It was with a bit of fear and trepidation that I started writing this blog. There is a certain skill and effort that goes into writing a good blog. For example, "Know your audience." Who are you writing for? What will interest them?
My first hurtle.
What kind of audience did I want to address? Who did I want reading what I wrote? After a lot of thought, I finally came up with the answer. I would write for...
Me!
That's right, I'm writing only for me. Whatever I want to write about, and whatever I want to read. How totally simple. A glorified journal. A private journal.
So I began blogging, but told no one about it. Imagine my surprise to find out that someone had found and read my blog! And each day I was getting more readers - from all over the globe! My head began to swell.
I have never been one to take things at face value. So this case of world-wide readership had me wondering. I asked my dear husband about this phenomena. He knows a lot about computers. And he had an explanation.
Robots
It's 12:40am.
I went to bed 2 hours ago.
Obviously I am not asleep.
It is difficult to sleep when you can't breath.
It is difficult to breath when you have a head cold.
I figured that you wouldn't mind my complaining about it since you are up already anyway.
Have a good day.
Breath well
Are you a morning person? Do you rise before the sun for the sheer joy of being alive and eager to meet the new day? Do you strap on your running shoes and head out for that predawn marathon run before actually starting your day?
Me neither.
By nature I am not a morning person. I do not hop out of bed raring to meet the day. I am not cheerful or energetic. I stagger to the kitchen to begin that first cup of coffee.
Recently I read an article dedicated to us non-morning people. Instead of telling us it was okay to sleep in, the author suggested we get up earlier then necessary.
That didn't sound good.
I continued to read the rest of the article anyway. The author's reasoning for the extra early wake up? We would have extra time to slowly and leisurely adjust to the beginning of a new day.
Now that sounded more like something I could handle. And, it does have its perks. I set my alarm earlier, make the coffee, sit down to enjoy my morning cup of coffee as I read morning devotions, and catch up with online news. By the time I need to activate the rest of the household, I'm ready.
Tonight was President Obama's State of the Union Address. Since we no longer have TV, I made sure that I had logged on to CNN early enough that I would be able to watch the speech on my computer.
Hubby and I sat there and watched the parade of political big wigs getting their camera time as they made their way to their seats.
Next came the Supreme Court in their solomn black robes, and I recalled the S of the U Address when Obama really lamblasted the Court over some decision they had just made. Were they nervous about coming this year?
Then the President's Cabinet made their entrance. I suppose I should feel guilty, but the only cabinet member I knew was Hillary.
Finally, with all the handshaking and fanfare of a campaign production, President Obama entered the room. It took him a long time to make it to the diaz where he would give his speech. But he made it, and the audience gave him the obligatory applause and ovations.
Now, we can get down to the business at hand. President Obama begins his address to the nation.
And I fall asleep.
They say that hindsight is 20/20. Looking back, we can see the things we couldn't see looking ahead. Sometimes it is a very good thing that we don't know what the future holds for us. If we knew what awaited us down the road, few of us would have willingly left childhood.
Tonight I sit and think about 2 high school classmates. It's been 40 years since I have seen them, but the wonders of Facebook closes the gaps in time and miles and brings us back together.
You know this couple. He was the popular jock, she was the pretty cheerleader. And they were a hot item. Their high school romance blossemed into life long love that found them happily married, raising a family, and enjoying the benefits of chosen careers.
Then came the diagnosis. No longer would he be playing sports. ALS had him dependant on his high tech wheelchair, and the loving care of his family. Life suddenly was not what they had planned for themselves. Yet they persevered. Their love was strong, and their faith in God even stronger. They were shining examples for others to see. They gave glory to God through all the hardships.
Yesterday's Facebook post brought cries of dismay from all of us. While this couple was away, their house caught fire. Everything was lost, including their two beloved dogs. What an aweful thing to happen to two wonderful folks who are already dealing with difficulties. You can imagine the stress the family must have been experiencing yesterday afternoon.
This morning's Facebook brought more bad news. That energetic, happy-go-lucky cheerleader from high school days, who lovingly cared for the needs of her husband, found the loss of her home a bit more than she could physically bear. She suffered a heart attack last evening and now was hospitalized in the ICU.
I look at this couple who had everything going for them, and it pains me to see how life can be so cruel. But we know it is true. The world is a sinful place, and bad things happen to good people.
One thing we all know for sure. While we are unsure, God is not. He knows exactly what is happening. Before the world began, God knew us by name and called us to be His. He knew there would be crosses to bear. But He set the example for us to follow, and He promised to always be with us. Ultimately all this will be for our eternal good.
How comforting to know that we can raise our prayers to God's throne of grace, not only for ourselves, but for others as well. God hears our prayers and understands our pain. He lovingly answers our prayers in a way that He knows is best for our eternal welfare. We need only trust in Him.
God be with you Steve and Diane. May He give you the strength and comfort you need at this time. You are in our prayers.
