Saturday, March 08, 2008
They Said It Was Coming
Labels: CurrentEvents, Personal Interest
Yes, it finally snowed.
The "doomsday" predictions of a "major" snow storm to hit Jackson, TN actually hit. I was beginning to wonder because by mid afternoon there was still no precipitation, but then it started and kept on snowing. This is what I woke up to this morning. Pretty.
White knuckle driving, yeah, gotta love it. NOT! I was reminded again that I do not miss snow. Roads were okay this morning, but last night was fairly treacherous in places.
I do laugh at how people in the South freak out about snow. Everybody rushes to the grocery store to hoard the necessities like bread and milk, lines at the gas station are longer and people are all abuzz about what's coming. High school games are cancelled and other community events as well. It's rather comical to me, having come from Cleveland, OH and spent some time in Northern Michigan, and Iowa as well. It takes a lot for cancellations to start happening in the north and people are always expected to show up for work.
People down here will not go to work for fear of crashing or something. Heck, I lived an hour away from jobs in those other states on a good day, and I never missed work due to weather. Not ever! You just need to drive slower and be careful is all. I think here people just use snow as an excuse not to work.
No, I do not miss snow. I do not miss having to get up early in order to shovel the driveway. I do not miss having to scrape ice off the car and clean it off everyday and wait 10-15 minutes for the car to warm up everytime I want to go somewhere. I do not miss driving in "white outs", nor do I miss "black ice" patches. I do not miss fearing for my life each time there is an oncoming snow plow truck barreling down the road, firing ice and snow missles toward me. I don't miss needing to watch every step I take in the parking lot so as to not slip, or twist my ankle on ice ruts. I do not miss needing to wash my car to get all the salt off so I don't end up with a giant pile of rust in my garage.
Clocks spring forward tonight! A sign of Spring! Yes! My favorite season will soon arrive!
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 1:45 PM
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Thursday, February 28, 2008
How Close the Call
I posted about my experience the night the tornado ripped through Union University on 2/5/08 here, but here is an aerial shot of the area showing the path the tornado cut, and how close it really was to me at work (in yellow). This is a scanned photo that was submitted to the Jackson Sun, that was the only photo credit. Labels: CurrentEvents, Personal Interest
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 11:42 AM
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Sunday, February 10, 2008
Union University Tribute
Labels: CurrentEvents
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 11:05 PM
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Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Tornado at Union
In the previous post I shared my experience last night when the tornado hit Union University. The store I work at is in a shopping center that is just across the street from Union. It was the first time I have ever heard a tornado and that 35 seconds of storm is one I won't forget for a long time if ever. I'm sure however that what the students at Union experienced was much more intense and frightening. Labels: CurrentEvents, Personal Interest
Here is a reader submitted photo posted on the Jackson Sun that shows the minimal damage to Jennings Hall. I have my Jackson Swing Orchestra and Jackson Winds rehearsals in this hall every Monday evening, but I believe that is about to change. About 80% of the Union Campus is destroyed or heavily damaged. This photo is like I said, showing the minimal damage to one building.
Some stores, banks and gas stations were heavily damaged across the street from where I work. We have been without power now over 24 hours which made work today very interesting -- and, well, dark.
Cars were tossed about, trees uprooted, utility poles snapped in half just behind my store and dorms utterly leveled. It is a miracle nobody was killed at Union last night.
For more reader submitted photos on the Jackson Sun website go here and here.
Here are some photos by a Union photographer on Flickr that really capture the devastation on campus and includes some aerial views, and here are some from the vantage point of a student.
Union University Tornado pictures on Flickr.
Students are in need of clothing and possibly long term housing. The temperatures were unseasonably warm yesterday so many students were wearing summer wear -- it is no longer warm and they are without winter clothes. Some also need places to stay and there may be other needs as well. Here is a website to visit for more information and to find out how to help: UU Emergency
Special Tornado Coverage by the Jackson Sun here.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 8:00 PM
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Tuesday, February 05, 2008
I Heard "The Train"
Tornado Warning! Labels: CurrentEvents, Personal Interest
This evening I was in my store with three other employees. No customers as there was severe weather coming in Jackson, TN and people were staying home and safe. At one point I was in the office and the lights flickered so I stepped out to the sales floor to make sure we were still good to go with lights. I checked that flashlights were at the ready. Thankfully the security lights remained on like they are supposed to.
The lights were on and I went back into the office. The warning sirens were sounding, and the rain had started and we were all a bit nervous because the warnings affected our area. Suddenly I started hearing something, a really low-pitched steady hum.
I've heard that a tornado coming always sounds like a train, so over the radio headset I asked "is anyone else hearing a train?" And one associate questioned "a train?" and then said "Oh!". Then we all heard hammering beginning on the roof of the store. It's a steel and aluminum roof so it was extremely loud. Was it hail? What was that?
Then the lights went out -- for good this time. In that short period of time between power outtages two customers had entered the building. Another associate located the customers and we got the flashlights up and running. I gave a flashlight to the customers and to each associate.
The noise on the roof was a lot of loud banging and it was obvious that stuff was blowing across it and into the AC units and whatever else up there. I was growing concerned that my friends car that I am using was being pelted by hail and I was feeling responsible that her car was going to be all dimpled when this was over! (The car was okay! Yay!)
Once we had our flashlights I tried to have everyone move to the back of the store, but by that time the storm was already starting to settle.
One of my associates is a Union University student and learned via his cellphone that two dorms on campus were "leveled". All of a sudden reality started setting in and we were all a bit stunned and somewhat frightened. I also reminded people that rumors start flying at times like these and early reports are not always accurate and are frequently exaggerated and "sensational".
The storm seemed to be over and then the wailing of emergency sirens started. Sure enough, the vehicles were all heading to Union. That was so scary.
I had no power, no phone, and the cellphones sometimes worked, sometimes didn't, but I was unable to contact the people I need to to make the call to close the store. Finally I just decided "go home" and we did.
Katie is a Union University employee and she was contacted to get to campus and bring anyone she could in order to help evacuate campus. So I returned to the area with her to help in any way we could.
The "command center" was set up in the parking lot of the shopping center where my store is. Triage was set up in front of Petco. We helped how we could but there was mass chaos and nobody seemed to know what was going on. We were hearing reports though that there were no major injuries and that all the students eventually made it off campus, however the news is reporting that there are still students trapped somewhere on campus. Here's the link to the local news paper the Jackson Sun where there will be updates and more info about the storms and damage. Go here for photos.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 10:45 PM
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Friday, December 07, 2007
Diversity: Strength or Weakness?
I found an interesting article, Can Diversity Destroy Us? by Pat Buchanan. In it, Buchanan theorizes that there is an ongoing "deconstruction of America", and places some of the blame on the diversity of its people. He disagrees with those leaders who constantly point out that America's strength is its diversity. Labels: CurrentEvents
I must say I agree with Buchanan.
Diversity is a good thing when there is a common purpose, but the whole "melting pot" thing isn't working. It doesn't work when the "ingredients" in the pot don't "melt" together. It's not working because many in America demand this and that for their own selfish purposes rather than the purpose of the country, which is totally lost in the confusion. How could a baker make a cake if the ingredients all did their own thing and the eggs didn't blend with each other let alone the vanilla? And the flour refused to blend with the sugars? The "melting pot" only works when there is a common goal and "melting" happens to blend into that one purpose, that one common goal.
America doesn't even have an official language. Americans no longer worship the One True God, but many gods. I think Buchanan has a point...how can we be a strong nation when our residents speak different languages, have cultures that practice different "laws", and worship different gods?
America doesn't have one vision, we don't have one purpose. There is no strength in that.
Buchanan uses some excellent examples of countries and governments that have failed and cites diversity as a major cause in those failures.
I find it a scary prospect that a nation can lose its identity. Nations fall when they lose their identity, lose their sovereignty, and are not unified in purpose.
We can be a diverse people, but we must be unified in purpose.
*edited for grammatical errors as per Arron's correction.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 3:27 PM
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Saturday, October 06, 2007
Professionals? Wrote This?
When I first saw this headline, I said to myself, tongue in cheek of course, it probably would have been better for him to have quit before the suicide. Labels: CurrentEvents, entertainment
But, then I read the summary line of the article the headline links to and became even more confused? "...the body declined to rezone his property?"
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? *shakes head in disbelief*
Click here to read article...it does make a bit more sense, but really. Couldn't professional journalists have done a slightly better job with that headline? It's a very tragic and sad story.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 10:16 PM
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Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Teachers
We all have those teachers in our lives that helped and still help to make our days better. So many teachers give so sacrificially of their time and even their own money. They are so dedicated to the youth of America and at times they go so unappreciated, but not today. Labels: CurrentEvents, Personal Interest
Today is "A Day Made Better"
Adopt-a-Classroom
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 11:14 AM
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Saturday, August 25, 2007
Sex as a God
I couldn't help but overhear some rather loud women in the parking lot when I went to lunch today. They were apparently people who knew each other, but hadn't seen one another in awhile, so they were catching up. Labels: christianity, CurrentEvents
Woman 1: "My son has two kids"
Woman 2: (Surprised) "WHAT?!! Two kids?" (By the way the woman reacted, it got my attention and I turned to look to see two women, probably no older than lower-thirties. I was struck that she looked awful young to have grandkids!)
Woman 1: "Yep. 3 months and 8 months."
(Yeah. I'm sure both of those babies will be well cared for. I also noticed Woman 1 didn't say "I have two grandkids.")
I continued past them and into the restuarant and while their voices were trailing off, Woman 1 was rattling off the mothers names of those kids.
Remarkable.
If only the world sought after God like it does sex.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 1:01 PM
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Monday, June 04, 2007
Jacob's Field
OH MAN! I HAD SO MUCH FUN AT THE INDIAN'S GAME! It was my first time ever at Jacob's Field and I was excited to check out the Indian's home. I had seen them play a few times at the old Cleveland Stadium, and had heard wonderful things about "The Jake", and couldn't wait to go there. Well, this past Saturday my sister Dawn, and her boyfriend Leroy, headed to the game. The special bonus was the rental car my sister had (she was in from Las Vegas) was upgraded by the rental car attendant just for the heck of it to a WHITE MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE! I was stylin'! Riding without the top all the way into downtown Cleveland! Woohooo! Labels: CurrentEvents, entertainment, Personal Interest
There is something really awe inspiring about entering a stadium, it can give you that "wow" feeling, especially when it's the first time ever being there. We got into Cleveland a good hour before the first pitch, parked without much effort at all, and walked a few blocks to the field.
We had tickets up pretty high because they were the only ones left with Detroit in town...Tigers AND Piston's for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. There was anticipation in the air and I could feel the electricity. We climbed and climbed up and up and up after we entered the gates at the Jake and when we made it to our section, we walked down a short "hall" to check out the field.
It almost takes ones breath away. The backdrop of the city with The Terminal Tower on the left, the Q right across the way where the Cavs were set to play in a couple of hours, and people gathering in the courtyard just outside to watch the NBA action on the big screen. The motion and lighted activity of the giant scoreboard in centerfield immediatly grabs your attention. The green of the perfectly manicured field and Chief Wahoo greeting us everywhere we looked. The usher offered to take a pic of us with my camera and I think he did a great job! (I'm the one on the right.) Leroy's Yankee's attire earned him a few friendly jabs from Indian's fans! LOL
The Indian's didn't play like a first place team that night, but that didn't hurt the fun I was having. People were just feeling good, and there was contagious fun and excitement in the air. I only had one bad experience which I will share now.
There were a few small pop-up storms happening around the Cleveland area and at one point the wind really kicked it up a notch. We were purchasing our souvenirs and ballpark franks in the concessions area, which is on the outside of the building, and like I said, we were up high. My arms were full as I was carrying my large bag of popcorn, hotdog, and bottled water, which had no cap (for whatever reason we are not allowed caps on water bottles), in my left arm, and in my right I was holding my Dr. Pepper in my souvenir cup...with no lid, because lids aren't allowed either. Well, as I waited for Leroy to get his order, I stepped to the side. I was standing at the opening of the field, which was basically like a tunnel that goes from the concessions area to the stadium seats. The wind really picked up bigtime and I was soon standing in a wind tunnel with hurricane force winds!
Suddenly my popcorn started blowing all around like it was in the popper at the movies! It was flying everywhere, and then my new Chief Wahoo cap started to raise off the top of my head. My sister said "Sue, your cap!" and my reflex was to grab it. Unfortunately, my grabbing hand, my right hand, was holding my large cup of Dr. Pepper!
My arm shot up, and when the cup stopped, the Dr. Pepper kept shooting upward in the path of the trajectory! With the wind blowing, it blew all that Dr. Pepper all over everyone standing in line! Popcorn was still blowing dizzily all around me, now it was raining Dr. Pepper, and the people in line all screamed! They literally all screamed! One guy in line was covered in Dr. Pepper from head to toe, and he had been dressed in all white. Now he was quite spotted with cola! OOPS! All I could do is apologize. I felt so bad. At least he was pretty cool about it. I just kept apologizing. I was so embarrassed too!
At least I saved my Chief Wahoo cap! Yay!
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 9:17 PM
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Friday, April 27, 2007
Defining Justice: From Victim to Perpetrator (A Commentary on the Winkler Trial)
Labels: CurrentEvents
I am posting this blog on behalf of all women who are or have been victims of domestic violence. I have shared some about where I have come from and how God brought me to this wonderful place in my life. However, in light of the Mary Winkler trial, I am burdened to share some very personal details from my past in hopes to offer some insight to those who misunderstand the mind and behavior of abuse victims.
The Mary Winkler Trial has finally come to an end. There have been so many opinions and discussions regarding whether or not justice has been served. People have asked, "Is it justice that a person should serve such a minimal sentence when taking a life?"
Mary Winkler (as other victims of abuse) has been serving and will continue to serve a life sentence that makes an eternity in jail seem like a lesser sentence. The prison of abuse far exceeds any punishment that could come from a lifetime behind bars. I walked in Mary Winkler's shoes closer than I could have imagined prior to the trial. I had very similar banking experiences in Selmer as Mary did. I had talks with Jana due to the mismanagment of funds that occured during the divorce process. I was closely acquainted for a time (prior to leaving my former spouse) with Jana and Amy and felt somewhat ashamed of my situation when I would see them at church. I felt so stupid. I was always at the bank trying to clean up mess after mess that I did not create.
I lied to my family and friends to make them think things were better than they were. I lived in fear and walked on eggshells every single day. The mind games, isolation, control, manipulation, verbal beatings, fear, financial disaster, watching my kids get mistreated, fights, food thrown at me, spit on, shoved, threatened, all the screaming, running out into the cold and dark nights searching for relief, curled up in the fetal position in my bed, my car, my driveway, the woods, feeling trapped, hopeless, fearing that I was going to go insane if it didn't stop, feeling like a terrible mother, fearing for my children, fearing losing my children, and the list goes on. Yet, I can say that Mary had even more to deal with than I did.
Two wrongs don't make a right. Mary is not the first victim to make such a terrible mistake. Every day abuse victims commit suicide and/or homocide out of blind desperation and hopelessness of any other way of escape. The insanity has to stop but finding help is rare and when it's found, often it's not nearly enough. Perhaps Mary felt she had to stop her spouse before he killed her or one of the children. Perhaps she just wanted the pain to end and saw this as the only way. Perhaps she just had no clue what she was doing at the time because she had crossed the threshold of clear thinking (which is very likely the case).
It is far too common for society to judge the victim as the villian instead of the abuser who kills the spirit and sucks the life out of his/her victim with every passing day. It's easy to call the victim a liar or just not get involved.
Those who remain apathetic, then judge and condemn might as well assist the victim in pulling the trigger as many victims of abuse do in blind desperation every year. Mary has already served a lifetime sentence in prison. As it has been testified, Mary, in a sense, died long ago after submitting herself to years of abuse. From a personal perspective, at times I would have preferred prison life as to the life I led when I was abused.
It's because of people who think they understand but turn a blind eye to the insanity of the abuse that these things happen. It's because nobody believes the victim due to the fact that abusers are also master manipulaters. They are artists of painting pretty pictures to the outside world while they tear down and yes...murder their victims slowly with words and deeds. They isolate them from everyone who loves them so they have no place to turn. They convince their victims that they are hopeless and helpless and therefore leaving them with no hope of escape. The brainwashing process begins so subtly that the victim is unaware of what is happening. It builds over time until day after day, and night after night is consumed by fear, dread, and walking on egg shells in hopes to please yet unable to ever do so.
A professional counselor once told me that almost (if not every) domestic violence victim considers suicide and/or homocide on almost a daily basis. And yes, there were times that I had my moments as well. Some get out before it escalates to that level...some don't. If a person does not find a way of escape, in most every case, somebody will end up dead. The majority of the time it is the victim who dies. But sometimes, as in the Winkler case, the victim also becomes the perpetrator for one desperate, black moment. The ironic twist to it all is that in the instant that the abusive perpetrator becomes the victim, the abuse victim becomes both the victim and the perpetrator. What a dark, frightening, and horrible monster of a nightmare! But, as horrible as this may be, in more situations than not, the victims are the ones who live the nightmare and end up dead. This usually occurs when they try to reach out for help and find nobody willing to risk reaching back. Abuse victims could probably be described as the living dead. The smile they paint on the outside is nothing more than a mask to hide the death living within.
By the grace of God I found a way out the night that my situation could have escalated to that point of no return. I didn't know what was going to happen to who but I knew that somebody would end up in the hospital, in jail, or dead if I didn't flee (and my situation wasn't even as severe as Mary's). The weeks to follow were the scariest of my life, but I am a survivor (for seven years now). Others are not so fortunate.
Nobody should be so arrogant as to assume they can define justice in a situation like this. Victims are tortured slowly every day of their lives (sometimes to the point of death). Abusers work hard to convince their victims that they are going insane. Sometimes they are successful. Sometimes they wish they hadn't been. Because like Mary, some of them simply snap.
If just one of the many people who arrogantly and ignorantly throw out their judgements had taken the time to sincerly and sacrificially risk reaching back in her time of need, then maybe this could have all been prevented. Somebody did that for me. She didn't judge. She didn't condemn, she risked her own safety and offered me help when I was ready for it. She never tried to influence my decision. She just let me know that the help was there should I need it. Then, when I did, it was there...and still is. This is what victims need...not further pain and suffering inflicted by those who they turn to for hope.
Often, even the church in it's effforts to help can bring about more harm than good due to ignorance about abuse. They encourage women to stay and obey they comfort them and try to ease their pain with words such as, "Submit to your abuser and win Him over. God will bless you for it". If you have given an abuse victim this advice I implore you....HAVE MERCY! This is not biblical teaching and it's not good child rearing either! What kind of behaviors do children learn who grow up in these situations? What kind of people will they marry? How will they treat them? What kind of contributions will they make to society? Some churches really seem to get it...like the one that rescued me. They helped me see reality and respond rightly for my children's sake as well as my own. They reflected Christ to me after I had begun to lose sight of what He looked like. They offered mercy and grace. I received Peace and Hope.
Mary is a CLASSIC abuse victim and the reaction from those who are ignorant to the dynamics of abusive situtations is also classic (which is a big reason why many victims see no way out short of somebody dying). I lived it! By a miracle and the skin of my teeth, I escaped. I was judged and/or abandoned by family (although that was temporary), my church, and my "friends" (most of whom I no longer associate with).
Following my escape from violence, I volunteered with WRAP for several years. I heard their stories over and over and over. The circumstances vary but the stories are all the same. And the isolation/lonliness/fear/hopelessness is what drives them to that breaking point. People rarely believe or want to be involved. They turn their heads, or worse, they arrogantly and ignorantly gossip, often victimizing the victim even further while exalting the abuser. It's all sick and twisted by all parties involved, (including those passing judgement while looking at a distorted picture from a safe distance far away).
As far as justice in Tennessee...the lack of justice comes in defending and protecting victims in these situations. Orders of protection aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Abusers have no respect for the law when it comes to perpetrating their victims! Attorneys are not available as most victims are financially deprived. My attorney was very expensive and often I felt as if he were defending my abuser!
When victims cry for help, little or nothing is done and the violence only gets worse when they try to reach out or escape. The public needs to be educated. The church needs to understand what they are dealing with and be very careful with how they approach assisting in situations of domestic violence. The worst advice that can be given to a victim of abuse is to tell her/him to stay in the name of GOD! I'm sure that there will be some accountability involved with a statement like that. Opression? Is that God's will? Bondage? Is that why Christ died? Allowing our children to be raised in dangerous situations? Yep, that's being responsible with the beautiful gifts He entrusts to our care.
When is something going to get done to prevent this from happening again? What will it take for insensitive people to get a clue? More victims die than abusers. What kind of hope to victims have of survival apart from their abusers? With their abusers? What kind of choice is it to have to decide between living amongst the working, uninsured poor, or raising little ones in an atmosphere of violence? Who raises the children while the parent is working two jobs just to keep the power on? Should the father (as in this situation) raise the children because he has financial stability? Should they live with the mother in poverty but safety? People need to stop kicking the victims when they have already been beaten to a pulp spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially. The dynamics are so far beyond the imagination of those blessed enough not to understand.
No, Mary did not have the right to take a life, but what right do abusers have to abuse? They take the life of their victims while they are still living! Where is the justice in that? So many get away with it!
I have also heard people say that letting Mary "off so easy" sends a message to others that they can kill their spouses if they are not happy in their marriage, or that being a victim of abuse gives a person a license to kill. This is not true. Only a very dysfunctional human being would believe a message like that from a situation like this.
For all those who are bent on criticism, When you have walked in Mary Winklers shoes even one day...then maybe you will have room to criticize. You may even walking in her shoes right now without even knowing it. Perhaps you are only an argument away from snapping and doing something terrible that will alter your life forever.
It's time to give support to those who are being abused right now..those who don't have hope, those who are contemplating murder or suicide at this very moment. What can we do now? How can we stop the next murder from happening? Who do you know that is being abused and what do you plan to do to help? How much are you willing to risk to prevent a possible homocide/suicide?
Victims are so easy to identify. You only have to look. I encourage everyone who reads this to research domestic violence and become informed and compassionate. Be a part of the effort to stop this needless suffering. Let justice be served BEFORE it's too late.
In my heart of hearts, having existed in the mind of a victim, I truly believe that Mary did not even care about the outcome of this trial (other than how it will affect her children on top of all that has been done to them already). It probably wouldn't have made a difference if she went away for three years or fifty. I'm sure that living with the memories that she has for the rest of her life (as well as the ones she has given her children) will be far worse than any sentence she could have been given.
This is not a time to judge or condemn. It is a time to pray. Christians, of all people should have mercy and see the need for prayer for everyone affected by this horrible yet preventable tragedy. It's time to reflect on our own lives. It's time to think about where three of our fingers point when one of them points in judgement and ignorance towards somebody else.
I believe you, Mary.
Posted by Katie at 12:13 AM
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Thursday, April 26, 2007
ctrlcenter
Labels: CurrentEvents, Personal Interest
If you are having trouble with your computer, try ctrl center. Minimal wait for tech support, in ENGLISH, and if they don't fix it, you don't pay!
Click the logo and/or watch THIS VIDEO for more info.
There's a free diagnostic scan available that normally runs $49 bucks, so take advantage of that at least. Everything checked out ok on my computer, except that I was told that it was "old". I guess a 4 year old computer is a dinosaur. I believe the planned obsolescence for computers is in fact 18 months, so 4 years is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay old! That could explain why my monitor up and died the other day!
Related links:
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 9:30 AM
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Friday, February 09, 2007
What Mystery?
"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Labels: christianity, CurrentEvents
Anna Nicole Smith Dead At 39
Ummm, this woman abused her body for years and the only mystery to me is how she lasted 39 years at all.
What exactly did she accomplish with her life on this planet?
She "respected" herself and her body enough to be a Playboy playmate.
She was a jeans model and starved herself and probably drugged herself in order to maintain the "perfect weight" and physique for that job, I'm sure. Unfortunately, she had trouble maintaining her weight and rode the rollercoaster between obese and thin quite often.
She married a very wealthy and VERY elderly man and surprise! Became a VERY wealthy widow and from the looks of her lifestyle, never really learned the value of a dollar.
Her son recently and tragically sufferd a drug related death, and one would have to wonder if his upbringing influenced his tendency and dependency on drugs. After all, his mother was the butt of many jokes, and made herself that way by showing up in public, even as a presenter on an awards show, obviously under the influence of some mind altering drug.
Anna Nicole Smith's life was a tragedy.
The real tragedy though isn't her physical death, it is the fact that Anna Nicole Smith was spiritually dead.
She never ever experienced living.
There are too many Anna Nicole Smith's out there in this world. They are the walking dead.
Christians! Wake up! Look around! See the dead! They are what you once were! Share what you know about the giver of Life!
Too many people in this life attempt to find fullfillment in things; the thief uses looks, possessions, status, etc. What happens when people look good? Anna Nicole Smith looked good, did she find fullfillment in that?John 10:9-11 (New International Version)
Anna Nicole Smith had lots of stuff, she obviously wasn't fullfilled in that because she kept trying to alter her mind into a different reality.
She had status, she was a superstar celebrity, and that didn't seem to bring her fullness of life.
Looks, possessions and status may bring satisfaction for a little while, but that wears off. In fact, my bet is that once many people acheive a certain level of success, they eventually wonder why they still feel somewhat unsatisfied.
No, the only thing that brings fullfillment to a life is Jesus Christ and grasping (to the best of our finite ability) the role we have in God's plan as He reveals it. Talk about a mystery!
It bloggles the mind!
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 12:33 PM
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Thursday, January 18, 2007
Joined For Life
I went to Nashville on a business trip and since I choose not to have cable at my home, I must admit that when I have the opportunity to stay in a hotel, I enjoy checking out what is on TV. I surf the many available tv stations rarely finding anything of real interest or entertainment value. When I do find something that holds my attention, it is usually Court TV, the History Channel, Discovery and last night it was The Learning Channel. Labels: CurrentEvents, entertainment, Personal Interest
I saw a most amazing story of two teenage girls who are "Joined for Life". They are conjoined twins who basically share a body. Abby controls one side of their body and Brittany controls the other. They play softball, ride a bike, type and have recently earned their drivers license! It is the incredible story of two sisters who literally can not live without one another.
This video is just a sample of the lives of these amazing teenagers, and if you ever have the opportunity to see the entire documentary "Joined For Life: The amazing story of Abigail and Brittany Hensel" go for it. It is so encouraging and fascinating to watch. (Let me point you also to Nick, a man born without limbs, who has an intriguing life story as well.)
The other amazing thing I learned was that every now and then there actually IS something worth watching on tv!
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 8:58 PM
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Saturday, January 06, 2007
So Much For the "Secret" Plans
Revealed: Israel plans nuclear strike on Iran Israeli officials believe that destroying all three sites would delay Iran’s nuclear programme indefinitely and prevent them from having to live in fear of a “second Holocaust”. The Israeli government has warned repeatedly that it will never allow nuclear weapons to be made in Iran, whose president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has declared that “Israel must be wiped off the map”. Labels: CurrentEvents“As soon as the green light is given, it will be one mission, one strike and the Iranian nuclear project will be demolished,” said one of the sources."
Scary stuff for sure!
I doubt such a "revelation" will intimidate Ahmadinejad into any type of compliance if that is why the plan was disclosed. In fact, it may just heat things up more now because it will ruffle feathers I'm sure.
Why don't people just give peace a chance?
* * UPDATE * *
nevermind.
Still, the world is a scary place.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 7:40 PM
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Thursday, January 04, 2007
This Is Cool!
This is sooooo cool...check out this video of the night sky over Denver! Meteorites speeding through the atmosphere are so beautiful. Labels: CurrentEvents
Click for video!
* * UPDATED * *
Thanks Tim for pointing out that there's been an update and the "meteor shower" was actually a rocket reentry.
Still cool...still beautiful.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 9:32 AM
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Tuesday, October 03, 2006
"We Had Abortions" Petition
Labels: christianity, CurrentEvents "I wanted to do something bigger with myself _ I didn't want to be stopped by anything,"
Tiffine Jones, 27, said in a telephone interview.
She didn't even want to be stopped by an innocent child, a baby. A baby that she helped create. Apparantly, the possibility of pregnancy wasn't going to stop her from HAVING SEX either! NOTHING will stop her from doing something "bigger" with her life.
Debbie Findling, 42, aborted her baby because tests showed her unborn child would be born with Down Syndrome. "It's emotionally devastating," she said in a phone interview. "I don't regret my decision _ but I regret having been put in the position to have to make that choice. It's something I'll live with for the rest of my life."
Gee, I sure hope her 5 year daughter old never contracts a disease or has an accident that might change Findling's standard of living, or "quality" of life. She might regret having been put in a position that would require her to make a choice. Too bad kids can't choose their parents.
BREITBART.COM - Women Sign 'We Had Abortions' Petition
I just don't understand our world. We have technology to heal so why do people insist on using it to kill?
It is a VERY good thing that Nick wasn't conceived by either of these women!
The abortions are not what bloggles my mind in this article, but the motivation behind the petition and the attitudes with which people justify evil.
I agree with Judie Brown, president of the American Life League, who said about the project, "the evil practically jumped right off the page."
Life is sacred.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 2:58 PM
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Thursday, September 21, 2006
My Answer and Torture
I agree with one of my commenters, Mary, from the previous post, that if five Christians met up with five Muslims in a room Labels: christianity, CurrentEvents
that there would probably be peaceful conversation and sharing of ideas and no real problems at all. If five "Christian Extremists" came into that room, there might be heated discussion and most likely someone would be told they were "going to hell", but I do think there would be agreement on the main points of Christian doctrine.
Five "Muslim Extremists" would probably try to forceabley convert the committed Christians in that room, without success, and that would lead them to "kill the infidel". At the end of the day, there would be five "Muslim Extremists" left standing in that room.
This is why it is so important for Christians, non-Christians and Muslims who represent the "peaceful religion" that we hear about, to fight the "Muslim Extremists". We can't "make nice" with those who do not respect life, and in fact, show more respect for death than anything. The "Muslim Extremist" or any terrorist will kill you in anyway they can, and they don't care if it means they die too. It they don't die killing you, they will keep on killing others. They welcome death. I can not think of anyway to fight this kind of enemy than to eliminate it before it eliminates you, and admit that it is hard to reconcile that with my faith.
That brings me to the torture question. The USA is debating now if torture is ever appropriate. I weigh this question within the confines of my faith as well. It is a difficult question for those who value life, and believe we should have a certain quality of life. I hate to see anyone treated inhumanely. I believe the life of a human being is sacred. However, some humans have chosen a life that is destructive and causes harm to others. Some humans, terrorists, have no regard for life. They will kill innocent people without blinking an eye, if that human is determined to be "the infidel". Almost 3000 "infidels" died in our country five years ago in a planned attack.
Recently, some attacks have been thwarted, and not just in the USA, but in Great Britain as well. Some of the information gathered and used to thwart further attacks have come from terrorists that are in custody and through coercive interrogation, or torture. (To some it is a question of 'what constitutes torture?', but I'm not answering that question here.)
If there was a plan to bomb the city where I live and kill thousands, it seems to me that if we can gather information from a person who is aware of the plan...that we should get that information via any means outside of killing, in order to save many innocent lives. There is a technique called waterboarding that seems to be very effective in the gathering of vital information. I heard a man, who had experienced this technique when he was in the military, describe this form of coersion on a radio talk show. He was a caller and said "the key is it leaves no bruises, no cuts, no scars and it works!"
Shouldn't we coerce information, using effective techniques, for the sole purpose of saving the lives of innocents?
I've read a bunch of essays about torture and what the Christian response should be. (There are a few listed here, and a good one here, and an interesting perspective on "Christian Wimps" here.) All of these essays/articles have some intelligent points to make, and some troubling things as well. I can't help but wonder at times if Americans really understand the very real threat evil, as manifested through terrorism, is. (Not that evil in another form is any less evil!) Terrorists don't discriminate...they rid themselves of what they see as evil...that is the "infidel" and the "infidel" is anyone not like them.
What if a person had information that would save the life of your own kids and family, but wasn't going to give that information willingly? Would you just stand there and let your family be beheaded without trying any means necessary to get information out of the person who could possibly give enough information in order to stop a major tragedy from being carried out?
Would Jesus torture? No, Jesus would not torture, but this is something that drives me crazy, because I also can't see Jesus allowing the innocent to die at the hand of madmen.
And Jesus did allow torture. He was tortured and He was innocent. Jesus allowed Himself, an innocent man, to be tortured and He allowed it in order to save many.
Ugh, it's a fallen world! Sometimes I just don't have the answers! My "gut" says Christians should not torture or endorse torture, but when presented with PURE EVIL, it is difficult to not react with a fallen mentality.
All creation groans!
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 6:05 PM
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Monday, September 18, 2006
Five Christians In A Room...
Five Christians in a room. They are Christians living they way they believe Jesus Christ would have them live. Caring for the poor and the widows, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, loving people as they love themselves, worshiping God and sharing the gospel of Good News with those they meet. Labels: christianity, CurrentEvents
They meet five Muslims in that room. What happens?
Now, in that room they meet five "Christian extremists"...what happens?
Now they meet five "Islamo-fascists", or "Muslim extremists"...what happens?
** NEEDED: READER PARTICIPATION **
I'm curious to hear what you, out there in Readerland, would say would happen in these different scenarios. It might be interesting to see what notions people have about Christians and about Muslims and how they might interact if together in a room. Respond in the comment section please.
tags: Christian, Christianity, Christian+extremist, Muslim, Islam, Islamo-fascist, Muslim+Extremist
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 10:57 PM
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Monday, September 11, 2006
Reflection
A reminder for those who have forgotten, and a wonderful tribute and memorial for those who haven't. Labels: christianity, CurrentEvents
September 11It's 9/11 2006. Five years after one of the darkest days in American History. September 11. It used to be just another day. I mean, pick one...does November 9th mean anything to you? What about February 27th? August 18th? September 11th. We all remember what we were doing at the moment we heard the news. It impacted us all that day. That week. Now, five years later...we say life isn't the same. How has your life changed? Honestly. How is your life different today, than it was September 10th, 2001? It seemed time stopped for a moment, in shock. Agony. Fear. We took a breath as we reflected on the "important" things in life. But, how are our lives different today? Maybe some things have changed at the airport, but really, my personal life is basically the same as it was September 10, 2001. I have the same job, I have the same roommate and her kids, I have the same family, I have the same daily triumphs and struggles. I know that a great many families suffered loss that awful day, and their lives are being lived without loved ones, but for most of us I believe not much has changed. I thank God for that. I thank God that I live in a country that allows me to worship Him, and a country that takes its freedom seriously. I thank God that He has taken us from September 11th, 2001 to today. I thank God that He is a Comfort to those who suffer. God has blessed America.
I challenge you to think about how you are living your life today. Is it different than it was September 10th, 2001? If not, why? If so, how? Is that a good or bad thing? My life has not changed in any significant way since that dreadful day, and I know why, because my God hasn't changed. He is the same today as He was yesterday, and as He was September 10, 2001. My foundation is in Christ, the Word, and the Word was, the Word is, and the Word will be. Everyone had their world rocked that day the planes hit, but was your foundation shaken? Did your foundation fail? If it did, you built on the wrong foundation.
"Everything works together for the good of everybody who loves God and is called according to His purpose."
-Sue
The above is an "edited" repost from past September 11 anniversaries. I don't want to forget.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 10:06 PM
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Sunday, June 11, 2006
Young Men, a Cross, and Iraq
Labels: christianity, CurrentEvents
Blake joined the Army a few years ago. He is serving in the ministry as a chaplain's assistant. The young man has such a heart for God and joined the Armed Services with full intention and hope to be sent to Iraq. He wants to reach people for Christ.
Instead, his first destination: He was sent to Honolulu. Poor thing.
Anywhere Blake goes he has always served in God's Army. When he lived here, he was a good mentor to Justin who badly needed a male role model in his life after suffering rejection of his father for most of his life. When Blake left for the United States Army, God provided another mentor and friend for Justin, but Justin has always had a place in his heart reserved for Blake.
Blake was home on leave and spent some time with Justin. Blake is now being sent to Iraq. When they said their "goodbyes" tonight, Justin gave Blake the cross he has been wearing around his neck since Christmas. It is so heart tugging because Justin has used that cross necklace to evangelize at opportune
moments, and he loves that cross! I never really see him without it! He cherishes that necklace because of what it represents, and then he took it off of his neck, and gave it to Blake, who graciously accepted it.
I asked Katie, isn't Blake afraid? She told me he shared some concerns with her earlier in the evening but that he is keeping himself busy and not doing too much thinking about his deployment to Iraq. He knows God has called him to Iraq and he is perfectly content with that, but he does have a small anxiousness about a certain role in his ministry. Blake said his biggest concern will come when he will be called upon to help comfort someone in distress, and possibly dying. He understands that could be something he is called upon to do, and he will be ready to deal with that, but it is one of those difficult parts of being a chaplain. It is one of the ministries that a chaplain provides that one hopes will not be needed.
When it came time to leave, Blake said "I'll see you in 18 months!" and left after a short conversation out at his car.
Justin came into the house and cried.
Thank you Blake for your service to our country, and may God be with you as you carry His message to all the faraway places you go.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 9:52 PM
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Friday, June 02, 2006
Laura VanRyn
From USA Today: Labels: CurrentEventsFamily members of Taylor University student Laura VanRyn used a blog to keep friends updated on her recovery from a car accident April 26 - until Wednesday, when they announced the woman they had been caring for actually was Whitney Cerak, another Taylor student. Whitney was mistakenly declared dead in the accident; the real victim was Laura.
Can you imagine caring for a car accident victim for 5 weeks thinking she was your daughter, your sister, your friend? And then you learn that in fact, your loved one is dead?
Can you imagine mourning the loss of your daughter, sister, or friend in a car accident and then 5 weeks later learn that in fact, your loved one survived the accident?
Can you imagine being the coroner who pronounced the wrong woman dead?
This is a tragic story, and this is a snippet of what I read on the blog that chronicles Laura VanRyn's recovery. The blog is kept by Lisa VanRyn, Laura's sister, and Wednesday it was learned that Laura was actually the one who perished in the accident. In fact, Lisa, Laura's sister was posting about Whitney's recovery. Obviously a surprise to all involved and for some it marked a new tragedy, for others elation. Here is what Lisa posted about the news:What may come to us as a shock, does not shock the One who made us.
There are some other amazing things to read at that the blog Laura VanRyn and I urge you to check it out.
Laura VanRyn, at Blogspot.com.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 10:32 AM
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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Marry or Get Out
Marry or get out, US town tells unwed parents Labels: CurrentEvents
This is a very interesting story and it raises some questions from me."A Black Jack (small town in Missouri) ordinance prohibits more than three people from living together in a single family home unless they are related by 'blood, marriage or adoption'."
So, in Black Jack it would be illegal for housemates, one of which has two children, to share a home and expenses, because that would be more than three people living in the same space. It would actually be illegal for Katie, her two kids, and myself, to live in this same house. Interesting.
Now, I do applaud a law that promotes marriage between a man and a woman, because that is how the Bible says families should be raised. It would promote healthy family relationships and that would then filter into a healthier society. With that said I ask:
I do go back and forth on a human law prohibiting people from living together and raising a family if they are unwed. I'm not sure that there should be such a law, but at the same time it is sad that there even needs to be law like that.
Should human law impose morality on the people? It does when it comes to murder, so why not when it comes to unwed couples?
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 10:32 AM
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Friday, May 12, 2006
Da Vinci? or Duh Vinci?
The Da Vinci Code sounds like interesting fiction, like National Treasure, a thriller with adventure and mystery. I haven't read the book, but from what I have heard, it will probably do very well at the box office and I plan to see it. Labels: christianity, CurrentEvents, entertainment
The Da Vinci Code may do very well raking in the bucks too, but I don't think it is going to bring an end to Christianity as we know it. It sure seems like the Church is all up in arms about the "heresy" of the book/movie, threatening boycotts and whatnot. Notice the inverted Mona Lisa picture? I'm trying to stir up controversy by messing with a work of art, it's not as though I drew a mustache on it or anything! That, and I'm getting sick of seeing that thing everywhere!
I tend to believe that the whole controversy sparks even more interest in the thing and more people will probably check it out now, then if the anti-Da Vinci people had laid low. Actually, having never read the books, I went to see the first Harry Potter film because of the controversy. (I notice now when a new HP film/book is released, things are relatively quiet. hmmmm? wonder why?) I wanted to know what all the fuss was about! So, I speak from experience when I say the Church is probably doing more promotion for The Da Vinci Code than filmmakers could have hoped to pay for.
To me it is a lot of unnecessary controversy. It's a fictional story, built on a false premise, and I find it hard to believe that the majority of intelligent people viewing it will confuse the story with reality. I mean Duh! Duh Vinci! Then again there are those who believe the holocaust didn't happen, man never landed on the moon and that whole thing was staged, and that it wasn't a jetliner that crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11.
What does Tom Hanks, star of The Da Vinci Code, say about all the hullabaloo?"...the story we tell is loaded with all sorts of hooey and fun kind of scavenger-hunt-type nonsense."
Christians who have a relationship with Jesus Christ, have that personal experience with Him as their own testimony. Nothing can ever change that. And that's no hooey!
"If you are going to take any sort of movie at face value, particularly a huge-budget motion picture like this, you'd be making a very big mistake." Source This is London
Pass the popcorn please.
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Posted by Susan L. Prince at 8:41 AM
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Monday, May 01, 2006
United 93
"...the passengers of United 93 were quite nauseated by their experience..." "One terrorist, still in the terminal, called a loved one to tell them 'I love you'". Labels: CurrentEvents, entertainment
Katie and I went to see this movie yesterday. It is a good film and I do hope Americans go to see it, or check it out once it hits DVD. We all know the subject of this film, so there is no reason to go into all of that, and consider this your spoiler warning.
United 93 is filmed in documentary style. This means that there is "shaky camera" work, and to some viewers, that can be distracting and at times nauseating, as it was
The opening sequence of the film finds the terrorists in their hotel room saying their morning prayers and shaving off all of their body hair in obedience, as commanded to do for martyrs preparing to enter paradise. The devotion to their god is highlighted in the film and is presented as a fact, with no political statement or suggestion being made about it. The terrorists are obviously very committed to their religion and are acting solely in obedience.
The director did an outstanding job of creating a sense in the viewer, who knows the final destination of United 93, that it was just another normal day to those boarding
The first part of the film was at times difficult to follow. It follows the air traffic controllers and military personnel following the "possible hijackings" in progress as they presented themselves in the confusion of that morning. The scene moves back and forth between airports and military bases with air traffic controllers tracking each of the planes that go off course. There is a lot of conversation going on, and we hear bits and pieces of it as the situation unfolds and controllers know something is wrong, but are not sure what to do about it. I think the only reason this works is because most viewers, if not all, already know the basics of what happened that day. Someone watching this who is ignorant of the events of 9/11 will probably not understand at all what is going on.
There was much confusion and chaos, yet there were those who were making decisions based on the information they had and were leading their "teams" through the morning. One such man was Ben Sliney, chief of air-traffic control operations at the FAA's command center in Herndon, Va, whose professionalism and command probably helped keep things from spiraling into mass chaos and panic. The viewer is there in the rooms with the people responsible for making the decisions of that day and watching the plot unfold in disbelief. Many of the "actors" in the film, are not actors at all, they were the actual people playing the same parts they played that day. That added to the realism of the film.
The last half of the film puts us into United 93. The passengers that day were totally unaware of the events that were changing the world as they sat on the runway delayed. While the towers were collapsing and America was watching events unfold in horror, the passengers were ordering their in-flight meals and settling in for a long flight. In contrast, the terrorists were preparing their hearts and minds for their role in this drama.
It was interesting to me that the director brought out the difference in ideologies. While the terrorists were "submitting to god" and using planes as missiles and killing innocent people to further their cause, they were praying and as United 93 hurdled toward its final resting place, the passengers were also praying, but praying for survival. It was such a clash in the "heavenlies" and it was portrayed very well in the film. The terrorists were not portrayed as religious zealots, but rather as human beings.
Obviously the conversation among the people, terrorists and passengers, of United 93 is story. There is no way to establish it as fact, yet it can very well have been so as things were pieced together from abbreviated cell phone conversations, garbled radio transmissions, desperate answering machine messages, and character studies.
The movie ends with a black screen. No hollywood ending. No fireball explosion, nothing. Black screen. The audience sits in stunned silence. We all wanted a different ending to this film, but that would not be reality.
This film took me back to the feelings I experienced that day, and then emphasized even moreso the impact it has had on this country, and the world. There is an element out there, still out there, that wants to kill Americans. America must unite to fight these terrorists. Our existence depends on it.
And it isn't Too Soon.
United+93 movie 911 9/11 September+11
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 8:25 AM
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Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Racy Music, TV Blamed for Teen Sex
Racy music, TV blamed for teen sex - wow. really? Labels: CurrentEvents
BRILLIANT DEDUCTION!A new study suggests that youths who are exposed to sexually explicit media when they are 12 to 14 are more likely to have sex before they hit 16.
That is pretty evident by the way some children, barely tall enough to see over the FIRST row of CDs in my store, bump and grind their way through the songs their parents occupy them with on the listening points. Some children even sing along to all the memorized lyrics. Ugh.
But, there is good news from this study:the study found they were far more influenced by attitudes of parents and friends than media.
So, in many cases, we should be more concerned about the attitudes of parents.
Would that be the attitudes of parents BUYING this stuff for their kids?
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 7:02 AM
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Monday, December 05, 2005
I Asked a Soldier
I Asked a Soldier, or two, what a typical day is like for them. There is a response posted here.
Labels: CurrentEvents
If you have a question, you can ask a soldier too! It's pretty fun!
I am about as non-military as they come. I really don't know anyone close to me in the armed services, although my dad did serve in the army when he was young...and that was before I came along. I have much respect for those in uniform and I appreciate what GI Gotti and Mr. Matt have started with Ask the Soldiers because it gives me an opportunity to "hear" first hand from soldiers serving in Iraq. I highly encourage you to participate and ask a question or two!
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 5:00 PM
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Saturday, December 03, 2005
Ask The Soldiers
I found Ask The Soldiers surfing Blog Soldiers and was very interested to read this blog. Labels: CurrentEvents
If you have a question that needs to be answered about the war in Iraq, Ask The Soldiers.
I figure the soldiers who are actually there, in the thick of things, should know. The two soldiers who are answering the questions are vowing to answer with the truth and brutal honesty.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 7:17 PM
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Sunday, September 11, 2005
Have You Forgotten?
A reminder for those who have forgotten, and a wonderful tribute and memorial for those who haven't. Labels: CurrentEvents
September 11It's 9/11 2005. Four years later. September 11. It used to be just another day. I mean, pick one...does November 9th mean anything to you? What about February 27th? August 18th? September 11th. We all remember what we were doing at the moment we heard the news. It impacted us all that day. That week. Now, four years later...we say life isn't the same. How has your life changed? Honestly. How is your life different today, than it was September 10th, 2001? It seemed time stopped for a moment, in shock. Agony. Fear. We took a breath as we reflected on the "important" things in life. But, how are our lives different today? Maybe some things have changed at the airport, but really, my personal life is basically the same as it was September 10, 2001. I have the same job that I love, I have the same roommate and her kids, I have the same family, I have the same daily triumphs and struggles. I know that a great many families suffered loss that awful day, and their lives are being lived without loved ones, but for most of us I believe not much has changed. I thank God for that. I thank God that I live in a country that allows me to worship Him, and a country that takes its freedom seriously. I thank God that He has taken us from September 11th, 2001 to today. I thank God that He is a Comfort to those who suffer. God has blessed America.
I challenge you to think about how you are living your life today. Is it different than it was September 10th, 2001? If not, why? If so, how? Is that a good or bad thing? My life has not changed in any significant way since that dreadful day, and I know why, because my God hasn't changed. He is the same today as He was yesterday, and as He was September 10, 2001. My foundation is in Christ, the Word, and the Word was, the Word is, and the Word will be. Everyone had their world rocked that day the planes hit, but was your foundation shaken? Did your foundation fail? If it did, you built on the wrong foundation.
"Everything works together for the good of everybody who loves God and is called according to His purpose."
-Sue
The above is an "edited" repost from past September 11 anniversaries. I don't want to forget.
Today when I reread my post, I can't help but think of those people adversely effected by Hurricane Katrina. Many lives have been devastated, and I believe the economic impact of this natural disaster will have more serious consequences on our nation than that of the terrorist attacks from four years ago. There are many dead, many traumatized, many without homes and without employment as a result of the hurricane. It is a terrible tragedy.
But, as I said above, "God hasn't changed. He is the same today as He was yesterday, and as He was September 10, 2001, and before Hurricane Katrina hit. My foundation is in Christ, the Word, and the Word was, the Word is, and the Word will be." Always be sure to build on the Firm Foundation, and not on shifting sand.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 12:24 PM
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Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Ha! Just What I Thought!
Raise 'em like babies and they will grow up to be wimps! Labels: CurrentEvents
Maybe this is why I have such trouble hiring people who want to work!?!
I am all for being encouraging and promoting self-esteem, but not necessarily when it isn't deserved.
Trophies for simply participating? C'mon...what does that say to the team that worked hard and deserves that first place trophy? Getting that raise just because you stuck around long enough? What about the people who diligently completed their assignments and excelled at their position? They are the ones who deserve the raise!
I'm wondering, is this where all that graduation ceremony stuff for pre-schoolers and kindergartner started? What's with that anyway? Let's celebrate a REAL accomplishment...earn that diploma, then have a graduation ceremony! Now that's something!
Life is hard. You have to work to achieve something. Awards and recognition have a place only for those who work hard and deserve them. If everyone is rewarded because they participated, the accomplishments begin to lose meaning.
Awards and recognition, regardless, are meaningless. I prefer to look to my reward in heaven.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 8:00 AM
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Friday, December 17, 2004
Memphis 13th on Dangerous List
Most dangerous cities
I can't imagine hurting so much and being without hope to the point of killing oneself. Tragic. Labels: CurrentEvents
In its latest City Crime Rankings released this week, Morgan Quitno Press ranked Memphis as the nation's 13th most dangerous city. Here's the 15 worst:
1. Camden, N.J.
2. Detroit
3, Atlanta
4. St. Louis
5. Gary, Ind.
6. Washington
7. Hartford, Conn.
8. New Orleans
9. Richmond, Va.
10. Birmingham
11. Baltimore
12. Richmond, Calif.
13. Memphis
14. Jackson, Miss.
15. Tampa, Fla.
That's not too good for Memphis when they are worse than New York, Los Angeles or Cleveland. Of course Memphis officials are scoffing at this listing saying that:
"These things come out two, three, four times every year, no two of them agree with each other, they are conducted by for-profit companies, they do not have full-time criminologists on staff, to my knowledge they are not affiliated with research universities or institutions," said Grey Mobley, senior research associate at the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission.
I suppose though that had they been named the one of the safest places to live, the attitude toward the ranking would be different.
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In other news, a tragedy at the Crystal Cathedral when long time orchestra conductor, Johnnie Carl, opened fire on congregants arriving for the Christmas Pageant before barricading himself in a bathroom where he killed himself. He was conductor at the Cathedral for 29 years and arranged/recorded music for Celine Dion, John Tesh and Michael Crawford. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 10:54 AM
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Thursday, December 09, 2004
Music News
First I saw this story Rocking for Christ at CBS news. It is an interesting story about Third Day, Kanye West and P.O.D.'s Christian influence on the top music of today. I was surprised to see a story such as this in the MSM.
Labels: CurrentEvents
Then I saw the story about Jay-Z becoming the president of Def Jam Records at USA Today.
Then I saw a horrific headline at DRUDGE: NIGHTCLUB SLAUGHTER
Shortly after the band began playing its first song, a man apparently ran onto the stage and began shooting, according to a witness who identified himself as Sean. At first, some members of the audience may have thought the man running onto the stage with a gun was part of the band's act, WCMH reported.
Apparantly five have been killed, including the gunmen. What is wrong with people?
One thing that struck me about the quote was the part that said "some members of the audience may have thought the man running onto the stage with a gun was part of the band's act".
What kind of society do we live in where our first reaction to a scene such as this is that it's part of the "entertainment"?
Posted by Susan L. Prince at 1:08 AM
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Thursday, October 14, 2004
I Just Can't Not Say It
This is from a conversation an 11 year old (Wah00Sue, she was under my AOL IM name) was having with a friend of mine/hers (DolphinNT9) shortly after the RNC:
[09:23 PM] WAH00SUE: this is tiffany