I just edited together all of the short clips I had from this month.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Supreme Court Thoughts Part 1
This is only Part 1 because likely at some point there will be a Part 2 or more. However, don't think of that as a promise or even a likelihood. I will probably get distracted and forget.
For all the power the President of the United States has and the the seemingly overreaching actions of Congress, there are 9 powerful people who are spoken of less frequently. Watch the news if you want. You will see. Even when important issues are at hand, 99% of the coverage that is actual "news" goes to Congress and the President. (I am referring to real news about national government, not what flavor gum Justin Bieber chewed this afternoon). The lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court give the Justices great power. And with great power, comes tremendous responsibility. The cases they choose to hear often send the country into uproar. Opposing views have fought for many years to make their case before arriving. But this post isn't about my fascination with the Justices.
My thoughts are on a case they chose not to accept.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/05/us-usa-religion-schools-idUSTRE7B41ML20111205
Public schools can no longer be used to host religious services. The appellate court decision stated that it was a violation of the Constitutional requirement of separation of church and state.
I used to attend a church that met in a high school. It was a large church. That church paid a significant sum of money to rent the facility. The school depended on the income. The church depended on the space. If you are thinking I disagree with the court's ruling, you would be wrong.
While I do agree that there should be options for space-sharing unused facilities because it maximizes usage and generally allows everyone the best financial position, I cannot allow my want to override the underpinnings of the decision. If you advertise that you meet at "ABC Middle School", some people may take that as a ringing government endorsement of what you teach. Is that something I want? You can argue that people would not. But there are people who would, even if they are not the majority.
Other questions must also be pondered.
Who gets to rent the facility? Do you care to argue that any religion can rent it? Are the contracts considered a marketable item? Does it go to the church with the most money or the people with the most political power? If you do rent it out, how then do you decide the length of the contract and the re-bidding process?
Mostly my question comes down to the what religion argument. You are asking government officials to decide who gets to use the building. What if a bid doesn't go through because it would "look bad" or be unpopular? What happens if citizens protest a certain group using the facility?
Do I want my children attending a public school that is rented out to a differing faith? Would they know that a different faith uses the building? Where is the line? Is it with mainstream religions? What about cults? Who decides what is mainstream, a cult, or what is acceptable? It is easy to defend why I want my former church to keep their "home". I know them. I love them. We are brothers and sisters in Christ.
But what about other faiths? How would I feel? How would my family be impacted? What restrictions could be placed if you meet at a school?
People in government positions have shown their inability to fairly allow people to worship according to the rights given them by the Constitution. Look at the intolerance of other religions in Tennessee as an example. Someday, someplace...you might be that "other" religion. How do you feel about religious freedom through another person's view point. And what I need to do today is protect my freedom to worship tomorrow.
It is easy to look at this decision and say, I think my church should get to stay. But is it as easy to say, "in 6 months, I will let someone else use this facility who opposes everything I believe"?
American history teaches us a lot. The Constitution guarantees us the right to freely practice (or not practice) religion and prohibits Congress from declaring a national religion. While the First Amendment itself does not declare that there will be separation of church and state, the Justices made that clear in several cases establishing it as principle.
I do not want an government institution or government official choosing one religion over another. Even when it comes to simply renting out a building. If there are ground rules that are voted on by the population at large, then maybe there is still room for churches to rent space. But if an official makes a decision based on what "they" want or turns down a religious entity solely because of a belief that religion has...then they have endorsed a religious choice.
In some locations, I am sure that legislation will be passed to bypass this ruling. In other locations, likely schools will just renew their contracts without consideration for the ruling. Some churches are currently looking for new facilities. I don't envy them. They are in a tough spot. There wasn't much time given to move. And there generally aren't a lot of places for them to meet.
I understand the situation seems dire for the churches who suddenly need new facilities. But my God is big enough to fulfill their needs. I think of the many countries around the world where religious meetings are prohibited. Our rights in this country are not curtailed by this decision. They are protected. My right to join together with others to worship remains intact. But to protect my right to worship, I must also protect the rights of others. Even if their views are not the same. And in this case, I am willing to say that the schools should be separate.
For all the power the President of the United States has and the the seemingly overreaching actions of Congress, there are 9 powerful people who are spoken of less frequently. Watch the news if you want. You will see. Even when important issues are at hand, 99% of the coverage that is actual "news" goes to Congress and the President. (I am referring to real news about national government, not what flavor gum Justin Bieber chewed this afternoon). The lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court give the Justices great power. And with great power, comes tremendous responsibility. The cases they choose to hear often send the country into uproar. Opposing views have fought for many years to make their case before arriving. But this post isn't about my fascination with the Justices.
My thoughts are on a case they chose not to accept.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/05/us-usa-religion-schools-idUSTRE7B41ML20111205
Public schools can no longer be used to host religious services. The appellate court decision stated that it was a violation of the Constitutional requirement of separation of church and state.
I used to attend a church that met in a high school. It was a large church. That church paid a significant sum of money to rent the facility. The school depended on the income. The church depended on the space. If you are thinking I disagree with the court's ruling, you would be wrong.
While I do agree that there should be options for space-sharing unused facilities because it maximizes usage and generally allows everyone the best financial position, I cannot allow my want to override the underpinnings of the decision. If you advertise that you meet at "ABC Middle School", some people may take that as a ringing government endorsement of what you teach. Is that something I want? You can argue that people would not. But there are people who would, even if they are not the majority.
Other questions must also be pondered.
Who gets to rent the facility? Do you care to argue that any religion can rent it? Are the contracts considered a marketable item? Does it go to the church with the most money or the people with the most political power? If you do rent it out, how then do you decide the length of the contract and the re-bidding process?
Mostly my question comes down to the what religion argument. You are asking government officials to decide who gets to use the building. What if a bid doesn't go through because it would "look bad" or be unpopular? What happens if citizens protest a certain group using the facility?
Do I want my children attending a public school that is rented out to a differing faith? Would they know that a different faith uses the building? Where is the line? Is it with mainstream religions? What about cults? Who decides what is mainstream, a cult, or what is acceptable? It is easy to defend why I want my former church to keep their "home". I know them. I love them. We are brothers and sisters in Christ.
But what about other faiths? How would I feel? How would my family be impacted? What restrictions could be placed if you meet at a school?
People in government positions have shown their inability to fairly allow people to worship according to the rights given them by the Constitution. Look at the intolerance of other religions in Tennessee as an example. Someday, someplace...you might be that "other" religion. How do you feel about religious freedom through another person's view point. And what I need to do today is protect my freedom to worship tomorrow.
It is easy to look at this decision and say, I think my church should get to stay. But is it as easy to say, "in 6 months, I will let someone else use this facility who opposes everything I believe"?
American history teaches us a lot. The Constitution guarantees us the right to freely practice (or not practice) religion and prohibits Congress from declaring a national religion. While the First Amendment itself does not declare that there will be separation of church and state, the Justices made that clear in several cases establishing it as principle.
I do not want an government institution or government official choosing one religion over another. Even when it comes to simply renting out a building. If there are ground rules that are voted on by the population at large, then maybe there is still room for churches to rent space. But if an official makes a decision based on what "they" want or turns down a religious entity solely because of a belief that religion has...then they have endorsed a religious choice.
In some locations, I am sure that legislation will be passed to bypass this ruling. In other locations, likely schools will just renew their contracts without consideration for the ruling. Some churches are currently looking for new facilities. I don't envy them. They are in a tough spot. There wasn't much time given to move. And there generally aren't a lot of places for them to meet.
I understand the situation seems dire for the churches who suddenly need new facilities. But my God is big enough to fulfill their needs. I think of the many countries around the world where religious meetings are prohibited. Our rights in this country are not curtailed by this decision. They are protected. My right to join together with others to worship remains intact. But to protect my right to worship, I must also protect the rights of others. Even if their views are not the same. And in this case, I am willing to say that the schools should be separate.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Coke Bottle Pics
1 month old
(My teeny tiny princess)
(My teeny tiny princess)
One Year Old
(That Coke bottle still looks pretty big next to her)
(That Coke bottle still looks pretty big next to her)
Two Years Old
(Let the record reflect: Wyatt is bigger than this already, height and weight)
Three Years Old
(This is the look I get when I say "Smile Big")
Zoe's Birthday Recap
Zoe at 3.
Wyatt thought this was awesome.
Jump. Jump. Jump.
She likes to open presents all most as much as Kevin does. She learns quickly. :)
Zoe took all of the pictures while we were out to eat.
I could tell I was not going to like the picture, but I did manage to get my head in the frame.
Zoe thought daddy was very funny. This was her best picture of the day.
Yes Wyatt crawled to the top all by himself. Also, he thinks he can fly...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Zoe's Birthday
Happy last night being 2. Sorry for sneaking in to get one last picture of my 2 year old ZoeBug. Thanks for sleeping through the flash. And in case anyone is wondering, yes those are smurfs (Smarfs formerly known as Mush) in the Nativity scene.
Tomorrow is Zoe's birthday.
3 years ago tonight, I was lying in a hospital bed miserable and cranky. The ICP was terrible with Zoe; the HG was treated much more proactively when I had Wyatt. The best non-ICP patient description I have is from someone who had poison ivy in their bloodstream...your skin itches, but it is actually internal so no amount of treatment relieves the pain and itching. My hands and feet had friction burns from the constant scraping. Needless to say, I was unbelievably sick. The funny thing is that as sick as I was, I didn't realize how bad it was until after it was over. Even more so, after being "less" sick with Wyatt.
There was still the excitement and anticipation of her impending arrival. A little bit of fear from the Amnio the week before and the 3 day a week appts. Kevin and I were still guessing if "Grover" would be a boy or a girl. My doctors already knew (and seemed shocked that with all the ultrasounds and tests we had managed to wait).
I still remember the nurse telling me to sleep at 3am. Knowing perfectly well that I hadn't slept at night in a few months because of the constant itching, I told her to leave my room. Kevin and I watched The Office on DVD for a few hours. I finally dosed in and out. Morning came and then afternoon. My doctor told me that within hours after having the baby, the itching would stop and I would no longer want to rip my skin off. To be honest, I didn't believe him. I had scratch marks on my hands, arms, legs, and feet. The fact that my body could suddenly correct itself just because I had the baby seemed unreal.
"It's a girl" was the coolest moment in my life. Zoe arrived at 5:13pm. Her little 5lbs 1oz, 18.25 inches was smaller than expected, but perfect to us. By 6am the next morning, I had showered with warm water and had taken a walk down the hall. All without the agonizing pain. I had the most precious little girl in my arms. We came home that Friday with our then 4lb 8oz teeny tiny bundle of joy.
For all the trials we have been through together in the last 3 years...HG, ICP, IUGR, low birth weight, high bilirubin levels, slow growth, reflux (no one can puke like you), blood draws and ultrasounds, FTT, ear tubes placed, GDD, OT, PT, waiting to walk until 19 months, waiting to talk until 23 months...I look at you now. I cannot believe how far you have come.
The little girl who told me tonight that she didn't want to go to bed because "The Gruffalo" might get her. She wants "all the colors cupcakes" tomorrow for her birthday and wants to share her presents with Wy-Wy because he likes tearing paper too. Crazy girl runs around but is always careful to help her brother. Talks up a storm. Sings "Jesus Loves You" because I sing "Jesus loves me" :) Can make the world light up with her smile. Uses the powerful "Awful Face" judiciously. Feisty, but obedient. Sweet, yet stubborn. Wears cowgirl boots whenever possible. Has three of the greatest heroes ever: Daddy, Buzz Lightyear and Uncle Josh.
I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the next year. Watching you grow is inspiring. Even at this age, I can see your joy, kindness, gentleness, and love. You have an unbelievably empathetic spirit. Mommy learns from you everyday. We are so very blessed.
Happy Birthday, Zoe!
(or as Zoe says..."Morrow's a dirthday. I wuv dirthday"...what she means is "I love frosting")
Tomorrow is Zoe's birthday.
3 years ago tonight, I was lying in a hospital bed miserable and cranky. The ICP was terrible with Zoe; the HG was treated much more proactively when I had Wyatt. The best non-ICP patient description I have is from someone who had poison ivy in their bloodstream...your skin itches, but it is actually internal so no amount of treatment relieves the pain and itching. My hands and feet had friction burns from the constant scraping. Needless to say, I was unbelievably sick. The funny thing is that as sick as I was, I didn't realize how bad it was until after it was over. Even more so, after being "less" sick with Wyatt.
There was still the excitement and anticipation of her impending arrival. A little bit of fear from the Amnio the week before and the 3 day a week appts. Kevin and I were still guessing if "Grover" would be a boy or a girl. My doctors already knew (and seemed shocked that with all the ultrasounds and tests we had managed to wait).
I still remember the nurse telling me to sleep at 3am. Knowing perfectly well that I hadn't slept at night in a few months because of the constant itching, I told her to leave my room. Kevin and I watched The Office on DVD for a few hours. I finally dosed in and out. Morning came and then afternoon. My doctor told me that within hours after having the baby, the itching would stop and I would no longer want to rip my skin off. To be honest, I didn't believe him. I had scratch marks on my hands, arms, legs, and feet. The fact that my body could suddenly correct itself just because I had the baby seemed unreal.
"It's a girl" was the coolest moment in my life. Zoe arrived at 5:13pm. Her little 5lbs 1oz, 18.25 inches was smaller than expected, but perfect to us. By 6am the next morning, I had showered with warm water and had taken a walk down the hall. All without the agonizing pain. I had the most precious little girl in my arms. We came home that Friday with our then 4lb 8oz teeny tiny bundle of joy.
For all the trials we have been through together in the last 3 years...HG, ICP, IUGR, low birth weight, high bilirubin levels, slow growth, reflux (no one can puke like you), blood draws and ultrasounds, FTT, ear tubes placed, GDD, OT, PT, waiting to walk until 19 months, waiting to talk until 23 months...I look at you now. I cannot believe how far you have come.
The little girl who told me tonight that she didn't want to go to bed because "The Gruffalo" might get her. She wants "all the colors cupcakes" tomorrow for her birthday and wants to share her presents with Wy-Wy because he likes tearing paper too. Crazy girl runs around but is always careful to help her brother. Talks up a storm. Sings "Jesus Loves You" because I sing "Jesus loves me" :) Can make the world light up with her smile. Uses the powerful "Awful Face" judiciously. Feisty, but obedient. Sweet, yet stubborn. Wears cowgirl boots whenever possible. Has three of the greatest heroes ever: Daddy, Buzz Lightyear and Uncle Josh.
I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the next year. Watching you grow is inspiring. Even at this age, I can see your joy, kindness, gentleness, and love. You have an unbelievably empathetic spirit. Mommy learns from you everyday. We are so very blessed.
Happy Birthday, Zoe!
(or as Zoe says..."Morrow's a dirthday. I wuv dirthday"...what she means is "I love frosting")
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