Saturday Musings: Wordless, Straw-less, Wall-less Gender-less, and Classless

Cardinals in my snowy back yard a few years ago.

Just Saying Some Trigger Words

Don’t think Margaret’s Musings promotes words without filters. We shouldn’t say things to purposely offend others. But I’m not so sure that we should continue omitting words that others have decided are offensive, or remain silent when words and symbols are hijacked for a use that is not what was originally intended.

There’s a growing list of taboo words in the making by a group of folks who I suspect is a rather small percentage of people. I just read where it is offensive to say you are American. Wait. What? I usually don’t stop saying “trigger words” if it is something I already say.

I. Am. American.

There.  I said it.

Gender X Babies
I wish this was fake news. According to the Daily Wire, a baby born in New York City can grow up with no identity. I don’t think the law Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into effect states it quite that way, but how confusing for a four-year-old to not know if he or she is male or female! Identities are crucial for all of us. I can't imagine being in fifth or sixth grade and my parents are asking me if I'm a boy or a girl...or what I am.

The further we get away from the Bible, the more confused people are becoming as to who they are…who God created them to be, that is…and they are passing down even more confusion to their offspring.

Straws
Cities coast to coast are banning plastic straws. Over the last few years, I have read stories of how straws kill marine animals. If true, and it appears to be, turtles, sharks, fish, and birds have fallen prey to the evil straw. I am not rolling my eyes at the banning of straws, I’m sure the plastic straw companies will come up with a biodegradable replacement. I am, however, wondering if people were more responsible with trash…but that opens up a whole ‘nother digression. Litterbugs.

Back to straws, don’t mess with this Florida chick...watch Yasmine James' fists as she's grabbed by an angry straw-less customer:

I had to show the news clip because the full video is profanity laden.

Speaking of profanity...

The New House

Good grief. The things some of America’s new representatives are saying!  I’m not sure if I’m more appalled that people like Rashid Tlaib are elected, or by what they are saying. Both, I think.

The Wall

I am all for building the wall. I am also for allowing immigrants into our country. If “Dreamers” (those who were brought here as children) are law abiding, they should be given a path to citizenship without fear. America is the life they know. I am not for destroying lives.

Building a wall is good stewardship of the freedom we have. America should allow immigrants in, no doubt about it. But there needs to be an equal and fair process for each and every person desiring to pass our borders, and we need the capability to veto entrance. I realize that there are people outside our box who really need relief or who just desire a better life for themselves and their families. People who want to come to America to find work and be productive, let them begin the process of coming in! If they are coming to join the ranks of Americans who are living on government assistance, send them back home. Don’t we need to take care of our own people in need and our homeless before we bring in more?

That wall sure has caused division 

and it isn't even built yet. 

I hope your weekend is a grand one!

Pray for our country!

Seriously, pray.

2019 Word of the Year

For the last six years, I have shared a Word of the Year.   Last year, it was "New," and God did do a new thing for me, something I will be sharing in the days to come.

The word for 2019 is "Stewardship."  A few weeks ago as I was praying for strength and wisdom to become a better steward of all that God has given me, it occurred to me that I should use it as the Word of the Year.   Then suddenly, I was hearing and seeing the word everywhere.  The preacher mentioned it...I heard it on a video, I read it on some obscure post somewhere.  Funny how confirmation works, isn't it?

In the past, my words of the year, I felt, were mostly for me.

This one, I believe, is for all of us.

You may be wondering about the scripture choice for the word "Stewardship."  My other choice was Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  I chose "Seek My face" because it is more personal...to seek His face is to seek the very presence of God.   If we are in His presence, we are going to be aware of His goodness, and we will strive to be good stewards of all He gives us.  In His presence, we will want more of Him and less of ourselves.  Its funny the things we will try to hold on to....I suppose that's a whole post to itself.

What is an area where you could be a better steward in 2019?   It is easy to take for granted all His blessings when we've had them all of our lives, never having to be without modern conveniences.  I try to remember to be grateful for simple things, something I've come to realize with age is that not everyone can get up out a nice comfortable bed every morning, go take a hot shower, toss wrinkled clothes in a dryer, go to a job they love...I can't help but wonderful if thankfulness and stewardship go hand in hand.

• Are we good stewards of His love?   Do we share the Love of the Father with those who have fallen, or do we pass judgment?  Do we help others when we can?   What about when it's a little inconvenient?   
• Are we good stewards of the freedoms He has provided?  We live in a country where we can openly read the Bible, go to church, pray, all without fear.   Every now and then, we may have to put up with some snide remarks or an insult for our faith...but, so?   

Last year, I read the Bible through.   It wasn't the first time I did it, but it was the first time I really tried to take the time to understand more about what I was reading.  I used two and sometimes three versions to help me understand the more difficult passages.  This year, I plan to try harder to understand what I'm reading.

Have you ever heard that reading the Bible is life-changing?  It really is.  In July of 2017, I made up my mind to endeavor to not miss a day of reading at least some scripture, even if it was just one short chapter.   It wasn't until just over a year later that I realized that, indeed, He was doing a work in me.  I have so much to tell you!

For now, I want to tell you...to implore you...read the Bible.  Every day.   You don't have to read it through in a year, though at least once in your life, you should do that!   Just read it.   Start with Psalms.  Or Genesis.  Jonah, Ruth, Esther, Proverbs...all are interesting books!   Or any of the New Testament books.  Just read! 

When you come across a verse that speaks to you, 

underline it, reread it, memorize it!

Be a good steward of all I am given, be aware of His goodness.  Be grateful for His blessings, every day.  These are my goals for 2019.   Seek His face, His presence.  Seek him first. 

Prior Words of the Year: