Not that I think you are a bad person, a bad mother or a bad wife. In fact, I think you try as hard as you can to do what you think is right for you and your family. It seems to work great for you. This article spells out more on the foreign policy of family planning from our current President. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28812519/This isn't about asking God about murder, but about denying a woman the right to education, contraception and the choice of aborting a pregnancy due to disease. This is about the US denying a country funding for family planning and education because the country may support abortion as an option to stop the spread of disease. This runs far deeper than Obama "allowing" abortion. This runs deeper than the Chinese abusing US funding for family planning so they can "control their population". (Which, BTW, policy will be written for those who abuse the privilege of this type of funding) This is about educating people of all walks of life, believers and non-believers about disease control and family planning responsibly. You watch, the abortion averages will drop drastically because of this education. ~ Ask yourself this: Would God not forgive a woman who had an abortion? Does God not love ALL of mankind? Would that include both believers and non-believers? Would God want us to close our minds to the spread of diseases? Would God want us to deny another human being something as simple as an education to make their own choice? That also includes the many ministries that travel to these third world countries to educate people about Christianity. Not everyone will choose Christ. Not everyone will choose a condom. Not everyone will choose abortion. But...shouldn't each and every human being have a choice to make up their own mind?Acts 3:19 "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ who has been appointed for you - even Jesus". ~ That is...if a person believes...I don't know, this debate will go on forever...but please don't close your mind and think that God is the only answer. God isn't the answer for millions upon millions of people in this world. So for them, an offer of education to make informed decisions doesn't seem such a horrible answer.I had to come back one last time to express my opinion. I am not a non-believer, but I am also not closed to the idea that not everyone believes as I. Love of mankind is just that, love of mankind. The best to you Christine, try to be a better Christian and open your heart to understanding
I am not going to get sucked into a long debate.... but I will answer as simply as possible as to not appear rude. Bottom line is abortion hurts more than just the unborn child--- it hurts the mother... it hurts those that know about it...... it just hurts period. It is not the answer. And to feel this way about abortion doesn't mean that my mind is closed--- it just means that my moral compass tells me that killing a defenseless life is wrong. But yes, I do believe that God will forgive a woman that has an abortion. In fact, He forgives much easier than the woman who has had the abortion. Believe me... I know. I will disagree with your sentiment that God isn't the answer for everyone......as a Christian you should know that. My walk with God has been quite the journey and I am only speaking from experience------ but He is my Everything! I totally agree that education is very important, so why not educate by showing exactly how an abortion happens at the same time they offer it as a solution?
Denise said...
Who says courting anymore??? Let me ask you a question... Your older boys are I think 13 and 12ish. In your professional opinion what happened if one of your sons got a girl pregnant at the tender age of 14 or 15.. I would love to hear your views on that.. Or better yet what if one of your daughters got pregnant at that tender age as well. I would love to hear how you would handle it. Please don't say that you will leave it in gods hands because YES I believe in god but he is not gonna help the matter...
Courting.... dating.... means the same thing so why get caught up in the choice of words? As far as one of my children ending up in one of those predicaments, I would be very sad and upset---- but I would remain faithful that God would work things out. He always does--- even if it is not the answer that we want. I would hope that they would chose life--- which I believe they would and either give the child up for adoption or raise the child with our help. The point is, I would be there for them and so would God. I have a very good friend who had a baby at a very young age and went on to be one of the best mothers that I know. She went on to get married and has a wonderful family.
Sarah said...
What is the 99 cent store? Is it like a grocery store? Where I live we have stores like the Dollar Tree...but they don't sell produce. I buy most all of my produce and spinach at Costco.
It is like DollarTree but bigger and with groceries.
Peta G said...
I tried the Polska Kiebasa recipe. I did have to substitute the polish sausage though as I cant get it here. I used spicy pork sausages instead. Hamish and all the kids except one loved it. Any ideas on what other sausage I could use?
I bet it would be good with any sausage!
Charissa said...
Aw Christine, this post makes me love her even more. Thanks for sharing it. I wonder how common this is, do you know?
Charissa thanks, Sveta is very special. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is probably more common than we think. Since it is on a spectrum, many children may go undiagnosed because they are only mildly affected.
Tereasa said...
Christine, I usually link to your posts when I want to share them. I hope you don't mind that I just copied the article and pasted it to my blog. I don't want to risk that someone won't click over and read it. I gave you credit, though. Is this ok?
Tereasa, this is why I blog. I don't mind you or anyone else sharing my posts if it has the potential to help or encourage someone.
Bo & Cameron said...
Hi Christine,I have a question if I may. How exactly to they diagnosis FAS. Do they actually do a study or a MRI of the brain? My daughter is 2.1/2years old and she is a little slow developmentally and the doctors have told me an MRI may help us figure out why or if she may catch up. I did not know if this was something that could show up with an MRI? Thanks!
For Sveta, we first went and saw a geneticist who did genetic testing to rule out other causes. She also did a full physical exam. FAS features can include syndactily of the fingers and toes, small stature, small head circumference, and distinct hand and palm features, not to mention the normal facial characteristics. FAS can affect children in different ways--- but in order for a child to be diagnosed with FAS, at least three years ago, they had to have a certain amount of physical characteristics, documented alcohol consumption by birthmother during pregnancy, cognitive delays, and low birthweight and growth deficits. We also saw a neurologist, a cardiologist, and a neuropsychologist who were helpful in either supporting the FAS diagnosis or ruling out other causes. Although the neurologist felt there was no need to do an MRI, he did say that it was possible to see "brain pickling".
Sonia said...
Dear Christine ~ I very much love your blog, and really enjoy reading about your family and your 'heart' for adoption. But, I was a bit surprised/confused when I read this in your post ~ "I continually thank God for speaking through me...." And then ~ "They are not my words but our loving Father's words." I guess I was confused ~ do you mean that you share God's words (from the Bible) with your daughters? Or, that you know what God's mind/heart is (so to speak) and are 'channeling' Him (I know that sounds somewhat odd, but I'm not sure how else to phrase that). Anyway, I'd love to learn more about your view on that, if you wouldn't mind sharing. :-)Kind regards, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for sweet Dennis! Sonia
More and more I find myself saying things that would not come naturally to me. I say things that I would not have thought up on my own-- words filled with meaning for my daughters... words that are gentle, uplifting, hopeful, encouraging, and healing...... words I cannot give myself credit for. Often times, I am at a loss for words and then I start to talk about God's love and all of a sudden I am saying things that I believe are exactly the words that they need to hear..... yet I know I didn't think of on my own. It is kind of like when a pastor gives a sermon on Sunday and even though there are three hundred people in the benches, it feels like he was speaking directly to you. I believe that when that happens-- God is speaking to you through that pastor.
sarah20930 said...
So..I'm still stuck on the 99 cent store fruit. We don't have discount food anywhere where I live. I understand 99 cent food, like dented cans, and hamburger helper. But, how can fruit be that cheap. What is the difference between that fruit and the fruit at walmart? I don't understand how they can sell it so cheap? Is it odd shaped?
Actually, the fruit is very nice. In addition to all kinds of berries, they sell cucumbers, all colors of bell peppers, cauliflower, pears, kiwi, bags of green onions, etc. And all of it is of good quality. But I have learned that often times they will not carry certain things which leads me to believe that they get only what the regular stores cannot sell at the more expensive price.
Tami and Bobby Sisemore Family said...
ok, so you MUST share the recipe for the oatmeal Blueberry yummy dessert :) Email me childofmyheart@aol.com. Looks like a wonderful super bowl day at your house :)
Here is the recipe!
Mike and Christie said...
Is Dennis prone to infection because of the fistula?
Are they not going to fix this during his surgery in March?
I don't think he is prone to infection because of his fistula. I just have to clean his eye on a regular basis. Thanks for the reminder about his upcoming surgery on March 6th. I do not think they are going to fix his fistula during this particular surgery. The surgeon said that it will most likely be fixed around the age of five.
Kelli said...
congrats. How long will it take to bring him home?
I am hoping to have Alexsey home by the end of this summer!
Anonymous said...
I have a question -- Is this terrific grandma John's mother? I've wondered for a while because I think I once read that John's parents were divorced. Would you please clarify? Also, your parents -- are they together? Thanks.Best always,JEB
This grandmother is not John's biological mother-- but she is the only grandmother on John's side that most of my kids have ever known. She and John's Dad married almost thirty years ago. John's Mom passed away eight years ago, so we are both very blessed to have this Mom in our lives. My parents are divorced.
Svetlana said...
I love your headboard!!
Thanks! I made it using this site. A fellow blogger recommended it!
Stacey G. said...
Happy Birthday Andrew! Good job on the boys making their own lunches.. Can you talk a little about Williams sensory issues. I can't believe he doesn't like to touch ham.. I am just curious on this topic. Thanks!
William was diagnosed with sensory issues a few years back. We decided to look into it because of his sensitivity to noise, light, and excessive environmental stimulation. Also something about the feelings in his hands caused him to be extra sensitive to pain in between his fingers, have little strength in his hands, and have horrible handwriting. He constantly used to rub his fingers across his teeth, and he now loves to rub the bottom of his shoes--- probably because he loves clean shoes but also because he enjoys the sensation of the rubber rubbing across his fingers. He couldn't tie shoes for the longest time, and still has trouble manipulating small lego pieces. If you had a variety of objects in a bag and covered William's eyes and asked him to pick a particular object out of the bag just using his sense of touch, he would most likely get it wrong. I had to see this with my own eyes to believe it, and it is true. He received occupational therapy where he learned to write better by holding his pencil in such a way that would not cause him to get tired, and where he learned to tie his shoes. Since we have been made aware of some issues that will probably never go away, we try to find ways for him to compensate. This works pretty well for William.
Rachel E. said...
Wonderful news! What a blessing that you asked them to double-check. How does Anna feel about this?
We have talked with Anna on many occasions. Since this is not a life or death situation we made sure that she was on board before I pursued treatment. We have decided to go ahead with GHT in hopes that it will improve her quality of life by making her life a little easier... and so that she could finally ride a roller coaster!
Jeanette G. said...
Hi Christine, this is Great News!If you don't mind, can you answer the following questions on an upcoming Digest? How tall do the doctors estimate she would grow without GHT?Is there an estimate of how tall she could grow with GHT?
Anna was estimated to be 4'9" tall as a full grown adult. We will not know how tall she will grow to be until we track her growth after she has been on the treatment for a while. It would be awesome if she could grow to be 5' tall!
Sandy said...
Christine-Would you mind telling us how you determined Anna needed GHT? We adopted 4 children from Ukraine in 2004 when they were 4,5,6 and 7. Now, the two oldest are small to average height, but the two youngest are really small for their age. Did you investigate this on your own, or did the ped. suggest it?
Anna was incredibly small when we first met her. She was seven years old and wore a size 4t. Now at 10 1/2 years old she wears a size seven in pants, and a size 12 in shoes. My five year old son is the same height. She still barely weighs around forty pounds. We decided to look into GHT when she began commenting on how much smaller she was compared to her classmates.
Susan said...
A little off-topic, but I wanted this to reach as many folks as possible. Reece's Rainbow has just changed Marina's status to "imminent danger of being transferred". Would anyone who's considering adopting a little girl with DS (from Ukraine) please help her? The need is urgent - Little Marina, who turned four in December, was my "Christmas child". She is a cutie - healthy, happy, high-functioning, ambulatory, feeds herself, tries to dress herself, responsive, pretty, well-cared for, and with all kinds of potential and a good-sized grant from Reece's Rainbow for assistance to adoptive parents. Please don't let this darling child be sent to Torez...I am single and have "aged out", re Ukrainian standards, or I'd go for her myself...Best wishes,Susan in Kentucky Cousin to Two from Ukraine p.s. Thanks, Christine, for letting this message be added to your blog...
Please check out Marina's beautiful picture at Reece's Rainbow.
mommytoalot said...
You know Christine, I often think about you and your family long after I've gone to bed. I keep you all in my prayers..and I know i've often commented that children here in our/your country need homes as well. After going on Reece's Rainbow, I now am understanding more exactly how at risk these beautiful angels are. At least in our countries these special needs children are not institutionalized (much) My gosh,how my heart aches. How can you chose only one. How can you not help. I know if my husband was on board and if we had the financial means I would adopt in an instant. I know..a lot of IFS..but I can help..I can donate. But I cannot get the faces of all those waiting children out of my mind. God bless you and your amazing inspirational family.
Just having your heart stirred is huge! God will find ways to use you even if it is just to pray!
Shari said...
I am going to donate, BUT if I win that thing I am going to turn around and sell it and the money will go straight to YOU for ALEKSEY'S adoption expenses!
Shari, thank you for being yet another example to me. It is an excellent example of paying it forward. Thank you for the encouragement.
Jamey & Catherine said...
Sounds like you had a wonderful time. When you get a chance, can you check out our blog. Written under LEMONADE AWARD.Thanks for all the great updates. Catherine, Jamey and Oksana
I am having trouble getting to your blog. It appears to be set to private. Can I be invited?
Michelle said...
He's a super chunk! By the way Christine, LOVE your comforter set! Is that Ralph Lauren, Waverly, Wamsutta? Do tell :o) Now back to Dennis - don't you just love that clean baby scent :o) He's a doll baby!Take care!Michelle (RR)
LOL, No Ralph Lauren here, but I love it none the less! I bought the bed in a bag from Wal-Mart two years ago.
Sarah said...
I know that Dennis having plastic surgery next month, do they plan on fixing the big bump on his forhead as well as his eye? Did they ever figure out why he had that big bump, or if it is even fixable??
They will not be fixing his forehead. Since that would entail bone shaving, for purely cosmetic reasons, I am not sure we are going to venture down that path anytime soon.
sarah bess said...
wow, it seems like you guys have got a birthday party going on every day! :)
Honestly, after three birthday parties in three weeks, I am looking forward to the break until May. I feel like we need to do birthdays differently, I am just not sure how. I would love suggestions on how to have simpler, less expensive birthday parties, yet still make my children feel like it is their special day.
30 inspiring thoughts:
i love reading these posts! it's so fun to hear what other readers are asking, and to learn more about your family.
until now, i didn't realize how... well... rude some people can be. i understand people have varying views - and on my own blog (i have a xanga i use daily, just recently started blogspot) i always welcomed that. but i ALWAYS made the rule that they could disagree, but it had to be respectful. i think the two first things could've been said in a more respectful manner. and the reason i comment on that is because although it is your blog, Christine, comments like theirs don't affect ONLY you. they affect others of us with beliefs similar to yours, and i guess i'm writing this just so maybe people will realize that there's a way to say things & that they're affecting more than just the person whose blog they're commenting on.
now to my own question... it's about Dennis. 2 questions, actually! in the first picture of Dennis (i believe it's the baby one you put on his blog), his damaged eye is very clearly blue. it's blue and the rest of it is white. in recent pictures, it appears to be more red/pink. is this temporary, or is it getting worse over time? maybe you've not even noticed it, it's just something i've seen. also, does Dennis have any sort of internal damage? like brain damage, hydrocephalus, organ damage, etc., as a result of the amniotic banding?
i was in the hospital again yesterday & haven't been well enough to get that card mailed out to Julia with the donation for her... brain surgery complications have been out of control... but i promise to do it as soon as i can! :-)
- michelle
Dennis has to have food coming out of his fistula until he is 5?
Thanks for including my comment. I still cannot get those children out of my heart.
I too think people are pretty straight forward , imposing even with some of their comments and questions..you are so understanding and calm. Never short or rude.
xo
Our birthday parties are a lot simpler. Traditionally, we let the birthday child pick the menu for dinner, and they get a gift, or two at most. (You know, depending..) I had one birthday party (with friends) as a child, so the tradition has been that my children get one birthday party. They've all had one except Ilya.
Everyone seems pretty happy! It is a lot harder to "downgrade" however than to start simple. I had my own upbringing with really simply celebrations to pattern after, which made it easier.
Since Craig left, we have done things slightly differently, and instead of the "dinner" at home, I've taken the birthday child out for a meal, either alone, or with their godparent.
Re: courting versus dating, I believe courting is a more supervised situation--back to the boy & girl sitting and talking on the porch swing while parents are inside rather than one on one dating which would be boy & girl sitting in a dark theater or out anywhere alone.
Thanks again for sharing. I wonder why people feel they can come to YOUR blog and then criticize YOUR opinions..
Both my father and brother are pediatric opthamologists. I started following your blog sometime after Dennis came to his 'forever' family.. so I missed all the posts on his upcoming surgeries. I have pestered both of my 'docs' in the family to arrange for Dennis to have surgery here in GA .. FOR FREE. They wanted more info on the diagnosis.. so when I started reading all the past blogs (which are a lot as you are a very prolific writer!!! lol ) I saw that everything was arranged. My Dad has been providing free eye care in Jamacia for over 21 years with a ministry based here in Ga. He arranges for children to come to the USA for surgeries that they wouldn't have otherwise. So.. the idea wasn't too farfetched. lol I had so hoped to met you guys. But I'm thankful you have found exactly who Dennis needs there in CA. I'll be praying for the MArch 6surgery along with all of my kiddos. My youngest has had many surgeries including Open Heart, and I know what your time approaching this date will be like for you and your husband and all of Dennis' siblings. Big {{{{HUGS}}} especially for precious Dennis as he goes through this next step in his new life here with you.
And thanks for standing for the TRUTH, Christine. God is the answer for all people. So sad to see people reject Him. Breaks my heart.
For our birthday parties, we just have cake - made at home - with everyone. Then we let the birthday kid pick one or two kids to go do something special - bowl, putt-putt, paintball and eat out.
Best of both worlds.
Very informative. I have a different perspective on courting vs. dating.
We have 4 sons, all married. 3 of the 4 courted and married. 1 dated a girl first, then married the next girl.
Courting is waiting until you are ready to marry before even considering a girl or guy in your life. That means no dating in high school. Dating is going on individual dates with girls when there is no intention of marriage or no preparation for marriage. In my opinion, it is a recipe for disaster.
Our kids went out in groups but never pared off. There were no silly issues between boys and girls, and we are so thankful for that. NO they were NOT FORCED or felt that they lost out. They agreed that our society is failing in the relationship department.
When they were ready financially to marry, they each picked a very good friend. They talked with the father who agreed to let them court. They were never alone, NOT because we didn't trust them, but in reality, families marry families, and both families wanted to get to know each other. The father put down guidelines for good night kisses etc. NO kiss until an official engagement and no making out period. Each of our kids are very happily married to their very first love. Our son's first kiss facing his wife was on his wedding day.
(It turned out to be on America's funniest home videos) called "The missed kiss. The pastor is blind, and didn't realize they hadn't kissed yet and started to proceed with the ceremony. (it was pretty funny, waiting all that time and then missing the moment)
Sorry this is so long.
Hi Christine.
I am still being tugged ...my heart strings..I'm torn. How hard is it to adopt a child from a different country? Can Canadians apply.
My husband is not yet on the same page. I am praying and praying on it.
I cannot get these children out of my mind, my heart. It is so sad that many many of them will go to a mental instition. I am saving money to donate..i think that is where I can start.
thanks for continuing to inspire me
Hi Christine!
Since your weather is a bit more warm than ours year round :) - have you tried having a party at the park? Grab some pizzas, a pinata, a bunch of outdoor toys and just let the kiddos run? I can only imagine how expensive Chucks was for everyone!
Best wishes!
What with coupons, extra tokens for good grades, etc, and Christine's amazing ability to squeeze every bit of value out of a dollar, Chuck E's was quite reasonable, much cheaper than I would have thought.
The original comment about John's mother brought tears to my eyes and even now I feel the waterworks starting. I often think about how much she would have enjoyed all our grandkids. She WAS able to meet a few. At times, I see a her in certain expressions of one of John's nieces. I think she would have gotten a kick out of that.
Michelle, I didn't see anybody being rude. Having a different opinion does not equal being rude.
I support free choice. I also believe ANY aid (family planning or whatever) from the taxpayers of the US should NOT be stapled onto Christianity in any way. Not only because where it goes may not be Christian, or because many of us taxpayers are not Christian, but for the mere fact that charity should NEVER have ANY strings attached. Period. We should let our actions speak for themselves.
But I wasn't going to come here and say that to start an argument! I wasn't actually going to say anything. I have to reply to Kathy's (I am sure well-meant, this is not an assault!) comment in defense of Christine. "I wonder why people feel they can come to YOUR blog and then criticize YOUR opinions.." Kathy, if Christine did not want us to THINK about these issues, to TALK about them, even DEBATE about them and express opinions (for and against)... why would she bother posting in a public forum?
Not everybody will agree about everything. I do not agree with Christine's views on abortion - notice that I did not say she was wrong to have her views. I am proud of her conviction. I simply have my own very good reasons to disagree. Is this an attack on Christine? No way! I have known her and loved her ever since I got to know her, way back when she ran off with my brother-in-law :-) (good move, btw!) We also differ in religious views - does that make us enemies? No, I am not Christian, I don't think I was ever meant to be, but while I have had other inspirations (my Dad) and learning, Christine and John are the main ones to have shown me the positives of living as a devout Christian family. I may not completely understand their perspectives, but I trust their authenticity... and even if I do not agree on some things, may never agree, it does not mean I cannot at least LEARN from them.
If we were meant to be the same, we would have been made the same. I believe there is a purpose, a divine purpose, for our differences. Thank goodness that we have people like Christine who are willing to table subjects like this and say, ok, let's talk...
I'm usually a silent reader in Blogdom, but I just HAVE TO say that reading your response to the first two (I think) questions made me want to hug you. bear-hug style.
love your heart.
Wow, thank you for sharing this. Some of the comments absolutely amaze me.
Your blog layout is great. Love the pictures. Blessings.
Another anonymous speaking with conviction. LOL.
I love all my DILs. Admire and respect them. I think they know my views on the important stuff, (some of which I won't discuss with people I don't personally know.) Especially anonymous ones.
I think Connie makes an excellent (and well-written) point.
Just a quick comment to the first answer you posted. Having had an abortion at 19, living with guilt for many years, and finally surrendering both my pain and my guilt to God; I believe that I know first-hand how horrific abortion is. My entire family lived and breathed guilt, and it wasn't until I made my peace with God that my mother was able to let loose of her guilt. It took awhile though, I couldn't believe that God could forgive something so huge, I was limiting Him to my own puny expectations. He is so much bigger, so much more EVERYTHING than I could even imagine. I just had to let go, lay myself at the foot of the cross and accept that my Saviour just wanted me to ask.
And just a quick note that if education and family planning was the issue, abortion rates would decline, I don't know the numbers but I certainly don't feel this is the case.
Raising them for Him,
Christi
My family had 5 kids. We got family parties (grandparents, small cake, our favorite meal, small gifts, and a friend spend the night) every year. On the "big" birthdays, 5, 13, 16, and 18, we got bigger parties with several friends. One year, us three oldest kids had a big party in the summer at the YMCA pool. One big cake from Sam's, pool rental for three hours, and we were set.
Likewise I'm amazed at some people's reactions. Open mind, open heart is all we need to make the journey smoother.
Best wishes
[and that you for your generous comment on my other blog]
Cheers
Hi Christine. I made the Polska Kiebasa again with Italian sausages. I think you are right, any sausage will work.
As for the birthdays In our family the birthday child picks the meal for that night (not allowed to be take away) we have a home made cake after dinner. Family members will usually call in over the day to give gifts (I find this easier than all at once so then the child remembers who gave them what), we also take it in turns for birthday parties. I do all the girls one year and all the boys the next. (just so I remember who has had a party and who hasn't).However 5,10,13,16 and 18 are family parties only as these are 'spacial' birthdays.
P.S dont forget the blog award I gave you
Thank you so much for "featuring" my message about four-year-old Marina from Reece's Rainbow. I just checked - as of this evening, Feb. 18, she is still listed as in imminent danger of being transferred from the baby house where she's been very well cared-for to the mental institution (because she has Down syndrome). Her adoption grant is now $1700.
Please, fellow readers, if you can't adopt Marina yourselves, pray for her, and help spread the word about her to others who might be delighted to become her parents. The ten-day waiting period has recently been eliminated for special needs adoptions in Ukraine, which means a considerable savings of money and time. Parents need to be married couples, with no more than 45 years' difference between their child's age and their own (so for Marina, this would be age 49 at most...). There are also two healthy little boys with Down syndrome available for adoption at Marina's orphanage...so adoptive parents could have an almost "instant family"!
Thanks again -
Susan in Ky
Cousin to Two from Ukraine
For Connie, You are talking about the public's money. Its not your money. Let abortion be funded privately by people who agree with it. Its immoral in my opinion to take money from someone to fund something they consider to be murder.
But Anonymous, for example, there are people who don't agree with blood transfusions for religious reasons. Those people are still required to pay taxes which fund the public hospitals in which transfusions are done.
There are people against everything. You can't pick and choose like that, because then you'd have people claiming to be against all sorts of things in order to avoid paying taxes.
I'm sorry, but taxes fund whatever the law says they fund. It's called a democracy. It's what the majority wants. It's the law. You can be morally against it, that is your right of course, but don't try to obstruct the law.
Dear anonymous, I am only replying because you seem genuine, not a troll.
"For Connie, You are talking about the public's money. Its not your money."
I am the public. I am THEY who make the decisions, and I am the WE who is affected by them. It is my money. It is my government. It is my taxes (the money does NOT come from thin air or anonymous donors!) It is my country. It is my responsibility and I shall not shirk my duty. It is also, very equally, yours.
I won't address your opinion about abortion, because it would just lead to an argument - even though, in many ways, I actually agree with your statement (there are some very significant 'but's behind my saying that though, and I don't want to get into it). What I would like to remind you of, is that what is moral, or not, is not an easy thing to define. Where to draw the line? We must act according to our spiritual beliefs and personal values. Should I be allowed to make those decisions for you? No! So, why should you be allowed to decide for me? Reality is not perfect, as a society, we must compromise. We all need to work on being less prideful, it's hard(!)... a basic lesson from civics class: My rights end, where yours begin.
We get the passion behind our convictions because we CARE. We are a civilized society (mostly) because we tend to blend our differing perspectives on matters, and work towards solutions that address our common goals. This is good... if messy.
I agree with the people who have commented on courting. My husband and I did not date. We courted and prepared to marry. We made a vow to God that our first kiss, handholding, hug would be at the altar. In the long run it made our relationship in all ways that much more special. Courting and dating aren't the same.
"More and more I find myself saying things that would not come naturally to me. I say things that I would not have thought up on my own-- words filled with meaning for my daughters... words that are gentle, uplifting, hopeful, encouraging, and healing...... words I cannot give myself credit for."
We always refer to those as "God-thoughts". My mom would not be able to figure something out, and she would pray and then it would come to her, and someone would say "wow, good thought", to which she would reply "not a good thought, it's a God thought! Thanks, Lord!"
I am not referring to the currently posted anonymous. The anonymous comment I referred to no longer exists.
Thank you for such a wonderful compliment. The Lord used you in wonderful instrumental ways through that long journey. I'm so thankful for where I am now. Thank you for being just what I needed!!!
Christine -
Go to the Jeub family website and read about their annual birthday bash. They have 13 children and they have one huge party every year for all of them.
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