As Valentine’s Day approaches …

Marty & Trina

We do so many things in our lives to celebrate each other and our love everyday.

We are kind to each other. We serve each other. We celebrate life with simple things everyday.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m thinking of ways I can show my love for him in a special way. Because we do still enjoy spending time together, have Starbucks together often, eat out together often, watch 24 together weekly and still engage in conversations, my list is very short!

I have planned to cook his favorite meal. I’m preparing a Pork Tenderloin Roast, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Root Beer Soda with Root Beer Ice Cubes! I have been attempting to write a letter or a brief story for him … but so far, nothing but writer’s block!

I am hoping to come up with something great very quickly! After all, this is our 22nd Valentine’s Day together as husband and wife!

Trina Daniels

Finding truth – Obama or McCain

As I search for the truth through the campaign rhetoric, and attempt to decide who I wish to believe in and vote for, I found this interview which shows the same questions asked to both candidates and their answers.   http://www.godtube.com/saddlebackforum

The $5 million TV Commercial and $5 million equals poverty comment from Barack Obama came from during last nights DNC.   After John McCain answered the questions “How do you define rich, give me a number” … he replied $5 million and laughed and even continued to say … THIS WILL BE DISTORTED!  After Barack Obama answered the same questions … he replied $25 million books and laughed.  I am disappointed the Obama campaign has chosen to use this question to mislead the public.

There were some things Obama said during the DNC that I really liked and I loved the speech by his wife, Michelle.  I would like to be able to believe in the HOPE for America that I heard about but campaign stunts such as the one above makes it difficult.

I am currently trying to find the answers to the commercial the republicans have put out saying Obama was involved with an underground group and his affiliation with William Ayers.  I don’t know if there’s any truth to it or not but I want to know more about it.

I’m not a big fan of churches pushing a political party and here’s an example of a church really doing it right!  If they’re going to add politics, show us both parties and what they are really about.  Here’s Pastor Rick Warren interviewing the candidates:

http://www.godtube.com/saddlebackforum

It’s really exciting to hear that John McCain just selected a hockey mom from Alaska to be his running mate, Sarah Palin.  She doesn’t have the Washington experience.  I’m anxious for the RNC and to learn more about John McCain’s pick in a VP.
~Trina

make the world a better place …

I’ve made comments recently to my husband and to friends about just how shocking some people are to me by being so mean spirited, impatient, rude and thoughtless.

I recently read a great book titled “Love as a way of life”. EVERYONE needs to read this book.  If we would read it and apply some of these principles to our lives, it can be life changing and actually help make this world a better place.

Book: Love As A Way Of Life

Author: Dr. Gary Chapman

Summary: The author of the perennial bestseller The Five Love Languages examines how a lifestyle of love can lead to deeper satisfaction in relationships and life goals. Eye-opening self tests, practical ideas for building daily habits of love, and inspiring examples guide readers in putting love to work in their daily interactions.

Cover art:

Author Bio: Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-five books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, serves on the pastoral staff at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

This book can be purchased online at:  Amazon.com

Making the best of MICHIGAN

We recently spent a weekend in Michigan.  It was mostly for business but we managed to work in some time for fun.

One of the fun things we did was spend a day at Holland Beach on Lake Michigan.  It was beautiful!  The water was only 51 degrees on the day we were there but we still enjoyed walking along the beach.

We also visited Mars Hill Church.  I have read numerous books by Rob Bell including Velvet Elvis and was excited to get to hear him speak.  There’s even huge recycling dumpsters in the parking lot and they also distribute bumper stickers that say “God is Green!”  As we sat down in this enormous building, a former shopping mall turned into a church building, I said to Marty … “I sure hope there’s NOT a special speaker today, I really want to hear Rob Bell”.  Maybe I jinxed us!

There was a special speaker.  Fortunately, he had a British accent which immediately captured my attention.  Then he spoke about the very important and tragic topic of human trafficing.  For more information, visit:

www.StopTheTraffik.org

As a Buckeye fan, I rarely say anything great about Michigan … but the beaches along Lake Michigan and Mars Hill Church are two great experiences in Michigan! 

~Trina Daniels

“to obey”

One of my favorite quotes is:

“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home and let the husband make the wife sorry to see him leave”. (Martin Luther)

While I respect the Lutheran denomination, I am not Lutheran. I think this quote by Martin Luther is brilliant!

What’s it mean? What is he really saying? I think this is a great example of what a marriage should be.

Too many people, especially Christians focus on the “submit” thing. When talking with a pastor over twenty years ago when we were planning our wedding ceremony, I insisted the words “to obey” be changed. “To Obey” implies a wrong attitude in my humble opinion!

What does it mean to “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home”?
Some of the things I do to make my husband glad to come home include:
* Create an atmosphere where our home is a sanctuary, a safe place where where he can relax, where he can play, where he can laugh, cry and love.
* A home where there’s clean clothes, clean linens, food to eat
* A home where we entertain others, welcome others, love others and enjoy community with others
* A home where he receives encouragement, unconditional love, support and friendship

What does it mean to “let the husband make the wife sorry to see him leave”?
Some of the things my husband does that makes me sorry to see him leave include:
* Taking on tasks and responsibilities without being asked, seeing a need and taking care of it
* Saying “sleep in”, I’ve got it; packing a lunch, making breakfast, doing a load of laundry
* Showing love, friendship, being supportive and encouraging
* Saying “I Love You”, verbalizing and showing his appreciation for my efforts

As we live our married lives with the attitude this quote implies, there’s no need for the submit issue or the “to obey” words!

Miley Cyrus – Gimme a break!

First, I must admit, the Cyrus family is brilliant. “Billy Ray” has had quiet a career! “Miley Ray” is following in his footsteps. I admire some things about them. I don’t dislike them. I just have to comment because I am so TIRED of hearing about the Miley Cyrus pictures.

The family and “handlers” were on site and everything was great. WOW – what an accomplishment to be photographed by a celebrity photographer known for “racy” shots at the age of 15!

Now, for some reason, and on the receiving end of incredible publicity, the young teenage star is crying “embarrassed”. PLEEEAAASSSEEE!

We all know that sex sells. It’s everywhere all the time. I don’t think this is the first time “Miley Ray” has been “sold” as a sex symbol. Is this just a marketing ploy or is there really a sponsor who is upset by the photos?

Personally, IF I were to be concerned or upset about anything, it would be the “father and daughter” pictures instead of the “Miley Ray” shots. They’re just creepy! Check it out:

Visit VANITY FAIR at:
http://www.vanityfair.com/ontheweb/blogs/daily/2008/04/video-annie-lei.html

“misfit”

A couple of decades ago, I remember thinking, we’re really good with the “misfits” when I thought about the “kids” who seemed to become part of our lives.

As I’ve gotten older, I understand why those misfits were always drawn to us. I’m a misfit.

I’m also an idealist. I look at life a little differently than others look at life.

I’m not into materialism or consumerism. If I have a BAG to carry my stuff in, I’m happy. I don’t know very much about the fancy designer brands. I don’t desire them and I’m not impressed by them. I like Levi’s, Eddie Bauer, Lands End, etc and it is usually based on durability, comfort and then, of course, looks. I’m not exactly a minimalist either. I like quality stuff around me. I like comfortable things to wear and use.

I find the psycho sales babble that works for some people insulting to my intelligence and I’m not claiming to be the smartest person around!

I’m into living within my means even if that means it seems sacrificial compared to others in this country. I do not like to use credit for things that aren’t necessary, basically, that’s for anything other than our house.

I recently heard about someone paying $3,500 for a dog. I’d spend $3,500 on my dog if he were ill but I’d never pay $3,500 for a dog.

There’s times I try to become “normal” but then I wonder WHY. I really don’t want to be normal. I don’t have the desire for what most people consider a normal life. As I said recently to a friend, “I’m embracing my weirdness!”

Oddballs

This is one of the video podcasts which I enjoy and try to watch when I have time. I especially love listening to the background sounds. I want to share today’s with you!

I consider myself an oddball and I love the thought of embracing my neurosis. My cousin Christy and I actually disagree which one of us is the most unique, strange and the biggest oddball!

Enjoy the very short video:
Beach Walks with Rox

(It combines two things I absolutely LOVE – the beach and DOGS!)

Major decisions…

Today’s the day we make a major decision. It’s great to have choices. It’s difficult to be certain we’re making the best choice.

It’s a positive thing but still brings stress!

What is it with PEOPLE?

What is it with people?

Scenario 1:

Running in the local TARGET with a small amount of time to pick up a few items

There’s an older lady in front of me walking VERY SLOW! I’m walking slowly behind her with a respectable amount of space and exercising PATIENCE when all of the sudden I hear the older lady YELLING at a middle aged woman who walked in front of her. The older lady yells “Why don’t you watch where you are going?”. The middle aged woman yelled back “I’ll run over you next time”. I had numerous random thoughts running through my head but BIT my tongue and stayed out of their little fuss. What is it with PEOPLE?

Scenario 2

Names have been changed to protect the innocent!

Lucy and LuLu are working together on a potential problem when Greta appears and interrupts with this comment … ” I went to school two years so I wouldn’t have to do that” and she follows it with loud, obnoxious laughter.

Lucy and LuLu looked uncomfortably at each other and provided a courtesy laugh. Greta then walked away. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing and again, bit my tongue! I didn’t find the comment funny and thought it was incredibly rude!

What is it with PEOPLE? I can’t believe I chose to keep my mouth shut in both situations! It was the best thing to do although difficult. Thankfully, I can write a blog about it.