Wednesday, July 9, 2014
The Very Best Use of Sunscreen
As I sat on the beautiful beach of Sanibel this week, I began to think about how exciting it feels to go to the beach. Don't you just love the water, the waves, the sun, the sand, the sunset and everything that screams "We're at the beach!"
I did a quick mental inventory of the things in my beach bag. Why did I bring these things? We need sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun. I want a noodle or float to keep me on top of the water and waves. We need flip flops to shield my feet from the hot sand. We need sunglasses to protect my eyes from the glare of the sunset. Do we really fully experience the beach?
A comparison to church entered my mind. Are we so programmed to protect ourselves from the elements that we do the same thing with God? Do we put on "son"screen to keep his spirit from sinking in too deep? Do we wear "son"glasses to dim the glory of his light? Do we use a floatation device to keep our heads above the fountains of his grace? The Bible says in Chronicles 12:14 "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord."
It's a good idea to prepare for the beach. Sunscreen protects against skin burn. It's an even better idea to prepare your heart with Jesus. "Son"screen protects against soul burn.
Protected,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Monday, July 7, 2014
Mom-ism #10: A popular momism debunked!
Did your mom ever talk to you about the birds, the bees and sumpin' about a cow? If so, you've probably heard
"Why buy the cow when you can get the milk free?"
The old adage seems lost when trying to discourage sex today. I understand the phrase to mean guys won't marry girls who enjoys promiscuity. This saying was probably powerful back in the day. I'm convinced guys prefer gals who are choosy and a bit selfish with private things. Double standards? Sure is but that's another mom-ism for next Monday.
Let's get this straight before I debunk this very popular mom-ism. I do not condone premarital sex. I simply want to defend our friendly cow population by nailing down some facts. When you look closely at this phrase, it really doesn't make sense.
According to the Midwest Dairy Association, females, prior to giving birth, are called calves or heifers. After they give birth, female dairy animals are called cows. Additionally, a female dairy animal or cow can only produce milk after they've given birth. About 10 months after giving birth, the amount of milk the cow gives naturally decreases substantially and the cow undergoes a "drying off." About 12 to 14 months after the birth of her previous calf, a cow will calve again, thus providing milk.
Let's get this straight before I debunk this very popular mom-ism. I do not condone premarital sex. I simply want to defend our friendly cow population by nailing down some facts. When you look closely at this phrase, it really doesn't make sense.
According to the Midwest Dairy Association, females, prior to giving birth, are called calves or heifers. After they give birth, female dairy animals are called cows. Additionally, a female dairy animal or cow can only produce milk after they've given birth. About 10 months after giving birth, the amount of milk the cow gives naturally decreases substantially and the cow undergoes a "drying off." About 12 to 14 months after the birth of her previous calf, a cow will calve again, thus providing milk.
So this phrase would only make sense if said to a gal who:
- has given birth; and
- is said to a gal within the first 10 months after she gives birth.
you are breastfeeding your newborn). People need to learn their cow and milk facts!
Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts. I think my self worth just went up knowing I shouldn't have been compared to a cow until sometime around July 1988.
b. t. dubya, Happy Birthday Sydnee!
Got milk?
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Sunday, July 6, 2014
This is What the Fourth of July is all About!
Our vision was interrupted by rain as Steve and I drove up Gladiolus Drive to the busy intersection of Boy Scout Road. Three large roads feed into the main intersection in the coastal town of Fort Myers Florida. It was getting late into the day, the day after the fourth of July festivities and celebrations. We saw an occasional decorated vehicle from the earlier parade sitting along the sides of the road.
Before coming to a complete stop at the red light, Steve noticed a young woman crossing the road at the busy intersection. His concerned voice fired off questions. "What is she doing? Is she barefooted? Why is she crossing the road in traffic?" He took in more about this woman in a single glance than I could answer with one look. She wasn't barefoot. She had on a pair of nude flats with a classic fit white dress that stopped just about her slim knees. She instantly reminded me of Allie Hamilton.
My mind now conjured the same questions Steve had asked. "Why is she crossing the road in traffic? What is she doing?" and....in the rain! The light turned green. As we got close enough to make out what she was doing, she was in the middle of the intersection bending down to pick up something. What had she lost? Whatever it was, it was laying slap dab in the middle of the road.
As we drove past, we caught a glimpse of what she was rescuing. Our hearts were touched. Our minds were amazed but mostly our American pride was stirred. Steve said "She must be in the military! If you want to blog about something, blog about THAT!" This young lady risked life and limb to pick up a small American flag that had been left or lost on the highway. Steve amused again said "You know you're not supposed to do that, leave a flag on the ground."
SHE DIDN'T! We know that "Old Glory" is sitting proudly in a place of respect and dignity. As Steve said "Now, that's what the fourth of July is all about!"
Before coming to a complete stop at the red light, Steve noticed a young woman crossing the road at the busy intersection. His concerned voice fired off questions. "What is she doing? Is she barefooted? Why is she crossing the road in traffic?" He took in more about this woman in a single glance than I could answer with one look. She wasn't barefoot. She had on a pair of nude flats with a classic fit white dress that stopped just about her slim knees. She instantly reminded me of Allie Hamilton.
.JPG)
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Are Freedom and Independence the same?
Do you value your freedom? Your independence? We celebrate Independence Day on July 4th in America because we are no longer ruled by the English Crown. We can be freed from many things; abuse, bondage or slavery, imprisonment, and debt to name a few. We can become independent of things such as The Monarchy, our parents or a relationship. But, are the words freedom and independence interchangeable?
In some cases yes, but not in all situations. The Bible says in John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." We long to be made free through the acceptance of Jesus; being relieved from the bondage of sin and the guilt of condemnation. Can we insert the word "independent or independence" in that sentence? Let's see. We long to be made independent through the acceptance of Jesus. Won't work! Accepting Jesus means we become "dependent" upon him to free us from sin.
I think we should create another holiday called "Happy Dependence Day". Let's celebrate it every day instead of just once a year. I've been ruled by my Heavenly King for many years and I'm satisfied with his government. The freedom I enjoy for simple belief is astounding! Let freedom ring!
Happy 4th,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)