Every Life has Value

"Every life has value, and so the message of pro-life is not just about abortion, it's about celebrating every life as having great value, a gift from God with a special purpose." ~Gov. Mike Huckabee

with Gov. Mike Huckabee

"He who saves one life saves the world.  That one life does matter."~Gov. Mike Huckabee

 I volunteered at a Celebrate Life event over the weekend.  I subject and cause very close to my heart and soul.  There were some amazing people who spoke about both heart-wrenching and heartwarming stories.  Throughout the day I was moved to tears many times, as well as cheers at other times.

Gov. Mike Huckabee was the special guest and key note speaker.  What a down to earth, genuine good soul and unwavering Christian man.  He drove himself to the event, then walked in the front door of the church with no entourage or fan fare.  He immediately started shaking hands, posing for pictures and talking to everyone for as long as they wanted to talk to him.

His key note lasted about a half hour and moved everyone in the audience.  He spoke from a Christian prospective, explained the value of life... all human life and why we can't waiver or compromise on what we know is right.  At one point he said if the 'tent' doesn't stand with those values... then he'll leave the tent and put up his own... adding that we all need to do what is right and not waiver on what we know is wrong.  Inside every human being, no matter how small or what problems they may have, have value and treasures to be unlocked.

"I think at the heart of the pro-life movement is the idea that all people are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights starting with life."~Gov. Mike Huckabee

"I'm pro-life because I believe begins at conception, and I believe that we should do everything possible to protect that life because it is the centerpiece of what makes us unique as American people.  We value the life of one as if it's the life of all, and that's why we go out for the 12-year-old Boy Scout in North Carolina when he's lost, that's why we look for the 13 miners in Sago, West Virginia, when the mine explodes, that why we go looking for the hikers in Mount Hood, because we value life, and it's what separates us from the Islamic jihadists who are out to kill us.  They celebrate death.  They have a culture of death.  Ours is a culture of life." ~Gov. Mike

Celebrate Life Event Videos

A Prayer for the Children

We've unfortunately seen many senseless acts of violence in our lifetime; however this most recent one is tearing at the souls of everyone even more because of so many innocent children involved.  I can't imagine losing a child... and as I see the pictures of both the children and their grieving families I can't stop the tears or the longing to ease their pain.  All I can do from here ho is Pray for the children, their families and the entire community.  I can't fathom such heartache...

A Prayer for the Children

On Friday, December 14, 2012, 20 children were killed in a shooting rampage at an elementary
school in Newtown, Connecticut. Seven adults, including the gunman, also died at the scene. As
the families and friends of the deceased mourn the loss of their loved ones, we pray for the
children, and for all those whose lives have been affected by this tragedy.
Our hearts are broken.
Today, in the midst of holiday cheer,
we are painfully reminded of the cruelty and fragility of our lives together.
How do we live with such unimaginable grief?
How do we comfort such intolerable pain?
How do we care for each other in a world where violence seems so readily accessible?
Great comforter and protector,
We have no answers.
No words that can heal the broken heartedness we feel.
Yet you have promised to heal the broken hearted and to bind up their wounds.
We cling ardently to this assurance.
This is the world that Christ is born into;
A world bursting with broken-hearted people.
This is the world that you call us to sing, ‘Rejoice’ in.
The pain is too fresh, the wounds are too raw,
Yet still, we light the pink candle in anticipation of your fulfilled promises.
Until then,
we will continue to pray
For the parents,
For the families,
For the victims,
For the teachers,
For the first responders,
For the survivors, and
For all who have been crushed by this shooting.
We will hold them in our hearts.
We will strive to compassionately care for each other.
And, we will honor and lift-up our children,
For in them the light of Christ beams.
Amen.

Alydia Smith
The United Church of Canada

UPDATE: Ohio Mom Jailed for Lying About Kids' School Residency - UPDATE!!

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184,000 Change.org members believe Kelley Williams-Bolar is a loving mother who wants to provide the best future for her children -- not a felon for sending her kids to a safer school district. Ohio Governor John Kasich agrees, and yesterday reduced Kelley’s felony convictions to misdemeanors, a life-changing and rare move that you made happen.

We don't need to tell you that it feels good to win -- to have contributed to a positive change in someone’s life through this campaign (or say, through the campaign 122,000 Change.org members just won to pause a foreclosure on PFC Aaron Collette's "safe zone" -- his father's house -- while he's on leave from Iraq). But what's it like to be at the helm?  To be the creator of your own campaign to change your world? 

Start your own petition at Change.org and see how easy it is to make change happen.

Kelley's campaign was started by Caitlin Lord, a Change.org member and a single mom like Kelley, in Massachusetts. She had never met Kelley but heard her story and wanted to help. She found tips, tools and other support at Change.org to build a mini-movement behind Kelley. A movement of 184,000 Change.org members who also wanted to help, and signed Caitlin’s petition and teamed up with our friends at ColorOfChange.org to flood Gov. Kasich's office with phone calls. 

In the end, Gov. Kasich said "the penalty was excessive for the offense" -- exactly your message to him all along. Today, Kelley is again free to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher and to be with her two daughters. Her world has changed.  

What will you change in your world? Start a petition today at Change.org. 

Thanks for being a change-maker,

Patrick and the Change.org team


Previous Post:
This case has upset me so much! I can't even begin to explain all the reasons why right now.  Except to say... How about the school district and the state to allow Quality education to those who Want it and instead of punising parents who care, how about punish the parents who don't care about their childrens' futures!!

If your children have had a quality education, please remember that not all parents have that option for their children. I had to move to a different state, giving up a house in my own hometown, friends and a job that I loved, in order to get my son an education. Long story... that some of you already know of course.

I will be writing more on this subject very soon!  For now, if you haven't already, go to the link and read the full story... including 'some' of the 4332 comments already posted underneath.  Unbelievable and senseless courtcase in my opinion!

A Prayer for the People of Norway and for all victims of violence and terror | The Peace Pastor | a Chron.com blog

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A Prayer for the People of Norway and for all victims of violence and terror | The Peace Pastor | a Chron.com blog  From the World Council of Churches:

God of life, God of love:

In the face of unbearable tragedy we turn to you;

hear our cry, listen to our prayers, to our words, to our silence …

God of healing, God of mercy:

Hear our prayers for the people of Norway;

for all in deep distress, for all who grieve, for the injured and the shocked, for those in despair.

May they be cared for and comforted.

For all in the emergency services working long hours to search, to listen, to care, to protect, to heal.

May they be given strength and also find support.

God of mercy, God of peace:

Hear our prayers for all around the world facing terror and unspeakable violence;

May violence be overcome and the path to peace be found.

All human life is fragile, each of us is precious in your eyes,

Teach us to value one another as you value us.

God of justice, God of courage:

We pray for all leaders in times of crisis,

That they may act for the common good, offering hope and not fear.

God of courage, God of transformation:

We pray for our churches,

That they may be places of openness and forgiveness, planting the values of peace and justice in society.

Transform all fundamentalism and vengeance into attitudes that make for reconciliation.

May we learn to be children of your kingdom of love.

God of all grace and all thankfulness:

In gratitude we pray, giving thanks for the prayers and encouragement which come from so many people and places at this time of suffering, pain and mourning. We learn global solidarity in a time of crisis; may we not forget one another in less stressful times ahead.

These prayers and the heavy silence of our hearts we offer in the name of your son Jesus Christ who trod the path of peace in the face of violence.

Amen

Thanks to Reverend Chuck Currie who passed this on via twitter.

Marty Troyer prayers for all kinds of people as pastor of Houston Mennonite Church. Join us Sunday to pray, grieve, and process a faithful Christian response to the prevalence of violence in our world, 10:45AM in Spring Branch or visit us online at houstonmennonite.org. Follow Marty by subscribing below or @thepeacepastor on Twitter.

Baby Sign Language

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A fellow blogger who is also a passionate advocate of autism research, asked me to tell my followers about Baby Sign Language. She is part of the team responsible for the creation and development of http://www.babysignlanguage.com/.  Their website was launched with the vision that high quality, functional educational materials should be accessible to all regardless of their financial capacity.

The website is a work in progress but they are very proud of what they are doing. http://www.babysignlanguage.com/ contains:

Free Printable Flash Cards

Free Printable Wall Chart

Free Tutorials

Free Video Dictionary

Almost 4,000 strong Facebook Community (This is a wonderfully active community that has given birth to many friendships).

We both believe that baby sign language is a viable tool to open a window of communication in certain autism profiles.  I have heard wonderful and encouraging stories from many parents. Every digital and downloadable resource they have created is 100% free. However they don't expect for this to be a fix-it-all, but they sincerely hope it becomes one more resource to make the journey easier for thousands of parents facing the challenges of autism.

Please visit www.babysignlanguage.com or contact my friend Mey Lau @ mey.lau@babysignlanguage.com

Believing in Me!

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 "You are in charge of your feelings, beliefs, and actions. And you teach others how to behave toward you. While you cannot change other people, you can influence them through your own behaviors and actions. By being a living role model of what you want to receive from others, you create more of what you want in your life." ~Eric Allenbaugh

annasyogaspace.blogspot.com


6 years ago I was still living back home in Nebraska. I say back home like it’s far away and that's funny because it’s just the next state over. In fact it’s only an hour from where I live now. However at times, it has felt like half way around the world from a 'small town' in Iowa.

The first few years here were incredibly hard for me. I had given up my home, my friends and a job I loved, with co-workers who were like family. What was even worse, I had given up my security for another person. That was a Hugh mistake that I will never make again. I now know that someone who truly loves you, wouldn't want you to give up everything; or anything that makes you happy for that matter.

I wanted to ‘believe’ all the ‘words’ and promises; that someone really wanted to 'share' lifes ups and downs and have a 'balanced' relationship.  I even convinced myself that it was God’s plan because this person came into not only my life, but also my son’s. At a time when I felt he really needed a man in his life. So I only saw what I wanted to see and I ignored my own gut. I wanted to ‘believe’ I was doing the right thing.

Moving to Iowa has worked out extremely well for my son and that I do believe was God’s plan. However I should have thought of myself back then and planned my move more carefully. But we live and learn and I have learned so much!

I learned that no one can take care of me better than I can take care of myself. That no one has the right to be manipulative and controlling; no matter what they’ve been through or how much they think you owe them. I have learned that I am stronger, smarter and braver than I ever imagined. I didn’t need anyone to help me with my son; I could do it on my own all along. I just needed to ‘believe’ in ME. 

"Self-confidence and a belief in yourself is a must. To instill confidence in others, you first must have confidence in yourself." ~Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from Good-bye Manager, Hello Coach!

I want to say a special thank you to Shanae, @ Triumph and Tears for entering one of my previous post in her Contest.  Visit her Great blog when you can. :-)

Building Character

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"We aim to develop physique, mentality and character in our students; but because the first two are menaces without the third, the greatest of these is character." ~ Joseph Dana Allen, Headmaster

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The CHARACTER COUNTS! approach to character education doesn't exclude anyone. That's why Character Counts.org base their programs and materials on six ethical values that everyone can agree on — values that are not political, religious, or culturally biased. Use the points below to help young people understand the Six Pillars.
For a more detailed discussion of the Six Pillars, consult the book, Making Ethical Decisions.

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer
-------------------------------------------------------

"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece—by thought, choice, courage and determination." ~ John Luther

Character Counts.org

Good Character.com

Character in Action.com

4-H Building Character activities for Children

52 Character Building Thoughts for Children

4-H and Military Partnerships Character Education

When and How to Leave Unhealthy Relationships

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 People often stay far too long in relationships that they no longer desire. They do this out of guilt, fear, and even out of a sense of 'loyalty' to their partner. Even in cases where abuse exists; whether it's physical, verbal or stress through constant arguing.  All are damaging!


Many people find themselves staying simply for their partner's benefit.  Disregarding their own needs or desires because of how they were raised or what they went through in their childhoods.  Such as family abandoning you or another family member  (spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically).  Along with remembering what our parents told us about ourselves, words that are still in our mind and body (many of us are still ill as a result of old words or beliefs). 



I personally know men with unhealthy 'loyalty' issues developed from belief systems instilled in them at an early age.  Such as loyalty to our families no matter what.  Although 'noble' in an age of 'dead beat' dads, it is still very painful to watch these 'good' men and fathers to be unhappy and even suffer at times.

Any belief pattern or conditioning that keeps us 'stuck' and unmoving/growing as a human being is unhealthy for us.  When loyalty to someone is dangerous to our health or well being, it is just wrong in my opinion.  Remember, I've been there and done that.  So I'm talking from personal experience as well as watching friends go through similar situations.

I have several friends, male and female, with unhealthy loyalty perspectives to partners who literally drain the life out of them.  Most suffer from chronic fatigue or a disease developed from the stress, that dis-empowers them physically. 

I've know first hand and it's like air being taken out of the balloon; only it is your energy leaking out until you have nothing left for your self--no healthy boundaries.  Again, as a result of unhealthy loyalty issues they developed from their childhoods. 

Like women, men in unhealthy and unhappy relationships, may feel blue or may not get pleasure from activities they once enjoyed. But a few other things commonly show up in men that may not be recognized as signs and symptoms of problems. 

■ Escapist behavior is the most common.  This includes: spending a lot of time at work, on sports, stalling or avoiding going home, 'over' volunteering to be away from home more, and even living their lives vicariously through on-line resources such as social websites, blogs, etc. etc. etc....

Men are usually confronted with greater emotional adjustment problems than women, if and when they do decide to pursue a separation or breakup.  The reasons for this are related to the loss of intimacy, the loss of social connection, reduced finances (including giving up at least half of all they have worked hard for), along with the common interruption of the parental role.

The following article explains many of the relationship issues, reasons behind them, where unhealthy loyalty comes from and most importantly, how to get out of an Unhealthy / Unhappy relationship. 

Should You Leave Him (or Her)? How to Know When to Breakup
Sometimes, it can be difficult to know when to leave a relationship. Perhaps things aren't great, but they're not too bad either. It's easy to sit on the fence for a while and just let fate take over, but it's better to make a deliberate choice to stay or go. When making this decision, an important question to ask yourself is, "Is this relationship unhealthy?"

Unhealthy relationships follow identifiable patterns. Though circumstances always vary from couple to couple, they are often characterized by:

- Frequent arguments

- Frequent criticism on either side

- Inability to tolerate the other's personal quirks

- Intolerance of the other's friends or family

- Unfair expectations

- Hyper-sensitivity by one or both partners

- Intolerance of occasional lapses of attention

- Psychological problems that lead to behavioral ones

- Inability to address conflicts in a mature fashion

- Excessive jealousy and mistrust (they assume, over-react and blow everything out of proportion)

- Extreme insecurity or major obstacles involving low self-esteem

- One or both partners have addictive or destructive tendencies

- Few, if any, mutual friends

- One partner gets easily upset over unimportant or petty things

- Excessive clingy-ness

- One or both partners feels as if they are "walking on eggshells" much of the time

- Difficulty discussing feelings

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and just represents some of the traits that characterize an unhealthy relationship.

Your significant other is supposed to be a source of comfort in the world, not a persistent source of stress and anxiety. If your relationship offers no sense of peace or safety, it's time to end it. If the problems escalate to physical or emotional abuse, the need to breakup is even more urgent.

People often stay far too long in relationships that they no longer desire. They do this out of guilt, or a sense of loyalty to their partner (even in cases where abuse exists). Many people find themselves staying simply for their partner's benefit.

Why Can't You Leave?

Relationships are a choice. Or at least, they should be. Sometimes, we realize that a relationship is no longer working, but we stay anyway. There are many reasons why people stay stuck in relationships they no longer want, including:
* Guilt -- You can't bear the thought of hurting our partner

* Loyalty -- You've invested so much and have a long history with them, even if it's a bad history

* Misplaced priorities -- You feel that your partner's needs are more important than your own

* Expectations - - You don't want to disappoint your family or your partner's family by breaking up

* Financial or logistical reasons -- You don't have the money to leave, you live together, or you have a child together (sometimes a good reason to maintain a relationship, but not always)

* He or she will "freak out" -- You fear your partner's reaction to the news

If your partner stands in the way of you living a fulfilling life, you probably need to leave. That doesn't mean disregarding commitments and responsibilities, but you should never feel trapped in a life you don't want.  All relationships require some amount of sacrifice, but giving up the possibility for happiness is not part of the deal.     Author: Michael Freeman 
Read more: www.articlesbase.com/relationships-articles

If you want to leave your partner but have too much fear and anxiety at the thought of breaking up, there is help. Check out the links below.

Michael Freeman, M.A., helps women and men get FREEDOM from unhappy relationships.

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Should you leave him/her? How to know when to breakup.
Why Battered Men Stay in Abusive Relationships
Children Need their Dads too!
Single Dad Financial Help.com
Mediation Services
mayoclinic/male-depression
The Violence of Verbal Abuse
Living a Lie
When to Help a Friend and When to Walk Away
What STRESS Does to Us
Should Unhappy Parents Stay Together
Manipulative People: Covert Aggressive Personality Disorder

The Narcissistic Co-dependent Marriage/Relationship Symptoms

Every Monday Matters: Support a Global Cause

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  FACTS 

In the world:

Every 3.5 seconds someone dies of hunger.

Every 11 seconds someone dies of AIDS.

Every 15 seconds a child dies from a waterborne illness.

33 million people are living with HIV.

1 billion have no access to clean water.

2.6 billion live without basic sanitation.

5 million live in refugee camps.

1.08 billion live on $1 or less per day.

Over 2 million children die each year from diseases that inexpensive vaccines could have prevented.

9.2 million children worldwide die before they reach their 5th birthday. That’s as if every child under 5 living in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany died in a single year.

The world produces enough food to feed everyone.

Every year more than 16 million people—the equivalent of one hundred 747 jets crashing every day of the year—die from:

Hunger 9,125,000

HIV/AIDS 2,900,000

Pneumonia 2,000,000

Diarrhea 2,200,000

Malaria 1,000,000

Poverty is the common denominator

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Pick a global organization that interests you. The needs are many and obvious.

YOU MATTER

The numbers are unbelievable, but they reflect a truth we cannot ignore. This is OUR world. You, your friends, your family, your co-workers ALL matter when it comes to changing the statistics. Each one of you can make a huge difference. Every day we put off helping our world, we lose tens of thousands of people … many of whom died while you were reading this page.

Global Causes Website:  http://www.globalissues.org/
  Including these: 
Racism
Energy Security
Global Financial Crisis
Global Warming
Environmental Issues
Health Issues

 
Today, over 22,000 children died around the world.  This daily tragedy, from poverty and other preventable causes, rarely makes headline news.  The suffering children break my heart the most.

Poverty Around The World
Poverty Facts and Stats
Causes of Poverty

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Invisible Children... in the World of War.

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The 'Invisible Children' organization and movement uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore Northern Uganda to peace and prosperity.
As quoted from their website, this is a little more about who they are and what their purpose is:

"As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what’s happening in the world."

Invisible Children : Intro from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

For more information on the organization, please visit: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/

Half Full Friday & Aloha Friday question of the week!

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"There are three things that a child can teach an adult:  To be happy for no reason; to be always busy doing something;  And to know how to demand - with all one's might - what one wants." - Paulo Coelho

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

Laughter, joy and happiness is healthy for you. They say laughter is the best medicine. It can cure illness and extends life. A good laugh boosts the immune system, relieves depression and stress, relaxes all the body's muscles, is good exercise for the heart and helps prevent heart attacks, it cleanses the lungs, and provides an overall sense of well being.

We don't need to wait for someone else to bring us happiness - happiness is a choice we can make at any time we want. You can choose to look on the good side of things and take life more lightly, or you can choose to think gloomy and sad. It's up to you. Life is the movie you see through your own eyes - it's up to you how you take it.

Let there be

more joy and laughter

in your living.

~ Eileen Caddy ~

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  This is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I'm happy for being alive!  Yes, alive.  I had a total of 5 (small, yet scary just the same) gas leaks on my New furnace last weekend... with 2 of my sons home sleeping.  So glad I came back home after running local errands (instead of driving to the 'city' for groceries) Saturday morning.  This was the 3rd time since my furnace was put in.  Thank goodness I am extremely sensitive to smells. 

• I'm happy that my son had a good first week back at college!

• I'm happy the baby shower we gave a co-worker went very well!  She's having a boy.  Very excited & Happy for her.

• I'm happy for the positive energy I have and used to get a great deal done in the last week!

• I'm happy I'm close to having my entire basement cleaned out!  Goodwill 'loves' me! lol

• I'm happy my oldest son is coming home again this week to spend time with his brother!

•  I also want to say Thank you to Jules, for the frying pan picture!!  Loved it!! :-)                        

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost." ~H. Jackson Browne

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance." ~Franklin P. Jones  

My question:  What is something a child/children have taught you?

My answer:   Most Adults are filled with fear of the unknown in each day... instead of anticipation and excitement that children have.  We are not born with 'fear'.  We are born Happy and wanting to try new things without fear holding us back!  You can see that with Children.  They don't have fear... they are Happy until they are filled with fear.  By the time we are Adults, we have... sadly, turned that all around.

"You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing. What?! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again." ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762

Love & Hugs!
~ Coreen

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas for Moms…..

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theprovince.com

 
Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode
only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box and Barbie, flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, “Now what is the matter?”

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
she descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug,
“Oh great,” muttered the mom, “Now I have to clean the rug.”

“Ho Ho Ho!” cried Santa, “I’m glad you’re awake.”
“Your gift was especially difficult to make.”
“Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone.”
“Exactly!” he chuckled, “So, I’ve made you a clone.”

“A clone?” she muttered, “What good is that?”
“Run along, Santa, I’ve no time for chit chat.”
Then out walked the clone – The mother’s twin,
same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

“She’ll cook, she’ll dust, she’ll mop every mess.
You’ll relax, take it easy, watch The Young & The Restless.”
“Fantastic!” the mom cheered. “My dream has come true!”
“I’ll shop, I’ll read, I’ll sleep all night through!”

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
“Mommy?! Come quickly, I’m scared & I’m wet.”
The clone replied, “I’m coming, sweetheart.”
“Hey,” the mom smiled, “She sure knows her part.”

The clone changed the small one and hummed her tune,
as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon.
“You’re the best mommy ever, I really love you.”
The clone smiled & sighed, “And I love you, too.”

The mom frowned and said, “Sorry, Santa, no deal.”
That’s my child’s LOVE she is trying to steal.”
Smiling wisely Santa said, “To me it is clear,
only one loving mother is needed here.”

The mom kissed her child & tucked her in bed.
“Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won’t be very long,
when they’ll be too old for my cradle & song.”

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, “It works every time.”
With the clone by his side Santa said, “Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear mom, you will be all right.”
               ~ author unknown


Sometimes, we need reminding of what life is all about. Especially at times during the Holiday season, when all we seem to do is clean and bake and shop and and and and and and……..You get the picture, I’m sure.  

My boys are all home for Christmas this year & we are having a wonderful time!  Brings back so many memories of when they were younger.  They grew up way too fast!!

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so special, whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older than that. For they are the Gift that God gave us in life….and what a gift to be treasured, far above any other! May the real meaning of Christmas be with you all this year, is my prayer.

Merry 'Christ'mas!!!!!
Blessings & Love to you All!!
~ Coreen

Every Monday Matters - Have AMBER Alerts Sent to You

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The AMBER Alert™ Program is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and the wireless industry, to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases. The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and the safe recovery of the child.

FACTS

AMBER stands for “America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response” and was created as a legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas, and then brutally murdered.

76% of abducted children who are murdered are dead within 3 hours of the abduction, 88.5% are dead within 24 hours, and 99% are dead within 7 days.

443 children have been reunited with their families because of AMBER Alerts.

Nearly 100% of cell phones are eligible to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts as text messages.

100% of computers can have the AMBER Alert ticker downloaded onto them.

AMBER Alerts are active in all 50 states.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Pay attention to AMBER Alert signs on the freeway or on TV.

Sign-up to receive AMBER Alert text messaging on your cell phone.

Download the AMBER Alert Ticker onto your computer.

If you see or receive an AMBER Alert, don’t take it lightly. The perpetrator might be closer than you think.

YOU MATTER

Protecting children from abduction and locating those who have been abducted is the twofold purpose of AMBER Alerts. They increase the number of people who can help locate an abducted child or deter predators, and they have caused perpetrators to release the abducted child after hearing or seeing the AMBER Alert. Remember, those first three hours are everything to that child and his or her family. Your eyes and action could mean the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children  
Missing Children USA Government Resources
A Family Survival Guide for when your child is missing

"I remember standing in the middle of the chaos thinking, I wish I had a book to tell me what to do." -- Colleen Nick

What is the Every Monday Matters program?
Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Living a Lie....

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http://www.myspace.com/herlyingheart97

Have you ever lived a lie?  There was a period in my life where I was.  Although I denied it for a long time.  Then when unhappiness was taking over and consuming my life... I realized that I was living a lie.  However... eventually, as with most lies... the truth came out.  Here is my story:

My ex-husband and I were together for 15 years.  Married for 13 of those.  It had been a very rough ride from the very beginning.  We should had remained friends and raised our son as a team, instead of getting married.  At the time, we both wanted to be a family and 'make things right' we thought. 

I cared about my husband and I feel I was a good wife, while being the best mother I could be.  We all do our best, right?  However I never had that deep, trusting, soul connecting and understanding love that I know I should have had.  Then when things in our marriage continued to be full of turmoil and even abuse... what feelings I had faded until there was nothing left but emptiness and sorrow. 

After a while I felt I was just going through the motions.  Other people looking at me from the 'outside' thought I had a normal, happy family and marriage.  Because for one, I didn't tell anyone anything that was really going on behind closed doors back then.  The truth was... I was far from happy and my marriage was not a loving, trusting, supportive one.  I was living a lie.  Which in a sense was because I would try to care, try hard to make us a happy family, mostly... I would try to love him.  I even said I did .... and every time I felt enormous guilt. 

He wasn't 'all bad' of course... no one is.  He was a good provider financially and took care of things outside of the house; yard and vehicles.  He always allowed me to take care of the boys the way I saw best, taking care of our home the way I wanted, able to stay home with the boys and have a home daycare for extra money... even when he worked nights and had to sleep during the day.  I appreciated my son's dad for those things very, very much and always told him that. 

However, along with feeling no love in my heart and the continued verbal and emotional abuse...  I moved further and further away from feeling anything.  All it seemed he wanted to do was argue and fight... all the time.  Just to get what he wanted and to get it his way.. no matter what.   He didn't care if the kids heard the horribly things he said or if they got in the way.  He could be very manipulative and blamed me for 'making' him mad when I didn't agree with something.

"Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you.” ~ Dr. Joyce Brothers

Somehow the times when things got abusive, were always my fault according to him.  I truly believe that either consciously or subconsciously, he did and said things in front of the kids because he knew how much that upset and even devastated me.  I grew up with my parents fighting most of the time; so it was the 'last' environment I ever wanted for my own children to grow up in.  This was the 'bright red button he pushed' to upset me even more. 

I felt back then that he wanted to fight because he had to have complete control of me.  When I didn't agree with something or didn't want him to do something that I knew he shouldn't, he would start a fight as a way of wearing me down.  Like a child does when they want something their parent has told them 'No' or it's too dangerous.  At times this computer IT professional, school board member and sport ref and coach... could be very immature.  In my opinion at least. 

That last year together I was so tired and so done.  I never wanted to fight, I grew up with that.  And I certainly didn't want to fight anymore in front of my children.  I remember locking my self in the bathroom with the shower running trying to drawn out his yelling, abusive insults and pounding at the door.  While I sat on the floor shaking, crying and praying for him to stop.  I just wanted the fighting to stop! 

Realistic or not, I would like to live the rest of my life without ever 'fighting' again.  I know I will never live in a situation where or with someone who wants to fight or has to get their way all the time.  That's not realistic or normal.  Life is too short to be so unhappy... let alone be in an abusive and/or loveless relationship.

Which brings me to what ended up being the hardest time for me at the end of my marriage.  It was telling my husband that I didn't love him anymore. That he had killed whatever feelings I had had for him.  There was no 'unconditional love'  from either of us by that point.  So I felt I needed to be honest, for both my own conscious and to lay the foundation for my wanting a divorce.

"Life is too short not to love and be loved!!  Nor not to be in a great loving relationship with someone who not only brings out the best in you... but also fills your heart and soul with happiness!" ~ Me...

At first, he would not 'accept' how I felt or didn't feel.  Then he refused to, or couldn't, accept that it was because of anything that he did.  He decided that there must be someone else.  What??!!  I would have had the time, energy, self-esteem for that...When?!  No... I barely had the emotional balance to get up in the morning by then and all the energy I had through out the day was trying to keep my job and take care of my sons.  I was so drained and again so done!  In fact I was told later that I was 'cold' and wasn't trying anymore. 

Well, I thought.. he's right, I wasn't trying anymore.. because I had and nothing had changed.  I was done.  Maybe that is why I seemed cold, because I was finally done.  I think that is the emotional calm when you are ready and need to take care of things and more on.  Mostly for yourself, but in my situation I needed to also move on for my sons.  The fighting and yelling had never been good for them and my youngest was being pulled in as a pawn, I felt.  That was probably my breaking point when I realized just how much damage was being done to my children.

"Many times people stay in bad or loveless marriages because of the fear of the 'unknown' and because at least is has a sense of familiarity. Some people feel that is better than nothing.  I would rather be alone and happy, than to be with someone whom I'm not happy with." ~ Me..

Finally, over time, I got stronger and less afraid of leaving. Less afraid of the 'unknown', the financial realities and less afraid of his threats... what he would or wouldn't do.  He could be very unpredictable and obviously out of control at times.

I was also becoming much more confident in my self.  Confident that I could take care of my boys and that I could stand up to whatever lies he would say later in court, or what dramas he would cause or play out in the small community in which we not only lived, but also both of us grew up in.  That is when I was so ready to have peace in my life and home.  I was finally able to let myself be just a little be selfish and think a little bit about myself for once in regards to my own happiness.   

I always put my children first or consider what any decision, one way or the other, would effect my children.  It was hard for me not to... that is the type of parent I am. They were always my main concern and responsibility.  However in the end, I felt that I had to finally think about myself, and my own happiness at least a little bit.. to do what I needed to do.  Otherwise, I may have never left or been truly happy with my life.. ever. 

I don't regret trying though.  Not at all.  I can honestly say that I did try and anyone who knew me then knows that.  Even my ex-husband realizes that now.  After all these years we finally get along... although apart.  Letting go of the past and forgiving releases us, which allows us to move forward into a better life.

I've known many people in the same situation... where a tiny bit of selfishness and a little bit of concern for their own happiness... would actually do them a great deal of good.  However I understand first hand how hard that is for those with the heart and character that put their children first (like I have).  I respect and understand what they are going through and love those persons so very much... for who they are. I understand!

Many people never make that decision.  The decision that life is too short to live in an unhappy home or be in a loveless marriage.  This is the reason I now write and tell these personal stories of my own life.  In the hope of giving strength, encouragement and  the belief that any situation can get better.  That we can all get stronger, heal, grow, have a better life and above all Be Happy!  We all deserve to be happy!

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.” ~ Quote from Thinkexist.com

More Powerful Post:
Betrayal has many forms...
Living the Truth
Silencing Verbal Abuse

The Narcissistic Co-dependent Marriage/Relationship Symptoms

Manipulative People: Covert Aggressive Personality Disorder