Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

why are we dependent on foreign oil?

The question posed in the title has been rolling around in my head for a long time. I believe it is important to tend God's garden, to be a good steward of all that God has provided to mankind, protecting the environment and practicing conservation. But I also believe it is necessary for the US to start recovering our own oil rather than depending upon nations who hate us to provide it while we make them richer and richer. I believe America can and must begin recovering the oil available to us.

Here's a tidbit I found on Energy Tomorrow.

Demand for energy is rising around the world, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and the International Energy Administration. Data show global demand for oil and natural gas will likely grow 45% by 2030 compared with 2006.

The Department of Interior estimates there are 112 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil beneath U.S. federal lands and coastal waters. That’s enough oil to fuel 60 million cars for 60 years, when you take into account the average yield of gasoline from a barrel of crude oil and the average number of gallons of gasoline consumed annually by a passenger vehicle.

(Click to enlarge graphic.)

Silent tsunami of hunger

If you've been to the grocery store lately, you know that the cost of groceries is on the rise. The thing is, Americans have been very focused on the price of gas to fill our cars but we tend to grab off the store shelves what we want/need without thinking about the price too much. After all, we've grown up in an era of prosperity. Well, we're thinking about it now, especially those on fixed incomes. And we're thinking about what is happening around the world because we are no longer isolated and economically strong.

If you're a believer, remember that we were born for such a time as this. God has a plan. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His heart is for restoration, reconciliation, redemption. We can make a difference in the crises the world is facing: Corrupt and immoral leadership/government; poor health and disease; environmental decline; world hunger; human injustice (human trafficking); illiteracy; confusion and spiritual deadness. My church, through what is being called Isaiah 61 ministries, is dedicated to reaching out and making a difference in these seven identified world crises. God is calling His people to action.

Here is a good article from USA Today that is worth reading:

'Silent tsunami' of hunger washes over poor nations

Since the 1970s, aside from isolated famines caused by social upheaval, world hunger has been on the decline. Undernourishment in the developing world dropped from 37% of the population in 1969-71 to 17% in 2002-04, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

Improved agricultural techniques, smart planning and global trade all played a role in this success. In fact, too much food was produced in some places, including the USA, and more farmers were paid not to produce food.

But suddenly, hunger is again plaguing the planet, threatening human beings and political stability. The crisis, stoked by soaring commodity prices, is hitting the world unevenly.

In the USA, rising costs for staples such as white bread (up 16.3% in the past year), milk (up 13.3%), eggs (34.8%) and bananas (17%) are causing hardship for lower-income Americans.

Read the remainder of the article here.

-rlh-

cosmetic surgery ... should you?

Related to my post of last evening, this morning, I caught a piece on Fox News about Presley's experience. She had silicone injected into her face by a quack (I guess he was a non-licensed plastic surgeon). Silicone into the face is not an approved procedure and can apparently cause a lot of problems, including a bloated look and saggy, puffy jowls. The news item didn't discuss only Presley. They mentioned others, including Lara Flynn Boyle (pictured). The plastic surgeon Fox was interviewing said that these women "look like Cabbage Patch doll versions of themselves." That is the perfect description of what they look like.

Then there was the death of Kanye West's mother who went in for cosmetic surgery and died under anesthesia due to an existing condition. If she hadn't wanted to look younger, perhaps she would still be alive.

The young gal (early 30s) who used to do my nails elected to have her breasts enlarged and then started to get Botox injections in her forehead. In her early 30s!!!

Our culture of celebrity is driving women to some desperate places, and it is sad.

Watch some movies from the 40's and you'll see that actresses used to have some meat on their bones - and be thought attractive. Now we watch walking, talking toothpicks. I saw Keira Knightly in Atonement and she looked like a surviver of some sort of terrible concentration camp. It isn't pretty.

Well, that's my rant about American culture for the day.

-rlh-

smurf this

Don't let this get around, but I haven't yet admitted to middle age. In my head, I am somewhere in my thirties. Both of my daughters are also in their thirties. Hmm.

Anyway, I just learned that the Smurfs have turned 50. I was really feeling ancient when I heard this because I would have sworn that I was already a mom when I first saw a Smurf. But then I saw that they debuted in the US in 1981. Okay, now I feel better.

-rlh-

Huckabee vs. Paul

Randy Alcorn has another terrific post about the Republican candidates, this time a comparison between Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. I am so grateful for Randy's concise and easy-to-understand analysis on some rather important topics.

Like Randy, I don't really enjoy talking politics. But also like Randy, I have my reasons for remaining informed and involved. To the right is a picture of just one of them, Granddaughter #1 (with her horse on Thanksgiving Day). My daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren have a lot of life ahead of them, God willing, and I pray that it will be in a world more safe and secure than what we have today.

The selection of the right candidate to lead this country is vital. Which is why, more than ever, I support Mike Huckabee.

-rlh-

what makes a good candidate?

"Every Christian must take these teachings seriously. Is the candidate’s stand on the issue of shedding innocent blood important enough to disqualify him as a candidate? Yes. While a single issue can’t qualify a candidate, it can disqualify him. Clearly this issue disqualifies Rudy Giuliani. I don’t think someone is a good candidate just because they are pro-life. But they cannot be a good candidate unless they are prolife." — Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspectives

Read Randy's entire post, Sacrificing Children on the Republican Altar. It's long, but it is well worth the time it will take you to read it. Read it and contemplate it.

Update: Link to Randy's initial post (on why he supports Huckabee)

-rlh-

Randy Alcorn's thoughts on Huckabee

Randy Alcorn is a wonderful writer, a deep thinker, a believer steeped in the Word. I've had the privilege of getting to know him personally over the past seven years, and I respect him a great deal. That's why I was so interested in his recent post about why he is supporting Mike Huckabee for president. It's well worth reading.

Update: What Makes a Good Candidate?

is this insane or what?

This was on the news two days ago and I meant to blog about it sooner but didn't find the time.

Did you hear about the 8th grade student who got two days of detention for hugging two of her friends goodbye?

It's true. A school in Illinois has outlawed hugging in school. Another school in Alabama has the same rule, and a kid got detention of hugging a friend who'd lost a parent.

Here's what the Mascoutah, Illinois School District said regarding their code of conduct, which prohibits any public displays of affection: "Displays of affection should not occur on the school campus at any time. It is in poor taste, reflects poor judgment and brings discredit to the school and to the persons involved." So hugging a friend who has suffered the death of a parent is in "poor taste"? Oh man. Whoever said that needs their head examined and quick.

Another news report this week was about girls as young as eleven being allowed to obtain birth control pills without their parents' permission. Eleven???? Have the schools stolen the rights of parents completely? It sure looks like it to me.These are our schools? These are the systems we hand our children and grandchildren over to? It terrifies me what awaits my grandchildren. The world has turned upside down since I was 11 or 13.

The hearts of the sons of men are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. (Eccl. 9:3)

-rlh-

potpourri

Item #1:  The Leopard OS for the Mac is coming and I'm going to have it. My upgrade disks will arrive on Friday. I plan to upgrade my laptop first and see what happens before I upgrade my main machine. My friends who are longtime Mac users tell me that they've always had easy upgrade experiences without glitches. But others have said they wait awhile until any unexpected glitches appear and are fixed.

Item #2: After some research, I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for the Republican party's nomination for President. I believe we are at a critical place in this nation's history, and I shudder to think about our future under some candidates.

Item #3:  I'm two days late with my Christian Fiction Monday, but here you go:

Deborah Raney's books have won the RITA Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award and the Silver Angel from Excellence in Media, and Playing by Heart was a Christy Award finalist. Deborah's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. She and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. They have four children and two little grandsons who live much too far away. Visit Deb's website at http://www.deborahraney.com

The brand new sequel to A Vow to Cherish, will release this week from Steeple Hill in mass market format. Within This Circle continues the story of John Brighton and Julia Sinclair. After a tumultuous courtship, John and Julia Brighton have a second chance at happiness, a fresh marriage and, now that their children are grown, a new era in their lives to revel in the promise of the future. Only such a promise is never guaranteed. And life can change in a heartbeat.

A Vow to Cherish released in mass market format last month. This beautiful book duo would make a wonderful Christmas gift for your favorite reader.

on the wings of a legacy

The successful launch of Endeavor today meant a lot to Idahoans. You see, Barbara Morgan was the runner up in the Teacher in Space program over 20 years ago. At the time she was selected, she was a teacher in McCall, Idaho, a small lake and ski resort community 100 north of Boise. (Her husband, by the way, is a novelist. I got to meet and talk to Clay Morgan many years. His family goes way, way back in the McCall area.)

Anyway, Barbara was watching in Florida when the Challenger exploded. Christa McAuliffe was her friend as well as fellow educator. But despite that horrible disaster in 1986, Barbara never let go of the dream to go into space. She went on to become an astronaut, and today, as Mission control exclaimed, Barbara Morgan was "racing toward space on the wings of a legacy.” (Loved that line!) Her dream of being a teacher in space is being fulfilled (at the age of 55!) even as I write this blog.

Okay, I cried. Most of those teachers she worked with in McCall twenty years ago cried. Most of the state of Idaho was watching and cheering - and a lot of us crying or at least sniffling. And we breathed a huge sigh of relief as they passed that 73 second mark. (In the photo of the crew, Barbara is second from the left.)

Barbara will be doing some teaching from space, including speaking to Idaho kids at the Discovery Center in a couple of days. I may stay up late tonight to try to see the International Space Station as it travels across the Idaho skies around 10:45. Congrats, Barbara. We're cheering for you. Wave as you pass over us.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: Barbara Morgan, endeavor

Happy 4th of July

I hope you readers are all having a great 4th of July. If you're an American, you may be celebrating Independence Day with a parade and/or a barbecue and/or fireworks. If you live elsewhere, this may be just another work day.

I'm going to a potluck at my church later this afternoon. Afterward, many (if not most) will head into town to watch the fireworks. They are expecting upwards of 20,000 people in Ann Morrison Park for the event. I won't be there, however. I'm coming home so I can do any last minute packing. I'd love to go to bed early. However, it isn't going to happen. I'll have family dropping by the house late this evening.

The alarm will go off at 4 a.m. tomorrow, and I'll head to the airport after 5 a.m. I'll probably do some sleeping on the plane. It's a four hour flight from Boise to Atlanta. The direct flight only exists in the summer, so I am thankful for that. And once I step off the plane, it is pretty much go-go-go until I return to the airport next week.

Friday I'll be in a one day workshop/seminar with Donald Maas. I'm told by those who have attended his "intensive" weekends that I'll come away really inspired. I sure hope so! I'm going to the Christy Award banquet on Saturday night. I'll have lots of friends there to cheer for and can celebrate no matter who wins. Sunday there is a media breakfast to attend in the morning and a publisher's dinner to attend in the evening. Monday I have breakfast with my agent and one of my editors, check out the convention floor with a couple of my buddies, meet with another editor, meet with a friend I haven't connected with in several years, and then off to another publisher's dinner. Tuesday I give a morning devotional, followed by a signing of Return to Me and then a signing of Trouble in Paradise. The day will end with me having dinner with my pastor's wife. She and her husband, my pastor, are there because of the environmental book he's written. I told her it was really something when we have to fly from Boise to Atlanta in order to have dinner together.

While I'm gone, Boise is supposed to hit temperatures from 107 to 110 degrees. Atlanta isn't supposed to be that hot, but it doesn't cool off much at night and is so humid. It could be just as bad as those 100+ temps, even though "it's a dry heat." Thank God for electricity and air conditioning. I hope the family and the dog get through the heat okay.

If there's a chance, I'll try to post a photo or two from the ICRS convention.

-rlh-

grandma works okay for me

Susan Felt in THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC had a piece about grandparents. I don't know the original date or title of her article, but the article made it into the Idaho Statesman this morning with the title "Don't Call Me Grandpa: Boomers adopt new monikers." A large photo of a rocking Mick Jagger accompanied it.  I googled to see if I could find the original and discovered this piece has been reprinted all over the net.

Naturally, I find it interesting because I am a young grandmother of six (ages 1 to 14). I became a first time grandma at the age of 41. My only surviving grandparent was 70 when I was born and just shy of 82 when she died. The person I remember as Grandma was an elderly, mostly inactive, very wrinkled woman who told amazing stories. Me, I'm riding roller coasters with my grandkids.

But unlike some of the boomers in this story, I don't mind being called Grandma or Grandma Robin. Although I admit that I rather like it when I'm out with my oldest granddaughter and people think I'm her mom. My 93-year-old mother Lucille chose to be called GG Cille by her great-grandkids to minimize the confusion of more than one grandma in the house.

So, after you read the article, tell me how you other Boomer Grandparents out there feel about this. What do you like to be called? And if you aren't a grandparent yet but that reality is zipping toward you in the foreseeable future, what do you want to be called when the time comes?

******************************

Baby boomers may be besotted with being grandparents, but they're not embossing "Grandma" or "Grandpa" on their T-shirts. The generation that redefined parenthood is looking for a cooler title than "Granny."

The image of grandma and grandpa has moved from actor Will Geer, who played Grandpa on "The Waltons," to rocker Mick Jagger and actress Goldie Hawn, who anointed herself "Glamma" when her grandson was born.

This is the generation that says middle age begins at 48 and old age doesn't start until 75 or later, according to Matt Thornhill, founder and president of The Boomer Project, a marketing, consulting and research firm in Richmond, Va.

Parents: Wake Up!

April 23, 2007

(Ventura, CA) - Researcher and bestselling author George Barna says the current public debate about the implications of the Virginia Tech tragedy is missing the point.

"The animated conversations about gun control, campus security, counseling standards, campus communications, drug abuse and mental health funding do not address the core issue raised by this event. This situation is not primarily a challenge to politicians, educators or police. It’s a dramatic wake-up call to parents."

Barna indicated that he was sympathetic toward the parents of the college student who murdered 31 classmates and faculty before taking his own life. But he also stated that it sometimes takes a crisis to focus attention on important issues that a society must address.

Citing the Research

Barna’s studies on parenting and child development led him to offer a series of facts and observations related to the Virginia Tech situation.

1. By the time an American child is 23 years old, as was the killer in Virginia, he will have seen countless murders among the more than 30,000 acts of violence to which he is exposed through television, movies and video games.
2. By the age of 23, the average American will have viewed thousands of hours of pornographic images, which diminish the dignity and value of human life.
3. After nearly a quarter century on earth, the typical American will have listened to hundreds of hours of music that fosters anger, hatred, disrespect for authority, selfishness, and radical independence.

Read the remainder of this article.

God, have mercy

By the time I'm writing this, the whole world knows about Virginia Tech and the carnage that happened there yesterday. So many lost and broken lives. So many families plunged into heartache. The shooter, a student, has been identified, but trying to understand the why will take much longer, and even when the why is proposed, it will only be a best guess, for the one person who knew why took his own life at the end.

At times like this -- and there have been far too many "times like this" in recent memory -- I find it hard to write. I find myself searching for some sort of answer, something that will make sense of the insanity. Murder and mayhem have been the lot of humans since Cain killed Abel, but I long for peace in our time. I cry out, "Come, Lord Jesus!"

Searching for answers is part of being a novelist. We have a great need to understand the world around us, to understand the people who enter into and depart from our lives. We long to share the truths we have found through the pages of our stories. Sometimes the writing itself is how we discover the truth.

But for now, I grieve. I grieve that my grandchildren cannot feel safe in their schools. I grieve that so many young people -- raised on the violence that is common in music, video games, and movies, raised in a society that too often disparages moral absolutes -- think the only answer is to take their own lives, after first taking as many other lives as they possibly can.

God, have mercy on this nation. May those who are called by Your name humble themselves and pray, and may You heal this land. Amen. 

Technorati Tags: virginia tech

Barna Survey: The God Gap

I'm always interested in reading the various surveys that Barna conducts. It makes me a little more conscious of the realities rather than what I begin to believe if I only interact with my circle of like-thinking friends. That's true of his recent survey, too.

The God Gap? The Faith of Republicans and Democrats

March 5, 2007

(Ventura, CA) - Whose side will "God" be on in the 2008 presidential election? Recent elections have emphasized the importance of Christian voters to American electoral outcomes. How is this element of private spiritual life likely to influence party politics leading up to 2008?

A new survey from The Barna Group explores the so-called "God gap" between Republicans and Democrats, examining 32 measures of religious commitment, belief and activity. The study shows that while Republicans continue to hold advantage in attracting born again Christian voters, Democrats are not as far behind on measures of Christian commitment as might be assumed.

Republicans were distinct from Democrats on 18 of the 32 measures. However, less than half of those (just eight of the 32 factors) generated a difference of more than 10 percentage points, suggesting that in most areas of faith, the gap between the two parties is not large.

Read the rest of the survey here.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: elections, democrats, republicans

Not the whole truth

My issue of Time Magazine (which I rarely read much of because its so-far-to-the-left liberal focus on every topic drives me nuts) arrived yesterday. When I saw the cover, I tossed it aside, knowing it would make my teeth ache to read the lead article.

Well, I just read what Angela Hunt had to say about it on her blog, and now I can send you over there to read her excellent and well thought out comments. I have nothing to add except to say, "Thank you, Angie, for stating the case for life so well."

 

Time Magazine--Pot Calling the Kettle Black?

This week's Time Magazine (Feb. 26, 2007) features a cover story titled "The Abortion Campaign You Never Hear About: Crisis pregnancy centers are working to win over one woman at a time. But are they playing fair?"

I've had only a few moments to skim the story, but the gist seems to be that by letting pregnant women hold life-sized plastic models of their unborn babies, crisis pregnancy counselors are extending an emotional appeal that is "unfair." By telling women that abortion increases the chance for breast cancer, CPCs are using scare tactics.

They quote Christopher Hollis, Planned Parenthood's vice president for governmental and political affairs in North Carolina. He says, "What is really tragic to me is that a woman goes into a center looking for information, looking to be able to make a better, healthy choice, and she doesn't get all the facts."

Excuuuuuse me? I'm sorry, but that's what we've felt about Planned Parenthood centers for YEARS. Women there are not told they're carrying a baby, but a lump of cells called a "zygote" or a "fetus." After hearing former NOW-president Patricia Ireland speak, an editor friend of mine remarked that he got the feeling she would rather call the unborn child a potato than a baby.

Read the rest of Angie's post here.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: Abortion, Planned Parenthood, Time Magazine

world, meet the cinderella team

Robin here. You know, the gal who said she wasn't much of a football fan. Well, that doesn't apply when it comes to the BSU Broncos. I watched the game last night, and I must say that it was a nail biter into the last seconds. Those boys played their hearts out. They played smart. They were steady and didn't lose their heads, even when mistakes were made. Coach Chris Peterson is an amazing coach, humble, smart, all kinds of accolades.

The game took off quickly and it was 7-0 Broncos and then 14-0 Broncos. Then the Sooners came back and finally it was 14-10 Broncos. In the fourth quarter, it was 28-20 Broncos. And then with less than three minutes to go, the Sooners pulled ahead. It was 28-35 Sooners.

I thought it was over. I really did. I text messaged Daughter #1 and wrote "Heartbreaker." She texted back, "Not over yet."

Good Grief! Holy Cow! Was she ever right. The Broncos pulled it out. The game was tied 35-35, and into overtime we went. Broncos won the toss and chose defense first. On the very first play, the Sooners took the ball in for a touchdown. The Broncos were behind, 35-42.

Watching those last plays was nothing short of agony. Unlike that quick touchdown by the Sooners, the Broncos took us down the field carefully and methodically. Touchdown. Now what? Yes, folks. They went for the two-pointer. In a spectacular play, the Broncos did it. They won 43-42.

A stunned Sooner crowd was drowned out by the 30,000 cheering fans who had traveled to Arizona. That "Bronco Nation" crowd, in addition to my daughters, sons-in-law, and one son-in-law's father (a former BSU president) included the 90 year old former coach of the Boise Junior College football program; the former mayor and governor of Idaho who is now the Interior Secretary, Dirk Kempthorne; the newly-sworn in governor of Idaho, Butch Otter; and the current Boise mayor, David Bieter.

See all the stuff you learn when you stay up until well after 11 p.m. to watch a game and its recap on the local news. Downtown Boise became one huge, spontaneous, car-honking party. Firecrackers were going off in my neighborhood again (and my frightened sheltie was back in the kennel).

If Florida beats Ohio next week, the Broncos will be the only undefeated college team in the country. Gosh, I may have to watch another game. And buy a blue and orange shirt.

Okay, I'm going in search of "normal Robin." She must be around here somewhere.

BSU!  BSU!  BSU!

Oh, a side note. Marty Tadman, BSU Safety, is a strong Christian with an inspirational story (raised Jewish, fell into drugs, found Christ and turned his life around). And Ian Johnson, BSU Tailback, who ran so many yards last night, fell to one knee and proposed to his girlfriend in the end zone.

-rlh-

Boise State Broncos

All right. I said in my last post that I was off to write, but I would be remiss if I didn't post something about the Fiesta Bowl. Our local college football team, the Boise State Broncos, were 12-0 this year, and they were chosen to play in the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe against the Oklahoma Sooners.

I will make it clear at the start that I am not a big football fan, mostly because it is too cold in those bleachers for too many of those games. And I don't enjoy watching sports on TV with the exception of figure skating and the Olympics (summer and winter). But when an entire city is swept up in Fiesta Bowl fever, it's hard not to catch some of it. I may even watch the game tonight.

Even a non-sports, non-football gal like me knows that the Sooners are a big, big, team, and most people don't know who the heck the Boise Broncos are. Well, I'm hoping by the time the game is done, they'll have the answer. We are definitely the underdogs, but I'm hoping we'll do ourselves proud, even if we don't win.

Both of my daughters and their husbands, plus friends and one father-in-law, are currently in Arizona, one of more that 20,000 Boiseans who have traveled south to see the game tonight.

GO BRONCOS!!!!!

-rlh-

RIP, Gerald Ford

Former President Gerald Ford passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93.

I always admired President Ford and wish he'd had more of an opportunity as president. He stepped into office in a time of great turmoil (following Nixon's resignation) and served his country well and with honor. Certainly I wish he'd won the election in 1976. How different those next four years might have been.

President Bush on Wednesday remembered former President Gerald Ford as a "man of complete integrity who led our country with common sense and kind instincts" and helped restore faith in the presidency after the Watergate scandal.

"On Aug. 9, 1974, he stepped into the presidency without ever having sought the office," Bush said. "He assumed power in a period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most."

Rest in peace, Mr. Ford.

-rlh-

pc holidays

Remember when everybody said, "Merry Christmas," without worrying if they had offended someone? I do. Well, in order to make things easier for you, I've come across the politically correct greeting (credit: Mikey’s Funnies) for this time of year.

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all; plus,

A fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of the other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation or sexual orientation.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for him/herself or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)

-rlh-

something to think about

This is a thought provoking post regarding the swearing in of Keith Ellison, D-Minn, to congress.

I had to take a step back and process for a moment.

-rlh-

black friday

Are you a Black Friday shopper? I am not.

But then, I seem to have missed receiving the "shopping gene" that is present in, I believe, the majority of women. I don't enjoy shopping. For anything. To me, shopping is a matter of necessity. When I need something, I go to the store, look, find, buy, get out. This often means that it costs me more because I rarely happen to be in the store when what I want is on sale. Exception to that rule happened two or three weeks ago when I went into the mall to look at coats, and the store where I went had all coats at 50% off!

About five years ago, my stove up and died on Thanksgiving Day (fortunately after dinner was prepared). So on Friday morning, I was at the furniture store when it opened. Ugh! The crowds were incredible. Still, I found the stove I wanted rather quickly, then got in line to pay for the thing. Took me about an hour to make it to the cashier. It was worth it because I was able to have the new stove delivered on Saturday.

It's about 8:00 AM as I write this. Some shoppers have been out there for three hours already. Ack! Sounds awful to me.

So here I shall stay, safe in the quiet and warmth of my in-home office. I shall work some, and if the mood strikes, maybe I'll do a little Christmas decorating (the photo is from two years ago). Or maybe I'll nap. That's always a good thing to do on Black Friday.

-rlh-

in lieu of chocolate

Tis the season for gift giving. I've already read one on-line conversation about what sort of gift an author should send to their editor or their agent. I know there are lots of publishing professionals about to receive handy-dandy items purchased from Levenger's or wonderful boxes of chocolates from a number of different fine chocolate makers.

Several years ago, I got to thinking about this, and I wondered how many boxes of chocolate one editor needed. That's when it occurred to me to change my gift-giving with business associates. I decided to give to a charity.

I chose Angel Tree, a ministry of Prison Fellowship. Among other things, Angel Tree supplies Christmas gifts to children of prisoners. So now, at Christmas, I send a card to those I want to thank, and I tell them of the gift I made on their behalf to Angel Tree.

My agent, Natasha Kern, also makes this her practice. Rather than sending gifts to her clients, she gives to charity. One organization she has given to is Heifer International. Heifer International has a goal to end hunger around the world. I don't know about her other clients, but I feel good when I get her card. No other gift she could send me would feel as good.

It's fun, of course, to give and receive gifts. I enjoy getting boxes of chocolates and cool items from Levenger's as much as the next person. I enjoy buying gifts and sending them, too. I'm not saying that's wrong. But I encourage those who read this post to think about those who won't have any gifts this Christmas or who will go to bed hungry. Think about them and then give to a charity of your choice.

We can make a difference, one person at a time.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

something to be thankful for

Thanks to an alert reader comment in my previous post, I've confirmed that both the book and the TV interview about OJ Simpson have been canceled. I cannot find words enough to express how glad I am that the outrage expressed across America turned the tide and caused the powers that be to rethink the wisdom of publishing said book and/or airing said interview.

-rlh-

how low can we sink?

I take it that just about everybody has heard about OJ's book, If I Did It, that Regan Books is releasing, as well as the interviews with OJ that will be on Fox TV on November 27 & 29.

There is a lot of outrage on the news and on the Internet about the book and interview. But I have the sick feeling in my gut that too many will still tune into the shows and will still buy the book. Sort of like the rubberneckers who slow down to see the blood when there is an accident on the freeway. And thinking that saddens me and sickens me.

If you have been living in the north woods for the past week and don't know anything about this new low in American culture, here's a clip from a CBS News piece:

The widely-condemned O.J. Simpson book and Fox TV special, in which the former football star speculates how he would have killed his ex-wife and her friend, has been met with particularly loud criticism from commentators for the Fox News Channel, which is owned by Ruper Murdoch's News Corporation — which also owns the Fox television network and HarperCollins, the publisher of the new book.

Mark Fuhrman, a former LAPD detective who testified during the Simpson trial and who is now a commentator for Fox News, lashed out at the book and TV show. "This is entertainment? Is this the lowest form of reality TV? What kind of people would do this? I have no idea, but I have no respect for anybody who would engage this man in anything except maybe a knife fight."

Geraldo Rivera, who covered the Simpson trial in 1994 and later joined Fox News, called the Simpson book "disgusting."

"I think he's demonstrating that he made a fool of the jury in Los Angeles and all of the black community across the country that supported him," Rivera said.

Bill O'Reilly, whose "The O'Reilly Factor" is the highest-rated show on Fox News, also decried the Simpson book and special. "If every American walked away from the O.J. garbage, it wouldn't happen," he said.

O'Reilly made sure to point out that his show and the Fox News Channel have "nothing to do with the Simpson situation."

Meanwhile, one of the nation's largest superstore chains, Borders Group Inc., expects Simpson's new book to have "strong sales," but will donate profits to charity.

There's more to the piece if you want to click on the link and read it all.

May I suggest that we all find something uplifting and edifying to do on November 27 & 29, something that keeps us far away from the Fox TV channel and this interview. And rather than buying a copy of OJ's infamous book (even at a store like Borders that says profits will go to charity), may I suggest that you give the entire $25 or $30 to a charity of your choice instead. Save a tree and give to a good cause.

-rlh-

thank a veteran

Veteran's Day. Does it mean anything to most Americans (other than those big sales happening at the mall and all the furniture stores in town)? I hope it does.

I hope each person who reads this post will pause for a moment and say a prayer of thanks for those who have been willing in the past and who are willing today to lay down their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy. If you know someone serving in the armed forces, call them, email them, write to them, and say "Thanks."

And remember, if you are a Christ-follower, you're expected to be one of God's warriors. That makes you a veteran, too. Our armor is truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.

Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Thank you, veterans, from the bottom of my heart.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

one good thing about today

It's election day in the US. Did you vote yet?

That "one good thing" I mentioned in the title of this post is that political ads are behind us for another year. Were they as nasty where you live as where I live? Are they getting worse all the time or am I just getting cantankerous?

I began my day with my Bible reading. Wouldn't you know it? My read through of the New Testament brought me to Romans 13 today.

Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. (Romans 13:1)

Well, right after I finished my reading in Romans, I prayed hard for the results of this election. Lord, please place the right men and women in power to rule our nation. While I don't believe that God is a Republican or a Democrat, I do believe He cares about the direction this nation is going, and I'm trusting Him for the outcome.

My mom and I went to vote around 9:30 a.m. There was no line but all of the voting booths were occupied when we entered the room. By the time we had our ballots, two booths had opened up, so we were able to vote and go home rather quickly. Supposedly they are expecting high turn outs in Idaho due to several hotly contested seats and issues, but there wasn't nearly the crowd as when we went to vote two years ago at the same time.

Oh, America, may God continue to shed His grace on thee.

-rlh-

pray for those in authority

I've blogged before on the anniversaries of 9/11. Words are always hard to come by when I think of this national tragedy that has so altered the world I live in. Today, I'm revisiting what I wrote two years ago because I believe these words are still what I need to be saying and doing.

Where were you when . . .

In my lifetime, there have been several of those pivotal, unforgettable moments that are seared into the minds and hearts of many. JFK's assassination. The Challenger explosion. 9/11.

Five years ago, I sat on the sofa, my heart and mind crying out against the images I saw on TV. I live far, far away from New York City, but on that day, I became in some small way, as did many others, a New Yorker. In an instant of horror too much to believe, my innocence was snatched away from me, never to return. As a nation, we cared deeply for those who lost much. We reached out. We gave to others. For a period of time, we were united as a nation.

Sadly, our resolve has weakened with time. We were told that the war on terror would take time and sacrifice and that it would be unlike any war we'd fought before. At the time, the nation said we would take the time, expend the effort. But we Americans are too often a spoiled, impatient people who want everything in an instant and without emotional or physical cost. We have become a people who too often claim we are responsible for nothing. We often blame our bad habits and wrong actions on others (our parents, our siblings, the mean kids we went to school with, the coffee that was too hot at McDonalds). Hateful accusations are flung about with reckless abandon toward anyone who doesn't agree with our politics or our philosophies or our religion.

And so today I ask myself: When was the last time I prayed for blessing and wisdom for President Bush and others in authority? Too long. Too seldom. Shame on me. I should be doing it daily. If I want to walk in obedience to God, I need to pray faithfully.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. (Romans 13:1-3)

The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience.  (Romans 13:4-5)

For the Lord's sake, accept all authority — the king as head of state, and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right. (1 Peter 2:13-14)

If you would like to pray for the Lord's protection against and defeat of terrorists, here is a great way to start. Brandilyn Collins at Forensics & Faith is using Psalm 10 for that very purpose.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

saturday sundries, week #36

I've kept my fanny glued to the chair in front of my computer over the three days since I last posted, but I did not make the progress I'd hoped I would. Progress, yes, but not enough. However, ideas are starting to pop a little more often. That's always a good sign. Especially since the writing schedule will remain intense for many, many weeks to come.

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The Boise Valley has been gasping, hacking, and coughing in terrible Stage 1 air quality alert. Smoke from something like sixteen forest fires has drifted into the valley and nestled against the foothills, growing worse day by day by day. People have been told not to spend time outdoors, not to exercise, basically to try not to breathe more than necessary. A hot wind blew through on Thursday night, but all it did was make the air smell even more like the neighborhood was on fire (and I live on the opposite side of the valley from the mountains). No smoke blew away, but I did get more small branches knocked out of my curly willow tree.

I must admit that the smoke has made for some spectacular sunrises, turning the morning sky an unusual shade of pink.

You can click on the photos for slightly bigger images if you wish. The one on the left is taken from my front yard, pointing at my neighbor's house. The one on the right is a little clearer view from my backyard.

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How about the Dems in congress threatening a TV network over a docudrama based on the 9/11 Commission report? What a ridiculous circus this has been! I have plenty I could say and would like to say, but I have had only limited time to follow the story and so don't feel qualified. But Hugh Hewitt has some informed columns regarding the matter. Here's a link to one called The Clinton Censors.

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So if thinking about the government and upcoming elections makes you want to scream, here is a bit of scripture to take to heart so we can all start praying for those who will be in authority over us when the election dust settles:

Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil.  Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.  (Rom. 13:1-7)

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The governing authorities are established by God. That's something to ponder in this day and age.

Which brings me to the Name of God I am meditating upon at presence:  ELOHIM (e-lo-HEEM), God, the Mighty Creator. In the beginning, He created everything out of nothing. He could have made things very different than He did. He could have made me very different than He did. I am created in His image. Amazing!

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And now it's time that I return to Patti and Al in the little town of Hart's Crossing where no politics or smoky forest fires are intruding on their lives. However, as is true of all of us, they have their own personal brand of trouble to deal with. My job is to make those troubles worse before things can get better. I am not a Mighty Creator, but I am made in the image of the Mighty Creator, so I create with a small "c" and hope to reveal some of His truth along the way.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

compassion vs. codependency

The alcoholism of someone I know has caused stress in a number of lives this past week, including that person's sibling to whom I've offered support and encouragement. Because of my Celebrate Recovery work in the biblical twelve steps, I was able to pretty much successfully walk that tricky line between compassion and codependency (rescuing, protecting, enabling, controlling).

Between Mel Gibson and Robin Williams, there has been a lot of talk in blogs and in the news lately about alcoholism. People have taken strong positions, sometimes self-righteous positions, and many words have been written or spoken out of complete ignorance of the addiction and recovery process. Behind those press statements saying that so-and-so has checked himself into a clinic for 30 days lies a complicated, conniving, insidious monster known as alcoholism that doesn't just do damage to the addict but to everyone close to him. The press statements make it sound easy. They check in and 30 days later everything is hunky-dory. It isn't that simple. I hope both Gibson and Williams are able to grasp hold of lasting recovery, but it's their wives, children, parents, siblings, and extended families who have been in my thoughts. The loved ones of alcoholics are why I wrote my novel, Beyond the Shadows. Because I have empathy and compassion for them. Because I know what it means to be not only at the end of your rope but at the end of your hope.

Over at The Doctor is In today, Dr. Bob has a great post called Healing Faith. It's a well-written, well-thought out piece on the topic of why God allows suffering in this world. The post isn't about addiction. But alcoholism certainly brings boatloads of suffering with it. Why doesn't God stop it? Why must the innocent suffer? I don't know.

Recently, I wrote this devotional piece:

When I first became a believer, I thought life would get easier, that there would be fewer disappointments and heartaches once I was a child of God. Not so. Fortunately, one of the first things God gave me was a love for His written word, and as I read the Bible, He spoke several verses into my life about praising Him no matter what. Daniel 3:17-18 was the first, followed by Habakkuk 3:17-19 and Job 13:15.

I have walked throu