be like a child

No offense to all you office workers out there, but I am so glad I don't work in an office anymore! It's great to have the freedom to go out and enjoy gorgeous weather or to run an errand whenever you please. And I say this coming from an office where I REALLY liked working with REALLY cool people.

Oh, and in my opinion, toddlers-with-attitude are a lot easier to deal with than adults-with-attitude. As exhausting as it can be, I'd much rather be able to address my child's screaming hissy fit than have to bite my tongue when a condescending co-worker gripes about how the project I'm frantically working because he gave it to me at the last minute needs to be finished in an hour.

Yes, children are much easier to deal with than adults. Maybe that's why Jesus taught that we adults should be like the children! "Anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." (Matt 18)

sweet season

I love autumn. Spiced tea and pumpkin bread and fall foliage and cold fronts make me happy.

when I grow up - part 2

And what have you NEVER wanted to be? For me, I have never, ever wanted to waitress, to be a reporter, or to be the US President. I'm glad other folks do!

when I grow up

I’m a wannabe doctor. And a wannabe meteorologist. And a wannabe attorney. And a wannabe Broadway actress. What do you wannabe?

hurricane swirling in my head

It is strange to spend three bucks on an iced mocha when I know there are people on the Gulf Coast…in Africa…even in Tennessee…who can’t find clean water to drink. Strange indeed. Those three bucks could have bought a meal for someone. I don’t say this to induce guilt; I think it’s fine to treat yourself every once in awhile. It’s just a thought I had after making my caffeinated purchase this morning. One of the many thoughts I’ve had in light of recent events.

A few more thoughts spinning around in my noggin...all the bickering back and forth about whose fault the Katrina catastrophe is…it all makes me want to scream. Do we not have better things to do with our time than call the President a racist or label the people who were stranded at the Superdome the “dregs of society” and “the trash you don’t want”? I came across an article the other day where the author concluded his piece – and I’m sorry, I can’t find the link now (I think the author’s name was Jim Swift) -- with the comment: “Let’s save the blame game for when lives aren’t hanging in the balance.” To that I say AMEN. Instead of griping about who is at fault for all the chaos, let’s keep sending supplies and workers and prayers to the thousands of people in need. And let’s LISTEN to the survivors tell their stories. Let's stop flappin' our yap traps, and start LISTENING to the people who have survived this hellish ordeal.

Just like after 9/11, I have watched the news more than usual. But these past few days, I’ve found myself starting to avoid the headlines. Maybe because sitting around watching the suffering and not being able to doing anything about it is extremely depressing to me. Besides donating necessities to evacuees, honestly, there’s not much I can do for my southern neighbors. But there ARE needy people right here in Tennessee who I can support, both financially and emotionally. There are people living below the poverty level within walking distance of my home. So instead of watching the Gulf Coast’s tragedy from afar and feeling despair at my geographic inability to assist the displaced families, I pray that God will open my eyes to those in need in my own backyard.

j-wild's opinion on katrina's aftermath

My friend Jason posted a lengthy comment in response to the welfare article I linked in my previous post. Check out more of his thoughts on his own blog.

another thought-provoking article

The follow-up on my experience with postpartum depression is going to have to wait. I have too much stuff going on in my life right now. And too many thoughts swirling around in my head...thoughts about race, welfare, government, war...you know...all those light-hearted subjects.

So for now, read this article and let me know what you think. I'm sure some of you will have an opinion, and I would LOVE to hear it.

god bless humanity

Amidst all the craziness of this past week, this encourages me.

katrina...that wench

What kind of hell causes two on-duty police officers to take their lives in the midst of a hurricane's aftermath?

That's scary. Just plain scary.

reports from the big easy's ground zero

Keep up with firsthand reports about what's going on in New Orleans at this blog.

The writer, Michael Barnett, is an employee at a Web company in New Orleans; he and others have been holed up in a 27-story skyscraper since Sunday morning trying to keep their data center alive.

how to help

Some ways to help the hurricane victims on the Gulf Coast: Donate blood. Donate money to the Red Cross or Salvation Army. Donate food and water at your local Kroger. Open your home to evacuees. Visit Red Cross, Salvation Army, Kroger, shareyourhome.org, and Louisiana resident Chel's blog for more information.