Easter Sunday we enjoyed another wonderful church service, ate a fantastic sirloin roast, and drew on on the driveway with chalk. Good ole dirty fun in our Sunday best. Not to mention plenty of Easter goodies. Yum.
27.3.16
Happy Resurrection Sunday
We had a lovely weekend with wonderful weather. My husband was gracious enough to watch Lucy while I ran in the woods without having to push a stroller. Then Lucy and I went to a community of churches hosted helicopter egg hunt that was a fun change of pace. Later, we met up with Dada to paint a house.
Easter Sunday we enjoyed another wonderful church service, ate a fantastic sirloin roast, and drew on on the driveway with chalk. Good ole dirty fun in our Sunday best. Not to mention plenty of Easter goodies. Yum.
Easter Sunday we enjoyed another wonderful church service, ate a fantastic sirloin roast, and drew on on the driveway with chalk. Good ole dirty fun in our Sunday best. Not to mention plenty of Easter goodies. Yum.
22.3.16
My Lucy
Lucy recently celebrated her second birthday. Today, she walked with her father to the fruit orchard to examine the trees development. Wearing a brown hooded jacket and pink pants waddling beside her father I became overwhelmed with pride and sadness. My little girl has grown faster than I realize. She is starting to speak in fragmented sentences. Names objects to her baby doll as they move around. Sings songs and paints scribble. Loves books and soft animals. No doubt she is very impressionable as mimics her mother and father. More than ever I treasure the importance of parenting and pray more fervently God is gracious for my failings. This child is the best part of me and I hope you enjoy her too.
Call for a Hero
I’ve paid my dues
Time after time
I’ve done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes,
I’ve made a few
I’ve had my share of sand kicked in my face,
But I’ve come through
(And I need just go on and on and on and on)
We are the champions, my friend
And we’ll keep on fighting ‘til the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions of the world
The 1977 song We Are the Champions by Queen embodies the Trump appeal for millions of Americans. Trump often brags about America becoming winners under his leadership, but his outlandish pomposity typically creates over the top eye-rolls or contempt. By no mean, should a Trump presidency be a conceivable option, however after learning of my husband’s support for Trump during the Kentucky caucus reevaluation of my distain for the reality T.V. billionaire requires special attention. In our discussion for presidential qualities truth unveiled a revelation: America needs a hero.
The United States for the past three decades has undergone economic struggles, wars, attacks, protests, scandals, and unconstitutional court verdicts. Promises, charges, declarations have proven meaningless. Money, lobbyist, and deceit have muted frustrated voices and movements. At every corner the people have been searching for a hero to make a stand mighty and unrelenting. When 911 struck the people were ready to be a force to reckon only to be disappointed by a wild goose chase and an endless war without vengeance. The Hope and Change pledge, an era of new beginnings, became blemished by racism, unemployment, decreased economic growth, and fear for international terror. Disillusionment after despondency after discouragement after disappointment. One reminder after another verifying America is indeed weak, ineffective, and silent.
America has acquired momentous heroes. American men and women have accomplished enormous feats for the betterment of mankind. George Washington, Nathan Hale, Daniel Boone, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Fredrick Douglas, Sitting Bull, Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, George Patton, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, John Glenn, Martin Luther King, Jr., Neil Armstrong and the list goes on. Each individual arose against vast odds and fought valiantly. They will be remembered and admired for their contribution to the American ideology.
The definition for the word hero is a man who is admired for his nobility and courage. The country has lacked an admirable hero for decades. (By no means should U.S. soldiers’ contribution be disregarded, but their efforts have been overshadowed by bias.) There are athletes and Hollywood stars. We have musical artist and religious leaders, but all too often we are disappointed. It is never a surprise to learn the person is a druggy or an abuser or a pedophile or a scammer. The American public keeps searching for their hero hoping the comic book characters come alive.
Enter Donald Trump.
The loud boisterous billionaire enrolls a political race when America needs him most. Though the man says little of substance and design he is an outsider who knows how the real world works. He can achieve results without the bureaucracy. Trump is mad too because his businesses have been bankrupt, he has had to hire cheaper immigrants, and has been forced to outsource his companies to Mexico and China to make a profit. He understands the pains experienced by the people as he sleeps in one of 40 different multimillion-dollar residences. Yet, the glitz and glamor and wealth are apart of the appeal. Like the Marvel character, Tony Starks, perhaps Trump has an alter ego saving lives in an iron suit. Trump manages to earn 2 billion dollars worth of free advertisement. What other super powers can he exemplify, apart from the art of deal making.
America loves to be entertained and wooed. We want to feel good about ourselves and encouraged we are doing a job well done. Over and over again in a still small liberal voice we are prompted, “It is not enough. Give more. Sacrifice more. Change more.” Of course, people clamor to “Make American Great,” because what they hear is, “I will be great. I am the hero. I can fight back.” The demographics show it is not just a guy thing or white thing or a poor thing or a rich thing. It is not a straight thing or religious thing. People want a hero contesting for their rights empowering their greatness.
While the election thus far has illustrated a ridiculous foolishness and misdirected arguments it is only the beginning. A Trump and Hillary Clinton election will completely divulge the immorality imprisoning the United States. Soon there will be competitions to prove who is more inept, who is the larger liar, who is more money hungry, who is socially more generous, who is more corrupt. It will be a bloodbath of smears and accusations covered in veracity. The country will observe in disbelief. There will be people sitting fascinated like watching a Survivor episode. Other people will slump in shame realizing America is becoming either Sodom or Gomorrah. Then they must decide who is the lesser of two evils as they mark their ballots.
Concerns have been alluded to a Trump presidency. In this search for a hero caution needs to be drawn while being over zealous. Trump does not have a voting record to validate him thus listen to his words and actions carefully. Expect some kind of universal healthcare. Expect bullying of other countries and skeptics. Anticipate Trump’s words to transform into many shapes and forms. (Trump’s interpretation for the day of what is great.) Anticipate major changes in the tax code with larger deficits (Trump is good at searching for lower bids with lower quality. He does not have a history of spending within his means). Expect more than ever before civil unrest between races and religions and status. Expect disappointment. Remember our last president’s promises; change did come, but not for the good.
Though heroes are fun to imagine America’s greatest victors have been the underdogs. Starting as early as the colonial army to the drunken postal clerk, Ulysses S. Grant. To the Depression stragglers of Seabiscuit and James J. Braddock, the Cinderella Man. To the athleticism of Jackie Robinson and George Mason to the exploration of Lewis and Clark and Charles Lindberg to the genius of Nikola Tesla and Steve Jobs. The world prepared to disparage their efforts and from the coals they arose to achieve historical magnitude. David, the ultimate underdog and little shepherd boy, subdued Goliath, the daunting Philistine. The carpenter’s son, the fisher of men, the servant Jesus instead of fighting with swords and spears fought in love sacrificed for all. We should not be afraid of rippling the waters, not as an exhibition, but as a movement for justice and preservation of a nation founded for God.
The underdogs are awakening trying to shout loudly. Amongst the media and other distracting noise it is difficult to hear their chants. There is an underdog running for president. Ted Cruz, the only God fearing constitutionalist. Admittedly, he has elfish features with rosy cheeks. It is unfortunate he speaks like a televangelist waiting to hear the words “hellfire and brimstone,” uttered. However, listen to his meaning and examine his record. He dominates truth and genuineness. In a day in age where appearances weigh heavier in hollow relevance the guise is a façade and will only dissatisfy. Whereas principles, steadfast, honor are everlasting and will inevitably prevail.
While the liberals are competing who is more generous with taxpayers’ money and Republicans are arguing who is more conservative and Trump supporters are fighting protesters there is Cruz declaring the truth. He continues to defend our rights as American citizens. He forges ahead confronting suffocating government. He presses onward for liberty. He maintains an exceptional standard for all Americans to achieve their goals and potential while respecting their humanity. He has formed a stance without being a billionaire or having establishment money. Rather than exhausting our resources to stop Trump hail support for a true believer of the constitution. It has been proven one too many elections a water-downed conservative is not electable. Cruz should be finished. Nevertheless, the message he declares is fact and he symbolizes the foundation of America without being tainted by scandal and lies.
If in fact America is searching for a hero, investigate your definition of the word. When I inquired for my husbands definition he replied, “a self-made man who exercises common sense of genuine respectable character willing to assist those in need.” My definition is a bit briefer: loving self-sacrifice. Does your candidate comprise your credentials or once again are we settling for a compromise?
Time after time
I’ve done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes,
I’ve made a few
I’ve had my share of sand kicked in my face,
But I’ve come through
(And I need just go on and on and on and on)
We are the champions, my friend
And we’ll keep on fighting ‘til the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions of the world
The 1977 song We Are the Champions by Queen embodies the Trump appeal for millions of Americans. Trump often brags about America becoming winners under his leadership, but his outlandish pomposity typically creates over the top eye-rolls or contempt. By no mean, should a Trump presidency be a conceivable option, however after learning of my husband’s support for Trump during the Kentucky caucus reevaluation of my distain for the reality T.V. billionaire requires special attention. In our discussion for presidential qualities truth unveiled a revelation: America needs a hero.
The United States for the past three decades has undergone economic struggles, wars, attacks, protests, scandals, and unconstitutional court verdicts. Promises, charges, declarations have proven meaningless. Money, lobbyist, and deceit have muted frustrated voices and movements. At every corner the people have been searching for a hero to make a stand mighty and unrelenting. When 911 struck the people were ready to be a force to reckon only to be disappointed by a wild goose chase and an endless war without vengeance. The Hope and Change pledge, an era of new beginnings, became blemished by racism, unemployment, decreased economic growth, and fear for international terror. Disillusionment after despondency after discouragement after disappointment. One reminder after another verifying America is indeed weak, ineffective, and silent.
America has acquired momentous heroes. American men and women have accomplished enormous feats for the betterment of mankind. George Washington, Nathan Hale, Daniel Boone, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Fredrick Douglas, Sitting Bull, Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, George Patton, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, John Glenn, Martin Luther King, Jr., Neil Armstrong and the list goes on. Each individual arose against vast odds and fought valiantly. They will be remembered and admired for their contribution to the American ideology.
The definition for the word hero is a man who is admired for his nobility and courage. The country has lacked an admirable hero for decades. (By no means should U.S. soldiers’ contribution be disregarded, but their efforts have been overshadowed by bias.) There are athletes and Hollywood stars. We have musical artist and religious leaders, but all too often we are disappointed. It is never a surprise to learn the person is a druggy or an abuser or a pedophile or a scammer. The American public keeps searching for their hero hoping the comic book characters come alive.
Enter Donald Trump.
The loud boisterous billionaire enrolls a political race when America needs him most. Though the man says little of substance and design he is an outsider who knows how the real world works. He can achieve results without the bureaucracy. Trump is mad too because his businesses have been bankrupt, he has had to hire cheaper immigrants, and has been forced to outsource his companies to Mexico and China to make a profit. He understands the pains experienced by the people as he sleeps in one of 40 different multimillion-dollar residences. Yet, the glitz and glamor and wealth are apart of the appeal. Like the Marvel character, Tony Starks, perhaps Trump has an alter ego saving lives in an iron suit. Trump manages to earn 2 billion dollars worth of free advertisement. What other super powers can he exemplify, apart from the art of deal making.
America loves to be entertained and wooed. We want to feel good about ourselves and encouraged we are doing a job well done. Over and over again in a still small liberal voice we are prompted, “It is not enough. Give more. Sacrifice more. Change more.” Of course, people clamor to “Make American Great,” because what they hear is, “I will be great. I am the hero. I can fight back.” The demographics show it is not just a guy thing or white thing or a poor thing or a rich thing. It is not a straight thing or religious thing. People want a hero contesting for their rights empowering their greatness.
While the election thus far has illustrated a ridiculous foolishness and misdirected arguments it is only the beginning. A Trump and Hillary Clinton election will completely divulge the immorality imprisoning the United States. Soon there will be competitions to prove who is more inept, who is the larger liar, who is more money hungry, who is socially more generous, who is more corrupt. It will be a bloodbath of smears and accusations covered in veracity. The country will observe in disbelief. There will be people sitting fascinated like watching a Survivor episode. Other people will slump in shame realizing America is becoming either Sodom or Gomorrah. Then they must decide who is the lesser of two evils as they mark their ballots.
Concerns have been alluded to a Trump presidency. In this search for a hero caution needs to be drawn while being over zealous. Trump does not have a voting record to validate him thus listen to his words and actions carefully. Expect some kind of universal healthcare. Expect bullying of other countries and skeptics. Anticipate Trump’s words to transform into many shapes and forms. (Trump’s interpretation for the day of what is great.) Anticipate major changes in the tax code with larger deficits (Trump is good at searching for lower bids with lower quality. He does not have a history of spending within his means). Expect more than ever before civil unrest between races and religions and status. Expect disappointment. Remember our last president’s promises; change did come, but not for the good.
Though heroes are fun to imagine America’s greatest victors have been the underdogs. Starting as early as the colonial army to the drunken postal clerk, Ulysses S. Grant. To the Depression stragglers of Seabiscuit and James J. Braddock, the Cinderella Man. To the athleticism of Jackie Robinson and George Mason to the exploration of Lewis and Clark and Charles Lindberg to the genius of Nikola Tesla and Steve Jobs. The world prepared to disparage their efforts and from the coals they arose to achieve historical magnitude. David, the ultimate underdog and little shepherd boy, subdued Goliath, the daunting Philistine. The carpenter’s son, the fisher of men, the servant Jesus instead of fighting with swords and spears fought in love sacrificed for all. We should not be afraid of rippling the waters, not as an exhibition, but as a movement for justice and preservation of a nation founded for God.
The underdogs are awakening trying to shout loudly. Amongst the media and other distracting noise it is difficult to hear their chants. There is an underdog running for president. Ted Cruz, the only God fearing constitutionalist. Admittedly, he has elfish features with rosy cheeks. It is unfortunate he speaks like a televangelist waiting to hear the words “hellfire and brimstone,” uttered. However, listen to his meaning and examine his record. He dominates truth and genuineness. In a day in age where appearances weigh heavier in hollow relevance the guise is a façade and will only dissatisfy. Whereas principles, steadfast, honor are everlasting and will inevitably prevail.
While the liberals are competing who is more generous with taxpayers’ money and Republicans are arguing who is more conservative and Trump supporters are fighting protesters there is Cruz declaring the truth. He continues to defend our rights as American citizens. He forges ahead confronting suffocating government. He presses onward for liberty. He maintains an exceptional standard for all Americans to achieve their goals and potential while respecting their humanity. He has formed a stance without being a billionaire or having establishment money. Rather than exhausting our resources to stop Trump hail support for a true believer of the constitution. It has been proven one too many elections a water-downed conservative is not electable. Cruz should be finished. Nevertheless, the message he declares is fact and he symbolizes the foundation of America without being tainted by scandal and lies.
If in fact America is searching for a hero, investigate your definition of the word. When I inquired for my husbands definition he replied, “a self-made man who exercises common sense of genuine respectable character willing to assist those in need.” My definition is a bit briefer: loving self-sacrifice. Does your candidate comprise your credentials or once again are we settling for a compromise?
18.3.16
How Am I Feeling?
So.....
It has been six weeks today since my miscarriage. Physically, I am fairly well recovered. I do not feel fatigued requiring daily naps. I can function just fine on 6-7hrs of sleep, much to my husbands dismay because he is afraid I will have early onset Alzheimer's. My skin color has returned. Maybe not my normal tan, but nothing this lovely warm weather cannot remedy. I quit taking iron supplements so my gastrointestinal system is working just fine. I started running again after three weeks of rest and could barely run a mile before losing my breath. Either I had more lactic acid built up than anticipated or I became really out of shape fast or my hemoglobin and hematocrit were still quite low. Today, I finally had a successful run where I did not feel like I would hit the wall. Instead, I could keep stomping along until I had seen enough. Which I must say, this has been the prettiest springs I have seen in a long time.
Mentally, I am doing well. I was sad. Then I felt guilty for not feeling sad enough. Then I felt all this hostile emotion welling up inside. Sometimes it was directed at the elections. Sometimes I shut down. Sometimes it was misdirected at my husband.
At present, I am feeling very happy and hopeful. I find myself living in prayer and being thankful. I am ready to make another baby and enjoy the this new season. I thank God for his patience loving me no matter how little I deserve it. I am grateful for my family and friends who have loved and supported me. I am grateful for my husband, even when he was clueless as to the feelings boiling inside, still managed to say "yes."
It has been six weeks today since my miscarriage. Physically, I am fairly well recovered. I do not feel fatigued requiring daily naps. I can function just fine on 6-7hrs of sleep, much to my husbands dismay because he is afraid I will have early onset Alzheimer's. My skin color has returned. Maybe not my normal tan, but nothing this lovely warm weather cannot remedy. I quit taking iron supplements so my gastrointestinal system is working just fine. I started running again after three weeks of rest and could barely run a mile before losing my breath. Either I had more lactic acid built up than anticipated or I became really out of shape fast or my hemoglobin and hematocrit were still quite low. Today, I finally had a successful run where I did not feel like I would hit the wall. Instead, I could keep stomping along until I had seen enough. Which I must say, this has been the prettiest springs I have seen in a long time.
Mentally, I am doing well. I was sad. Then I felt guilty for not feeling sad enough. Then I felt all this hostile emotion welling up inside. Sometimes it was directed at the elections. Sometimes I shut down. Sometimes it was misdirected at my husband.
At present, I am feeling very happy and hopeful. I find myself living in prayer and being thankful. I am ready to make another baby and enjoy the this new season. I thank God for his patience loving me no matter how little I deserve it. I am grateful for my family and friends who have loved and supported me. I am grateful for my husband, even when he was clueless as to the feelings boiling inside, still managed to say "yes."
8.3.16
"RAISE YOUR PITCHFORKS! IT'S TIME TO START A REVOLUTION!"
I will admit the past seven years I have not been happy with our country's leadership and discrimination of Christian values. This is my third participating presidential primary. For the first time I have been excited about the Republican candidates, though numerous. But like all primaries one by one people dropped out overshadowed by the Trump phenomenon. In the beginning the Trump appeal could be seen as an interesting psychosocial experiment: a man can stand before for the media spout any crazy politically incorrect nonsense and be hailed a hero.
Before long the appeal turned into horror then disappointment then disgust then into maddening disbelief. The man will say anything to create a knee jerk reaction whether he believes it or not and is admired for it. The non-establishment candidate revered for not being a politician flip-flops and panders to anyone who vows a vote. The evangelicals are declaring morality and honor are no longer necessary for the presidency, but being a winner Trumps all. I must be taking crazy pills transporting me to another universe because I am agreeing with the media's annalist of Trump's character. It is bad enough there is a candidate who wants to offer socialism/communism as the new American dream, but then to have another candidate tell me he has the answers because he shouts louder and more obnoxiously is absurd.
There are three fraction to the Republican party. Trump supporters-loud and mad, the establishment Republicans playing it safe, fearful, and completely ineffective, and the ultra conservative. The last group is me. Believers in constitutional principles, biblical values, tired of encroaching government, fed up with hearing intolerance is intolerable, disgusted with the morality vacuum, and exasperated that my faith is offensive when all other religions are gladly welcome. The feud between Trump "We're not going to take it!" because you are ugly and the Republicans screaming, "You're not conservative enough," I feel lost and unrecognized. Once again, the four million citizens who avoided the election in 2012 I might join this year feeling completely unrepresented. Even the talk radio shows and conservative media are telling us a moderate is the answer because he uses his big mouth to shout down the media.
I become obsessive with my research of Trump and searching for affirmation from other Christian believers. I write letters and editorials hoping for feedback. Hoping for confirmation to prove Trump is not the solution. I collect facts and evidence believing most sincerely Trump is a fraud and as much apart of the Liberal establishment as Jeb Bush is apart of the Republican establishment. Going into the Kentucky caucus I declare my solution. Ted Cruz is a constitutionalist who lives and breathes the law. He hates big government and cares little about public opinion if it violates the law. Most importantly Cruz loves Jesus who helped him overcome great obstacles steering Cruz to the path of righteousness. Cruz is hated for his unbreakable integrity, which no one can bribe or blackmail. At the caucus a reporter interviews me and I proudly share my feelings while my husband stands quiet. I feel pride for my contribution to the fight because I am tired of standing silent.
About an hour after voting while making my daughter's lunch I innocently remember to ask my husband who he voted for knowing the answer will be Cruz. As the word "Trump" rolls out of my husband's mouth I immediately become deflated realizing I failed my husband. In all my frustration and nit-picking of Trump I never explain my reasons for Cruz. I assume my periodic rants are received and understood. I assume I am right and my opinion matters.
In the days to come my disbelief turns into anger for my husbands's gullibility and for my false assumption. How can I be so blind? Why am I am not more influential. The caucus results roll in with analysis and commentary. I do not know whether to be depressed or encouraged. I keep watching and reading for an answer to offer hope. Something that says, "The American people are not stupid puppets after all." I keep searching for a reflection proving God is not dead in America. The TV and internet do not indulge me.
I visit my parents' church for Sunday service. The young lady who leads worship affirms my frustration by sharing her struggles, but then she reminds us it is not over.
Isaiah 9:6
A child will be born for us.
A son will be given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
He will be named:
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
How ashamed I feel. I place my faith on men, on politics, on information. None of which controls my soul or loves me.
Then during the sermon the teacher encourages Believers to be a people of action following the examples of Jesus and behave as representatives:
Hebrew 5:7-9 During his life on earth, Jesus prayed to God, who could save him from death. He prayed and pleaded with loud crying and tears, and he was heard because of his devotion to God. Although Jesus was the Son of God, he learned to be obedient through his sufferings. After he had finished his work, he became the source of eternal salvation for everyone who obeys him.
Jesus serves. Jesus obeys. Jesus has defeated. Now we are winners. Now we follow his example to serve and be obedient to continue the cycle of salvation.
Philipians 2:5-8
Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Although he was in the form of God and equal with God,
he did not take advantage of this equality.
Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant,
by becoming like other humans,
by having a human appearance.
He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
death on a cross.
I have been placing my own fears and frustrations first forgetting there are lives at stake. My job is to serve and to love. Certainly not to judge.
Not long after hearing the sermon my husband sends me a text stating his uncle has been diagnosed with systolic heart failure, a weak heart with additional systemic complications, and is not expected to do well. The uncle is not a believer. He is about 50 living a strange life of hoarding and exaggerated stories. I have been in prayer for him to find Jesus among the unrest and to have peace. In the end this world will fade away and our actions will be our testimony. Were we loving and faithful? Were we selfish and fearful? Were we giving and wise? Or were we loathing and rude?
I need to stop worrying about the voters. Definitely avoid the campaign rhetoric. Remain faithful in prayer. Be kind and honest to anyone I have interaction.
II Corinthians 10:3-5
Of course we are human, but we don’t fight like humans. The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people’s defenses, that is, their arguments and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.
Amen!
7.3.16
Why does Disney have to be right?
I have started to lift my strict no screen time policy and allowing my daughter to watch movies. So far our favorites are Finding Nemo and ToyStory3. I am have owned Finding Nemo but it is still able to bring a tear to my as the father fish learns to embrace adventure while allowing his son independence. Recently watching ToyStory3 I start bawling like a little baby. If you remember, ToyStory is about the relationship between a young boy and his toys that in fact are alive when no human is looking. There are always struggles for the toys questioning their importance to a maturing child. The storyline for the third squeal is the young boy, Andy, has grown up ready to leave for college. Woody, the drawstring cowboy, is chosen as an old momento to travel with Andy. All the other toys are intended for storage in the attic. Through a series of events all of Andy's toys, including Woody, are awarded into the hands of a very imaginative young girl who is elated by the generous gift. Once more the toys receive a generation of play.
As my daughter is watching the movie tears stream down her mother's cheeks. I remember the dolls I once played with are now in my daughter's care. Dolls my mother kept stored in the attic. Maybe I am sad because I grew up too fast. Maybe I am joyful about the toys second chance. Maybe I am crying because I feel sorry for all the abandon forgotten toys. Or maybe I am emotional because once again I am reminded how quickly time passes and before long my daughter will outgrow her toys.
Then I am introduced to the movie Inside Out, a Pixar production, about the emotions in control of the brain, focusing on the development of one little girl who undergoes a life change. The emotions, as individual characters, are responsible for the girl's reaction. So sweet and innocent with a loving family the little girl, Riley, has a joyful attitude about life. But in life there are hurdles challenging us to either overcome or be controlled by anger or fear or enmity.
There is a montage of Riley growing from birth to age 11 reacting with the different emotions activated. I am haunted by how many similarities I see in my daughter, Lucy. I watch captivated wanting to know how Lucy, I mean Riley, will resolve the conflict. I want to cover her in protection shielding her from the hurt and the sadness. However, the movies message is: we will experience sad moments, but in sadness joy can become all the richer when resolution is met. We should not be afraid to feel emotions, but it is unhealthy to dwell in anger or sorrow or apathy. I cannot manipulate every aspect of my daughter's life. I cannot protect her from all adversities.
These movies are personal reminders Lucy is growing older. She will not always be child-like and there is nothing I can do to reverse or freeze time. My daughter is beautiful growing and changing every day. Each day Lucy is traveling closer to womanhood. Every day I am able to treasure Lucy's uniqueness as she discovers the world. I constantly need to remind myself, though I have control of my parenting, Lucy is not a robot ready to perform exactly as I expect. She requires love and encouragement. Discipline and rules are essential. Independence and discovery are crucial for her development. I should not be timorous of loosing my little girl, but excited about the person she is becoming. I am thrilled by her achievements and proud of her intelligence. Becoming an adult is inevitable. It is up to me to record her progress and cherish the memories. I love her so very much.
And as a little blue fish once said, "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming." -Dori
There is a montage of Riley growing from birth to age 11 reacting with the different emotions activated. I am haunted by how many similarities I see in my daughter, Lucy. I watch captivated wanting to know how Lucy, I mean Riley, will resolve the conflict. I want to cover her in protection shielding her from the hurt and the sadness. However, the movies message is: we will experience sad moments, but in sadness joy can become all the richer when resolution is met. We should not be afraid to feel emotions, but it is unhealthy to dwell in anger or sorrow or apathy. I cannot manipulate every aspect of my daughter's life. I cannot protect her from all adversities.
These movies are personal reminders Lucy is growing older. She will not always be child-like and there is nothing I can do to reverse or freeze time. My daughter is beautiful growing and changing every day. Each day Lucy is traveling closer to womanhood. Every day I am able to treasure Lucy's uniqueness as she discovers the world. I constantly need to remind myself, though I have control of my parenting, Lucy is not a robot ready to perform exactly as I expect. She requires love and encouragement. Discipline and rules are essential. Independence and discovery are crucial for her development. I should not be timorous of loosing my little girl, but excited about the person she is becoming. I am thrilled by her achievements and proud of her intelligence. Becoming an adult is inevitable. It is up to me to record her progress and cherish the memories. I love her so very much.
And as a little blue fish once said, "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming." -Dori
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