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SARA'S SMILESNovember 05 ReflectionsWell I think we can move on now. We have voted and no one was killed for that right. We were offered free coffee, donuts and ice cream if we voted- where else in the world could you get that. I read this on a blog and I think it hits the nail on the head. - it has been attributed to David Letterman but I am not so sure....I am posting it though because it is a great reminder of how great we have things here in our country!As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark. The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?' A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week? B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either. H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings. K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers. M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a 'general' discharge, an 'other than honorable' discharge or, worst case scenario, a 'dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane! Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?' October 18 HAPPY FALL
I borrowed this great picture from Christopher because I love fall. I am looking forward to warm days with a crisp breeze and chilly nights eating soups, chili, and warm bread! Halloween and Thanksgiving are around the corner. What fun days to spend with family and friends enjoying the freedom our country is founded on. But I have to say that all this is being overshadowed, in my opinion, by the gloom and doom our country is in right now. Everyday something new comes over the news that is very discouraging- what are we to do? Thinking about how other people made it thought similar times- I thought of Peter. Right before he died God gave him a message for a time similar to what we are going through. Even though Peter had experienced poverty, hunger, and homelessness, God did provide for him. Peter gives no advice about physical or financial preparations. He gives these words- 1 Peter 4:7&8- "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." As David Wilkerson writes- We are to be sober minded. Stay calm, no matter what happens. There is no need to panic. Instead, take it all to prayer. The Word of God must become our very life, our hope, the ground of our faith. Keep your Bible close at hand. Ask God to keep you in faith and peace. My prayer, for us all, is that we can follow Peter's advise: Stay calm. Stay on our knees. Practice mercy. September 09 IT'S BEEN AWHILE!
Summer Recap 2009 IMy dad's health has improved so much! It is a miracle. VBS with Revolution Church
Trip to Cambria
4th of July Parade
Bob's mission trip to Bulgaria
Trip north to Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa
Seeing my beautiful grandchildren grow like weeds Thanks for checking in at SARA'S SMILES. Enjoy your fall!!!
July 26 Fun Summer Recipe I found this recipe and tried on some innocent friends. The consciences was that it was yummy and fun. It was enough for 10 people. I have even heard that it is fun to put newspaper down on a water proof table and just dump it on the paper to serve. I did not have my camera but next time I make it I'll get a picture.
Frogmore Stew2 medium onions, quartered from stem to root Lemon wedges and melted butter, to serve Pour 3 quarts of water into a large, heavy-duty roasting pan set over two burners or into a large kettle, such as a lobster or crab pot. Add onions, garlic, seafood seasoning (yes, 1/2 cup is the correct amount) and salt to taste. Squeeze lemon juice into the stock, then toss lemon halves into the pan or pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and kielbasa; return to a boil. Cover pan with foil or partially cover pot with lid. Reduce heat and simmer, cooking until potatoes are just tender, 20 minutes. Add corn; increase heat to medium-high and cook, covered, until tender, about 5 minutes longer. Stir shrimp into hot broth; let stand, covered, until they are just cooked, about 2 minutes longer. Serve seafood, sausage and veggies on one or two large platters, with lemon wedges and small bowls of melted butter for dipping. Serves 8 July 23 What About Bob I heard from Bob today and he is having an amazing time in Bulgaria. I am so thankful he got to go on this trip but I do want him to come home!! He has been missed. I have some little surprises for him when he gets home- like a new lounge chair for the patio and a R O unit in the kitchen. I wanted to do more but I have been busy almost everyday and most of the evenings. Thank you everyone for keeping me company. I also want to thank my blog friends for keeping me busy with reading your blogs- they kept me company at night.
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