them passes to experiment with their bodies when they are not old enough to understand the consequences of their actions. Or able to make an intelligent choice about a "preference".

Our bodies are beautiful! We need to encourage people to value themselves. We need to teach the benefits of being abstinent. Not have a discussion on whether or not a woman has the right to Murder, i'm sorry chose to abort a 20+ week fetus. REALLY? It's a baby for crying out loud and you are literally ripping it in two because you chose not to use effective birth control in the first place. How is that helping you? How is that really a choice? And will it help you to make healthier decisions moving forward? I digress.

Where are the Women's rights groups? I didn't hear about them all up in arms over the Naked & Afraid show on Discovery. Or what about the stupid premise of Sex in the Box. Oh Come On!!! Enough is enough we better put the brakes on now. Don't want to? No regulation you say..okay let's ask the Romans. Oh that's right they are not around...DUH

So what happens when the generations of selfish, self-centered, no sense of responsibility or accountability folks are over us? We will age. We will be senior citizens one day; we will need care. But will we get what we deserve? Or maybe we will and it will be coined a mercy killing. After all we didn't teach them how to take care of anyone but themselves. We didn't encourage them to embrace the words 'in moderation'. We didn't instill in them a sense of caring for their fellow man. We didn't teach them the mandates of righteous living and the benefits of following God's way.

But I guess as long as they have a 'choice' in the matter then it's okay to walk in foolishness.

Lord have Mercy on Us All..
-sj

Badge of Honor

Do you know how strong you are?

On your back you carry me

your children

our future

Do you know what you leave?

Expectancy

Security

Trust

and Dependency

Do you know why I follow?

You are humble

You thirst after The All Mighty

All that you are is in Him

His love radiates from you

His warmth draws me to you

His kindness is emulated by you

Son of Adam

Child of righteousness

Follower of  David

Lover of the Bright & Morning Star

Your name I proudly display

-sj

What Our Love Is

Your arms are strong

better to hold me

your embrace is warm

better to strengthen me

your eyes dance around me so softly

better when I need transparency

your lips are soft

better for when tender is the calling

your lead is solid

better to allow me to serve

your love is not shared

better to allow me to be secure

Thank you for being you

because you allow me to be me

-sj

Untitled

Should you expect Respect

when your backside shows all your glory

given to those who are unworthy

while being undervalued by self

Should you expect anything less

What you put out is what you get back

it is the law of nature

Stop living substandard

expect above the standard

and wait for the GOD-standard

to penetrate and reinstate

you are redeemed

you are forgiven

let your life reflect

the knowledge you have been given

-sj

Moment, Thy Name is Candid

My husband and I were talking just last night. The house was winding down for the evening. Dinner had been served, homework was done and the kids had finished their nightly shower. In the bed they had scurried but we knew they were far from sleeping. We heard them go back and forth in their own language...reciting their favorite cartoons, laughing and playing.

I was in the kitchen putting food away and washing dishes and a thought occurred to me. What if we could travel back in time. To the moment when we (Anthony & I), first met? Knowing everything we know now. Would we still move forward in our relationship or would we turn with a nod and walk away? So of course being the natural female I am, (meaning I am always curious), I posed the question to my beloved. His answer I have recorded for you below:

Actually Hun yes I would do it again. Even if I could go back 20+ years..I have no regrets. I love those boys, I love Pooh, I love all of my children. Yes it is hard being parents to two autistic boys, but they are my boys. Sometimes I wish they were normal but then immediately I am glad they are not. They are who they are. They are honest and sometimes a little raw but they make no apologies for it and why should they have to?

Yes it's been hard watching Nate go thru all that he has had to go thru. In and out of the hospital. Constantly at the doctors office. But it was all worth it. Because the of the joy! I love my joy sometimes it is in the kids laughter. Sometimes it is in the comfort of being able to be home. Sometimes it is in the recovery of that boy. But no matter how it comes or when it is worth it to have. For that reason alone I would do it again. 

The next reason is for you. I can't imagine my life without you. Your smile, your laughter, the way you do what you do. I don't like the things we have to get thru sometimes but I am glad to have you to get thru it with.

At that moment I was so very happy I accepted his proposal those 15+ years ago. I too am thankful to have Anthony on this journey. He is he which allows me to be me. As I returned to my chores  I quietly thanked God for giving me what I needed. Not what I wanted.

-Sj

A Thankful Moment

Dear Lord,

Thank you

For all that you have done and are doing and going to do

For Your Word which is my strength, my light and my guide

For Your Presence full of love and peace

For Your Gifts of salvation, redemption & restoration

I now know that I can't go to far or

Stray to long

Without feeling your call upon me

Thank you for loving me up to this point of submission

And grateful recognition

Of Your Mercy and Grace

Which sustains me

-Sj