Thoughts on the current election Q&A

Just a side note into politics here:

Q.Who the heck am I supposed to vote for?

A. For various reasons, you may not feel gung-ho about either major party candidate. Understandable. There are things I like about both Obama and McCain, as well as dislike. But what do I do if I'm in a quandary about whom to vote for? And what about the "lesser of two evils" approach?

Here's a snippet from LadiesAgainstFeminism, "I would really encourage you to go back and read the sad history of compromise coming from voting for the "lesser of two evils." Instead of standing against evil, Christians are capitulating to it as long as it is "slower" evil. This does not work. God has clear commands for us in Scripture that deal with the qualifications for civil rulers. He also assures us that He is the one Who puts rulers in power, including wicked rulers as judgment when His people disobey Him. We cannot "do evil that good may come" (Romans 3:8)."

Q. Okay, so now what. Is anyone else running for President?

A. Oh good grief, I had no idea...there are dozens more?! I'm leaning towards Mickey Mouse; again.

No, seriously, my wonderful, albeit persuasive husband introduced me to Chuck Baldwin. Read about him, you may like him, or you may not.

Q. Will I be throwing my vote away if it's not for the major party candidates?

A. Just what exactly is a wasted vote? "A wasted vote is a vote for someone you know does not represent your own beliefs and principles. A wasted vote is a vote for someone you know will not lead the country in the way it should go." (written by Baldwin himself)

This article helped appease this line of reasoning for myself. Worth the read...


Q. Megan, help me! I'M STILL DUMBFOUNDED AND CONFUSED!

A. And now for some great election humor....Maybe it's your civic duty NOT to vote! Watch the hilarious, frightening clip from John Stossel on 20/20.

Or perhaps you should know whom you're voting for? I mean, weren't you aware that Obama's running mate is Sarah Palin???

No one likes to hear truth if it's opposed to what they know.

"You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant."

2 Timothy 4:3-5 (MSG)

Making a Leap of Faith

As believers, we are challenged to do many things: be holy, forgive, evangelize, give, love. All of these require faith. Sometimes I have strong faith, and other times weak faith. Being the non-confrontational person that I am, I am often gripped with fear despite numerous remindings from God's word that He didn't give me a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and self-discipline (1 Timothy 1:7).

I took God's word seriously today, took a leap of faith, and admonished someone through a lengthy letter. Admonish means to caution, advise, counsel against something. What compelled me to do such an unorthodox thing?

A troubled marriage of a loved one, on the brink of divorce.

The past week God has subtly and overtly given me nudges to do this. The thought of not doing something, scared me enough to actually do something! It all started with this convicting post from Voddie Baucham, and yet another post from Carolyn Mahaney. It then culminated when Brent and I finally went to see Fireproof last night. Everywhere I turned, I kept hearing messages of covenantal marriage. How could I be blind to what God would have me to do?

Believers must speak truth in love. We aren't doing anyone any favors if we watch someone racing towards a cliff without flagging them down with a stern warning...STOP!!! Really, who is the more loving one then? The one nodding quietly in approval or the one speaking up to help save you?

I only pray that this letter will be received in love, because I was firm yet gentle in my writing of it. Please pray that God would mend my loved ones' marriage.

Autumn in Vermont

We had a wonderful time in Vermont, visiting Stowe, Waterbury, and Burlington. It truly made me miss living in the mountains. The brisk air, heavy winter coats, and the smell of hot apple cider wafting in the air. Truly a season to behold!

Taking in the beauty of bright golds, vibrant reds, and garish orange was a visual wake-up call for me. Simply being in the midst of nature did my heart good. Autumn is my favorite season of the year, it's filled with anticipation for me. Rearranging my closet with turtlenecks, sweaters, scarves, and coats. The smell of cinnamon-scented pinecones at the hearth, with a robust pumpkin sitting idly by. Making fresh loaves of pumpkin bread. Having reasons to cuddle up close with someone on hayrides. Bonfires. Toboggan hair. (And I realize a toboggan is a sled too). Watching my dog sense the nip in the air too, and even she walks a little differently ;)

All of this to say, is that now more than ever(!), having just tasted Autumn in Vermont, I am very excited about Autumn rolling into my backyard. Though with temperatures in the mid-high 70s, I think it will be a couple of weeks longer.

To whet your appetite, here are some pictures from our trip:

Off to Stowe!

Tomorrow, Brent and I will be jetting off to Stowe, Vermont for a few days to enjoy the autumn foliage. While he's busy with some meetings, I'll be taking in the rustic scenery....

On my agenda will be reading some books, knitting a scarf, studying my Bible, and most of all, simply enjoying God's beautiful creation. We hope to bike on the recreation paths and also drive over to Waterbury, VT to visit the Ben&Jerry's factory, Cabot Cheesemakers, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Okay, so I'm kinda a foodie, or at least I like to think I am. :) (Unwrapped is one of my favorite shows).

Please pray for safety as we travel, mellow weather, and God's blessings of patience over us!

Psalm 96:12-13, "Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth."

Update on 30-day Challenge with Basic Cable

So far, so good! It's amazing that by limiting our channels to all of 15 (I think?) that I really don't care to watch much tv. On the contrary, when we had 75 channels, then down to 30 channels, even when "nothing" was on, I could still manage to find something. And I was probably worse for the wear afterwards.

Now that basic cable has freed up some time, I've been enjoying doing my Bible study, writing letters, chatting with my husband, and doing delayed household chores. And I feel less frantic too.

Speaking of reading, I finished a wonderful, insightful book last week, that I am eager to re-read already and this time, I will underline!

Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald is a book I highly recommend. It is worth your time and a very fast read. What this book is not: a how-to guide on getting pesky stains out of your rug, a SuperWoman 101 crash course, or a manual on how to discipline children. This book instead is about how feminism has deeply distorted and tricked capable and intelligent women into believing that careers outside of the home are the best use of their time.

Both authors use Scripture to validate and encourage women to change the world through their home and its occupants. And I should stress that this also covers the issue of attitude in the home. A home cannot be a haven if it isn't filled with grace and humility. A word of warning, I realize that this book may very well likely offend some of its readers. Only a couple of years ago, I would have scoffed at this nonsense and closed the pages smugly. If it doesn't agree with you, or maybe not all of it suits you either, I encourage you to read it with an open mind and willing spirit.

Romans 12:2-3 reminds us, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

Okay, so shut off your tv now and go read this book!

Got Music?

I love music. It helps me engage my soul and it's amazing how it affects my emotions. Below are three very cool free music sites that will suit your mood, craving, and explore your tastes.

Musicovery: Addictive site that will actually play music according to your current mood. You click on the spectrums of energetic and calm, positive and dark. Even better still, you can choose your mood within a specific genre, and even limit it to a certain decade. Not all jazz is mellow, ya know? Not all pop is peppy. And if your feet get the best of you every now and then, visit the dance music section.

Accuradio: Not as intense and personalized as Musicovery, but you can listen to a genre and deselect the artists you don't want to hear....i.e. Ace of Base. I got turned onto Accuradio initially because of its comprehensive Christmas music section with genres of it too :) From Country Christmas to Gospel/R&B, there is everything in between. And it fulfills my occasional need of hearing "Silver and Gold" in September (i.e. today). There's also a Christian Contemporary station that is broadcast via KLove.

Pandora Radio: the place where you get to discover new-to-you artists that sound similar to what you already like. How refreshing...Search artist, song, station, or friends' playlists. You get to create your own station of ear-tingly-happy music.

Hope you enjoy them, and let me know if you have any favorite music places you visit.