An Admonition from My Devotional Book

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The following passage stuck out to me in my devotional reading today.

“Don??t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord??s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” — 2 Timothy 2:23-26

Of all of it, verse 23 (which is bolded) stuck out: Don??t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. I think it leaped out at me because it’s election season here in the USA and the smear ads are incredibly plentiful. I also deal with people who have tried to pick fights on here (thank God for comment moderation) and who have called me all manner of names because I happen to support President Obama. It’s a hard thing some days to know that people who don’t even know me or who have talked to me are demonizing me.

I’m not saying that those with whom I disagree are the devil — I included the whole part of the passage for the sake of adding context but it did stick with me that I shouldn’t have anything to do with the fights being picked on Facebook and Twitter. I’ve refused to watch any of the debates because I already know how I’m voting and I’ve actually unfollowed people on Twitter during the debates so I don’t have to deal with reading things meant to pick fights. I’m staying away from certain blogs which are incredibly vitriolic toward anyone who doesn’t agree with them politically and I’m attempting to be judicious in anything I post here or on Facebook/Twitter.

Am I perfect? Not by a long shot. I’d love to post my thoughts on Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan but I’ve realized that I don’t think I could do it in such a way as to not come across as one of the people who I deem vitriolic. “Obamacare” has benefited my family greatly and while I may be theologically conservative, I’m socially moderate. Paul Ryan is too extreme for me and I cannot, in good conscience, vote for Mitt Romney. I have people of whom I am incredibly fond who think I’m deluded for supporting Obama. I can deal with that. My life would be pretty boring if I surrounded myself only with those who espouse all my opinions. What I cannot do, however, is get caught up in the nastiness that seems to be pervading this election.

So please, tell me if/when I ever cross the line.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 15, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 15, 2012

Outside my window… dark. It was sunny and in the 80’s when Daniel and I were out having adventures today. I’d kind of like the 70’s back, please.

I am thinking… that this is one heck of a baseball game! (Giants-Cardinals, Game 2)

I am thankful… to attend the wedding of Jon and Susie this weekend. Not only did I get to see one of my dearest friends (finally!!!!!!) tie the knot (after 13 years), I got to see college friends who I hadn’t seen in 11-12 years, meet the tween daughter of two of them, and meet the girlfriend of another. I got to see and hear one of my favorite professors play organ and I got to experience a lovely Chinese wedding banquet complete with lion dancers.

In the kitchen… ramen.

I am wearing… navy blue maternity shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… NaNoWriMo ideas.

I am going… to hopefully head to the zoo tomorrow with the bear child depending on how I feel. (He has today and tomorrow off of school.)

I am wondering… when we’re actually going to have a real autumn. I miss autumn in the Midwest.

I am reading… A Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. No, it isn’t as good as the Harry Potter books thus far but I’m not all that far in.

I am hoping… the Giants win Game 3 in St. Louis.

I am looking forward to… my massage on Friday.

Around the house… vacuuming to do.

I am pondering… when/if I should see a doctor about my post-nasal drip.

A favorite quote for today… ??A Christian society is not going to arrive until most of us really want it: and we are not going to want it until we become fully Christian. I may repeat “Do as you would be done by” till I am black in the fact, but I cannot really carry it out till I love my neighbour as myself: and I cannot learn to love my neighbour as myself till I learn to love God: and I cannot learn to love God except by learning to obey Him. And so, as I warned you, we are driven on to something more inward – driven on from social matters to religious matters.?? — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… a good dinner with friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer on Wednesday, Daniel’s eye appointment on Thursday, and a massage on Friday. Oh… and watching whatever Giants-Cardinals games are televised locally.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Twittering Cats and Baseball

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

My Giants are headed to the NLCS! They came back from 2 games under to win the series over the Reds. We’re waiting to find out if they’re playing the Nationals or the Cardinals. I’m also waiting to find out if the A’s made it in as then there would be the possibility of a Bay Bridge Series. If that happens, I’ll be checking my earthquake insurance policy after what happened the last time… The A’s lost to the Tigers so we’ll be waiting to see who the Tiger’s play. I’m kind of glad not to have the A’s playing the Giants in the World Series — less chance of an earthquake.

— 2 —

There was a debate on tonight or something, right? Just kidding. I didn’t watch it. I watched an hour of syndicated Big Bang Theory reruns instead. I think it was probably a better use of my time.

— 3 —

One of the Cathsorority chicas posted a link to a webcam of a giraffe about to have a baby. We’re all watching it and commenting on it. I’m incredibly amused that our group of women who are located in a number of states between the east and west coast are so fascinated with this. Then again, we’re women — we dig birth.

— 4 —

I get to go to a wedding this weekend. One of my good friends from college is finally (!!!) marrying his girlfriend. My parents are going to baby-sit while Jon and I head to San Francisco for it. I’m looking forward to seeing some of my college friends again, some of them for the first time since graduation and others for the first time since my wedding 10 years ago. Tomorrow morning, I need to go shoe-shopping and pick up some nude pantyhose as well as pack up some laundry to do at my parents’ house. (I don’t think it will get done before we have to leave for San Jose.)

— 5 —

It’s finally cold enough here to need the furnace tonight. A week ago, we were in the 90’s. Today, it was in the 70’s and it’s chilly tonight. I’m hoping this is a trend. I hate hot weather. The only thing that would make it better would be rain.

— 6 —

I created a Twitter for my black cat Edda. Why yes, I have no life. Why yes, I have insomnia. I figured a Twitter was easier than remembering to update her blog daily. She is @eddapuss.

— 7 —

I still haven’t figured out Daniel’s Halloween costume yet. Not having a verbal child, his Halloween costume is up to me. I might go to Goodwill and see if I can’t put one together that I like. The last three years have been bear-related so Paddington might be an option.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 9, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 9, 2012

Outside my window… dark and cloudy. It was only 75F today which is glorious. I’m kind of bummed that the temperatures are going back up to normal (80’s) next week.

I am thinking… that I miss fall in the Midwest (Minnesota and Ohio). I loved 4 distinct seasons and seeing the trees looking like they were on fire with color.

I am thankful… for Jessica’s baby being born healthy. Go visit her and show her some love!!!

In the kitchen… failed ravioli with pesto. Let’s just not talk about it again, m’kay?

I am wearing… grey maternity shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… ideas for various things.

I am going… to get some quality time with a friend tomorrow.

I am wondering… how I’m going to make it until the election. The attack ads are wounding my soul. I’m seriously pondering the idea of sending tinfoil hats to the National Republican Congressional Committee based on the conspiracy theory ads they’re running. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is also on my sh*t list.

I am reading… Bossypants by Tina Fey. Hopefully, I’ll be able to finish it this weekend with all the driving going on.

I am hoping… my absentee ballot arrives soon. I can’t wait to vote! I just wish they included an “I voted!” sticker with it.

I am looking forward to… Morning Prayer and hanging out with Anne.

Around the house… *sticks fingers in ear* Lalalalalalala! I can’t hear you!

I am pondering…

A favorite quote for today… “Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.” — Martin Luther

One of my favorite things… the quiet time after everyone goes to bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer tomorrow, shoe-shopping and finishing paperwork on Thursday, heading to San Jose on Friday, and wedding of a good friend on Saturday.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Coming Together

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You remember my friend Thomas who guest-posted for me? Would you be surprised to learn that we’re political opposites? I mean, *gasp* we can actually work together and come up with some solutions on an issue. Isn’t that impossible in our very polarized country?

I think the reason Thomas and I get along is that at the end of the day, the two of us truly respect each other. We might doubt the other person’s sanity in choosing to vote for the candidates we do but we both believe that the other person is capable of making an informed choice that has resulted from much prayer and deliberation. I have other friends like this as well. Mi amiga Jessica is a yellow dog Republican in the same way that I’m a yellow dog Democrat. We totally disagree on politics (and she doesn’t pull punches) but somehow we get through it. (We also are rivals when it comes to college football but that’s another story.)

As we are going through the next four weeks, could I ask that we (myself and my readership) resolve to not label each other as “libs”, “fascists”, or “bigots”? I know that a number of us disagree on abortion, contraception, homosexuality, economic stimulus, and other issues but we have to trust that the “other person” is making the best decision we can and is doing so after much deliberation.

Who is with me?

Regarding My Quick Takes on Being the 47% (V)

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I’m picking this thread back up after a week or so off to take care of my sick toddler who then gave me his cold. Anyway, I wanted to do a post with tips on dealing with foodstamps, Medicaid, SSA, and similar programs.

[+] Keep all your necessary documents in one folder. It will help when you have to bring in birth certificates, marriage certificates, copies of social security cards, copies of driver’s licenses, copies of your lease/mortgage, utility bill, or whatever else they require.

[+] Never give them original documents if you’re just dropping paperwork off. Believe me, you will never see said documentation again because they will lose it, especially if this is a document that is completely essential for your taxes. Your bank can print out copies of statements for various accounts and you can make copies of paystubs. Make two copies of everything so that you have another copy to submit after they lose all your documentation for the first time.

[+] Get the name of the person you meet with or talk to each time. I know that when I was fighting with the SSA last year, I would talk to a different person each time because my assigned person never answered her phone. I kept track of everyone I talked to and the time I spoke to them because it was ammo I could use when I requested a supervisor.

[+] If you aren’t satisfied, ask for a supervisor. My never-fail trick for getting stuff done is to call my case worker and then her supervisor and then her supervisor’s supervisor, adding a new level of supervisor each time I call and get nowhere. I’ve even left messages on all these peoples’ answering services twice a day if necessary. It might take a few days but eventually, you will get enough people irritated with your messages that they will do whatever you want in order to get you to leave them alone. 🙂

[+] In the process of making a nuisance of yourself, be polite to a fault. I’ve heard it said that if you haven’t been kicked out of your local SSA office, you aren’t trying hard enough. (This holds true for the Pomona office of the SSA.) Rather than ripping people a new one (which is totally understandable given the process and hoops one has to jump through), be insanely polite. Better yet, be passive-aggressively sweet when you leave voicemails telling people to get off their butts, when you explain that it has been two months and this is unacceptable, and when you explain that you have left messages on their supervisor’s voicemail telling them how incompetent said worker is. It makes it harder for them to say that you are being abusive and to make up excuses as to why they’re not playing ball.

[+] Remember that some of these workers are counting on you giving up before your benefits are approved. There are some genuinely wonderful social workers out there and I want to say that the majority of them really do give a crap about the people they help. The others, however, are of the opinion that the harder you make it, the less likely the person will make it through the gauntlet. As hard as it is to do, keep the pressure on your worker if they seem to be working against you. If you do indeed qualify for benefits, fight for them.

The thing that keeps me fighting and actually gives me hope is a talk given by a fellow pastor’s wife in Montana who works for the Department of Human Services in Great Falls. I think the best thing she said is that she explains to her clients that it could easily be her sitting in their chair. Her empathy struck me and it gives me faith when I have to deal with some form of social services.

OK… any other topics I should be covering with this? I’d love your feedback.