tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38602072119972997142023-11-15T23:26:29.987-08:00Life JourneyReal life thoughts and situations from one woman's well of personal experience.
Because every life is a journey.SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-90707826738533721262016-05-30T08:23:00.003-07:002016-05-30T08:23:41.817-07:00Requirements Fulfilled<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In January, </div>
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without much ado,</div>
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Girl2 fulfilled her</div>
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High School graduation</div>
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requirements.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinPqrpKyhnfinl2ppAEkKaDHxytkGaVQotHvSoMnk0rBixfEbS6O-yVz3uzfHfj1QOT2VH2fu7RTtKYW2esqgZo0XPaSDnB3wEjJ3S1YdczjrgNtzrjOezTOXjSEYczroEmhyphenhyphenPQ87tSk/s1600/IMG953227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinPqrpKyhnfinl2ppAEkKaDHxytkGaVQotHvSoMnk0rBixfEbS6O-yVz3uzfHfj1QOT2VH2fu7RTtKYW2esqgZo0XPaSDnB3wEjJ3S1YdczjrgNtzrjOezTOXjSEYczroEmhyphenhyphenPQ87tSk/s200/IMG953227.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit:Manboy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But since</div>
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public school ceremonies</div>
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took place last week in</div>
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the little town in which we live,</div>
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we celebrated <b>our</b> Girl</div>
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last night with a</div>
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low-key family</div>
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"build your own pizza" dinner.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It was intimate,</div>
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quiet (mostly)</div>
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and maybe a little dull</div>
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for some,</div>
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but we wanted her to know</div>
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that we love her </div>
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and are proud of</div>
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the woman she is becoming.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrEQ778oKW57uI5mN02qWMnjtCJCl2rZ462h8OT-JbjeU1ZmPlBcxvNAlhmdcZ5oxhi7fQyIp4grAsMNEqGohXXgLw0IWcM3Ur1FVVBjOB1FprkG8jYi2jrmEDk0HUIbPKt7olRzOkQs/s1600/IMG953229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrEQ778oKW57uI5mN02qWMnjtCJCl2rZ462h8OT-JbjeU1ZmPlBcxvNAlhmdcZ5oxhi7fQyIp4grAsMNEqGohXXgLw0IWcM3Ur1FVVBjOB1FprkG8jYi2jrmEDk0HUIbPKt7olRzOkQs/s200/IMG953229.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit:Manboy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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She doesn't have the rest of her life</div>
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mapped out</div>
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but she does know what she wants.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And as she embarks upon </div>
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the next leg of her journey</div>
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she can rest assured</div>
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that Mr. H and I will continually</div>
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cheer her on as she goes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-16616149196995609772016-05-25T12:39:00.002-07:002016-05-25T12:39:40.681-07:00Living in a Small Town (Ism One)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a long time - </div>
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too long -</div>
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since I've written to you.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was going through some heavy things.</div>
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Things too heavy to write about.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But that's all over now.</div>
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And I can breathe again.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Whew!</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I first began this blog</div>
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my intention was to </div>
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share a little bit about my life</div>
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on a daily basis</div>
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so as to appear </div>
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human.</div>
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(Chuckle, chuckle).</div>
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<br /></div>
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That hasn't happened (yet)</div>
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but I'm here today </div>
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(and maybe tomorrow...)</div>
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with a little story about</div>
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living in a small town.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Last summer I phoned the local branch of my bank</div>
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to schedule an appointment.</div>
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The Banker who answered said that her computer was down </div>
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and asked if she could return my call in about five minutes.</div>
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I said, "Of course. No problem,"</div>
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and gave her my phone number.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well,</div>
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I am still waiting for that return call.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Funny thing...</div>
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I phoned the same local branch at 10:09am today</div>
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and the very same Banker answered the phone</div>
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with the SAME EXACT scenario.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's now 12:22pm</div>
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and I am still waiting for that return call.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Should I take it personally?</div>
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(Laughing out loud).</div>
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<br /></div>
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No wonder most people choose </div>
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to do all of their banking online</div>
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these days.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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It may be impersonal but at least the computer doesn't </div>
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ask to call you back!</div>
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(Laughing again!)</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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Luckily for me,</div>
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I called the bank back myself and when I did,</div>
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the person I actually needed to speak to answered the phone - </div>
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BOTH times!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOkBbPPj3IZS4sa4UJCrXuU4Hm7qbCDos1GhYEjz1RxgxbTRYH2GYwZZi4Sd44u0qX2JhyBcT6rdM6744K3N0DKF3iIvfGtVT7aLI5zGQXaDQRzbX1eE3ZLywQLCI-yuWDWrhQ6yqaVA/s1600/Laughter-emoticon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOkBbPPj3IZS4sa4UJCrXuU4Hm7qbCDos1GhYEjz1RxgxbTRYH2GYwZZi4Sd44u0qX2JhyBcT6rdM6744K3N0DKF3iIvfGtVT7aLI5zGQXaDQRzbX1eE3ZLywQLCI-yuWDWrhQ6yqaVA/s320/Laughter-emoticon.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-55237302906865968472015-11-30T08:59:00.001-08:002015-11-30T08:59:41.658-08:00Happy Anniversary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One year ago, November 30, 2014</div>
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my dad, Joseph (Joe) Luis Sahagun Jr.</div>
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passed from this earth.<br />
<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYDTcCG64hsB3_0cLmJB7wh-tcYkZgTpD7LFRiDHddUlXQokdNrUy53dWVGNHBYGDdHItZkbJRvfxEeF0FPtxMX4O6ApKrBq0y9TEKGQWOXMQmqkR7UZCpmpggjBUbCK7v_xtml5skYc/s1600/1501175_10203405207599341_4128989757154813423_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYDTcCG64hsB3_0cLmJB7wh-tcYkZgTpD7LFRiDHddUlXQokdNrUy53dWVGNHBYGDdHItZkbJRvfxEeF0FPtxMX4O6ApKrBq0y9TEKGQWOXMQmqkR7UZCpmpggjBUbCK7v_xtml5skYc/s200/1501175_10203405207599341_4128989757154813423_o.jpg" width="146" /> </a></div>
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He was preceded in death by his wife Lynda</div>
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(the love of his life),</div>
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his mother, two brothers, a nephew</div>
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and various other loved ones.</div>
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In May, his dad went to join him. </div>
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<br /></div>
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His three children, </div>
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ten grandchildren, great-grandchild,</div>
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four sisters, two brothers</div>
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and many friends are left to remember him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqtjaCgAKx7oq80cUaj8fKxksayAIO8Pv5JBs4rIxaQ_SiJy3aDIemfflpO8mRJxz6fyVeDifEKnxt8krJpXKkKiKHiCLT0ekWINzZZjzpjLVqIE3v_nrKxBlaOI_eVhbpdYkbaCobFk/s1600/11846587_10204975827063846_2336452944594103605_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqtjaCgAKx7oq80cUaj8fKxksayAIO8Pv5JBs4rIxaQ_SiJy3aDIemfflpO8mRJxz6fyVeDifEKnxt8krJpXKkKiKHiCLT0ekWINzZZjzpjLVqIE3v_nrKxBlaOI_eVhbpdYkbaCobFk/s200/11846587_10204975827063846_2336452944594103605_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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My dad was a proud, hard-working,</div>
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passionate</div>
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and complex man.<br />
</div>
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</div>
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In good times and in bad, he held his head high.<br />
He held fast to his convictions and<br />
made his opinions known. <br />
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</div>
You may have known his mood,<br />
but he kept most things private.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQnFFnxAVJjWiQOaAnRcHkDzruVp8wiBO1eoNnMeM9Ap3HE0AOgTQmOrgWTww71U-MHa5eFzfwV7a4Tk6NLSj1ZBr1qThmxEGFTHY8nhFK_bdKeZbjGvSgxwm3fgDBySaFa_AYzJstYk/s1600/10485925_10203405210879423_6381299040087635590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQnFFnxAVJjWiQOaAnRcHkDzruVp8wiBO1eoNnMeM9Ap3HE0AOgTQmOrgWTww71U-MHa5eFzfwV7a4Tk6NLSj1ZBr1qThmxEGFTHY8nhFK_bdKeZbjGvSgxwm3fgDBySaFa_AYzJstYk/s200/10485925_10203405210879423_6381299040087635590_n.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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He diligently provided for his family</div>
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and was rarely idle</div>
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(except on Sundays during football season).<br />
Even after retiring from over thirty years in the trucking industry, <br />
he worked odd jobs for the next decade<br />
always finding something to do.<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sf7pTQMDUdXVVyZARyvfoWAjt1i3UonQDJBxiS8qWns3GjJYIZ0FgQKxzyBXPdvPiJ191S482fGESV1MSpXb_1WdKQrbpyQ5L7QHgUao9qqysusP-LYh-QJyefZg5M8MIiGoCxckTCA/s1600/1504208_10203421460485653_4393713541755120183_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sf7pTQMDUdXVVyZARyvfoWAjt1i3UonQDJBxiS8qWns3GjJYIZ0FgQKxzyBXPdvPiJ191S482fGESV1MSpXb_1WdKQrbpyQ5L7QHgUao9qqysusP-LYh-QJyefZg5M8MIiGoCxckTCA/s200/1504208_10203421460485653_4393713541755120183_o.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<br />
But the last four years of his life were probably<br />
the most difficult years he ever had to face.<br />
He was lonely and he missed my mom<br />
every day. <br />
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</div>
<br />
Dad was a man of many emotions and<br />
often full of contradictions </div>
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but he loved his family fiercely. <br />
<br />
So much so, that at the end of his life,<br />
the only thing that mattered to him<br />
was knowing that his children<br />
and grandchildren loved him back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD0pwBriB8XH6BpFs7atcqBjSwhr8a2eg9-o4tZpqxAYTNkT1aBCmwWmYwDKT_hWRejwgKg5xuSZeff1PfYqbIXOF5T2zm-4hh6qHpn4HLFtZpa2phJIOpLYF1LzVlGFqufYNxxZmGOM/s1600/11960027_10205108291375371_3934287733875654979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD0pwBriB8XH6BpFs7atcqBjSwhr8a2eg9-o4tZpqxAYTNkT1aBCmwWmYwDKT_hWRejwgKg5xuSZeff1PfYqbIXOF5T2zm-4hh6qHpn4HLFtZpa2phJIOpLYF1LzVlGFqufYNxxZmGOM/s200/11960027_10205108291375371_3934287733875654979_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
And we do.<br />
<br />
That is why on this day,<br />
the anniversary of his passing,<br />
we say, "Happy Anniversary!";<br />
because we know that he has been<br />
reunited with the one he loved the most<br />
and that he is now truly happy<br />
and has complete peace.<br />
<br />
We love you dad! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtje5pdyKPhN2v_YRcOljEvwakPQzjeEs3w-Wcn1Wqa0jDfI2lIyzy14qKHs3qwyYumEV7jvHTBfAzSUBiI4iXnlTyX_e5EWTNKgN7UAKtaOBYyTV8hoBk1b9pn5TrIny099bBDkyOe0/s1600/12004025_10205314621733501_5837050739445759483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtje5pdyKPhN2v_YRcOljEvwakPQzjeEs3w-Wcn1Wqa0jDfI2lIyzy14qKHs3qwyYumEV7jvHTBfAzSUBiI4iXnlTyX_e5EWTNKgN7UAKtaOBYyTV8hoBk1b9pn5TrIny099bBDkyOe0/s200/12004025_10205314621733501_5837050739445759483_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-90689860045116804552015-05-03T21:02:00.000-07:002015-05-03T21:02:17.126-07:00One Last Goodbye<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This evening I had one last opportunity to sit in my parent's yard - </div>
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the yard in which they invested thousands of dollars </div>
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and poured countless hours of labor into.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That yard was my mom's pride and joy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and served as her own private sanctuary.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I said my last goodbye to that which they so dearly cherished,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I sat and observed all of the things which are missing and have died due to neglect</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and also marveled at the things which have survived in spite of it:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mom's beloved Lilac bush, lovingly planted in memory of her favorite aunt;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a few remaining Rose bushes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
painstakingly cared for so as to yield the most fragrant and lush roses possible;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a few Poppies, and various trees & bushes;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which all pay tribute to my parents.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the tears streamed down my face,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they joined me with their presence;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mom and dad did,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and together we mourned the loss </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of all they had worked so hard for.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Upon returning to my house I was feeling discouraged</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by the heartlessness of people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the tears still streaming down my face,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I looked out my kitchen window to see the faintest portion of a rainbow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it reminded me that despite the wretchedness of people, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is still faithful and good. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKKD0J2Xz8Ok8MNaj2cQnjCR_vtxchfSAAjLlcj95q3Z8Rki43N4554r1jJYmci4MsOfWun649r_1WCFHP03mSMPf6AOpkpiGaaGMjxCUJH-vIISaaw4AxzAZDnZXXexRsT7PCFR6C2k/s1600/promise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKKD0J2Xz8Ok8MNaj2cQnjCR_vtxchfSAAjLlcj95q3Z8Rki43N4554r1jJYmci4MsOfWun649r_1WCFHP03mSMPf6AOpkpiGaaGMjxCUJH-vIISaaw4AxzAZDnZXXexRsT7PCFR6C2k/s1600/promise.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
And He (God) gently and lovingly reminded me that despite the attempts of people</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the way things appear right now,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the promises which He made to me and my husband concerning our move here</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(twelve years ago) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are still valid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He doesn't change His mind, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His promises always come to pass</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and absolutely NOTHING is impossible!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank You God!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-34115956695897306952015-03-19T09:44:00.004-07:002015-03-19T10:26:26.445-07:00Be Not Afraid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The past decade of my life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has been one of great personal growth </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with some major "soul-searching"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and intense self-examination.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have observed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(interestingly)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that fear has played a major part in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In fact, I have observed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that fear, indeed, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
plays a major factor in our society</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and likely in the whole of humanity).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently (like today-ha)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
made a list of things that we have been</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
taught or conditioned to fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The list is as it came to my mind and is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
extensive but certainly not all-inclusive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here goes:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear strangers,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the dark,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the unknown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of cultures, ideas and lifestyles which are different than yours.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of the night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of getting bad grades.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear failure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear God,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making mistakes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of being different,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of standing out,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of going against the norm,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of taking chances.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear lack, want and having to go without.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear Poverty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear those who are "different".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear religion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear Non-religion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear science.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of the devil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear aliens, monsters and creatures unknown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear THE unknown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of exploring new ideas,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of "free thinkers"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of "new agers".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid to think for yourself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear rebellion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of being rebellious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear not being included.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear being alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of breaking the rules.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of being unconditionally kind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear disease and illness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear death.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid...be very afraid...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear your own shadow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear abuse, injustice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear ignorance,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
intellect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid to trust your instincts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid to overcome your fears.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid to think outside the box.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear stepping out of the box.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of saying, "no",</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of disagreeing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of being judged,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of what others think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of being Free.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear kindness (from others).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear the elements.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear the wrath of others.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear. Fear. Fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear your oppressors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear your Maker.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear Love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of being wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of getting hurt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be afraid of standing up for yourself,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of speaking up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of speaking out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear the government,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the IRS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear people in authority.<br />
<br />
Fear the future.<br />
Fear living one moment at a time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The list could go on and on,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but life is calling me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I once read something that said all things are rooted </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in one of two things,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
either Fear or Love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't agree with it at the time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but now I can see that it makes (some) sense.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoYkJRhbjvMx6sF0ojeVc2X61CeL0eqqFxdJDeKMl1blgyacx7BkL-BpVdJG-gVpV_N9TmNk-NUzX5Oqz-XmzD7SG85gmWx3lS6e9AJEFTLUBOBHV2b5MVA_AfBdhg3Iic0fz91su-00/s1600/alot+to+learn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoYkJRhbjvMx6sF0ojeVc2X61CeL0eqqFxdJDeKMl1blgyacx7BkL-BpVdJG-gVpV_N9TmNk-NUzX5Oqz-XmzD7SG85gmWx3lS6e9AJEFTLUBOBHV2b5MVA_AfBdhg3Iic0fz91su-00/s1600/alot+to+learn.jpg" height="127" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do know that fear accomplishes one thing - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it keeps us from Living! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The past decade has often been hard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I wouldn't change it (much) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because without my struggles,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wouldn't be free from all that had kept me from living.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I now live </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a life without fear - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am FEARLESS!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-21826536448840954422015-03-03T12:14:00.001-08:002015-03-03T12:43:59.990-08:00Suffer the Children<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I remand you to the State </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be warehoused until you are 18 years of age...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know you've had rough time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it's time to grow up."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This from a juvenile court judge</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to a 16 year old boy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whose three most influential men in his life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are all abusers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How on earth can he possibly know how to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"grow up"? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the while,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the local judges and authorities </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
look the other way </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while the boys' main abuser</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
goes on with his life, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
walking free to abuse the children who remain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in his care and custody.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Examples of our tax dollars at work. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How do they sleep at night,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to know?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mt4Y4Fk9BZkCQ1yaa3vjkZO6lwBeuqSO0nTSOJWFNtKJqiSncA2m-Cvvd1qdMjKOIGln9heeOmewQtGH0yalFHYXDFN8syhpc4IaT0PVTibvZFFa99CiIfzemp65mrG5AwNc33SuDPE/s1600/scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mt4Y4Fk9BZkCQ1yaa3vjkZO6lwBeuqSO0nTSOJWFNtKJqiSncA2m-Cvvd1qdMjKOIGln9heeOmewQtGH0yalFHYXDFN8syhpc4IaT0PVTibvZFFa99CiIfzemp65mrG5AwNc33SuDPE/s1600/scan.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this boy;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
none of his crimes have been so severe. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only person he has harmed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is himself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet, is left to suffer and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pay for the crimes of his abusers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can this possibly be?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What kind of society are we?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Civilized - I sincerely doubt,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when it is more important to be in a position</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which holds clout.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Indeed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hell is for children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when those who are supposed to protect and nurture</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
turn theirs backs on the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
future.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am beyond baffled</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and sickened to the core.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Generation after generation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When will it all end?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our children,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who will defend?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-3511606843996995422015-02-27T11:38:00.000-08:002015-02-27T11:38:18.684-08:00In My Brain Today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The belief that human thought</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is the highest form of intellect</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is terrifying!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGKAqndhBgpHVWHdB2D6RuiDulWlMWlM_rWCp7iCacAtWhcd0wGmZKNvhAIJMvi-9HBsajPiZpAMdAES0F6YL5Dmkq2ZwysheNIVw4ZEZ75e9na3GhGhoNJCeOHDYEzcvRjBGQ6watZQ/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGKAqndhBgpHVWHdB2D6RuiDulWlMWlM_rWCp7iCacAtWhcd0wGmZKNvhAIJMvi-9HBsajPiZpAMdAES0F6YL5Dmkq2ZwysheNIVw4ZEZ75e9na3GhGhoNJCeOHDYEzcvRjBGQ6watZQ/s1600/scan0002.jpg" height="155" width="200" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
No wonder so many people</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
live in fear.<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-71215457201133250042015-01-30T08:25:00.000-08:002015-01-30T08:25:00.303-08:00Two Months and Heart-Sick<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
What is it about the death of some</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that brings out the worst in people?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It only took a few hours</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for some</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to make my dad's passing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all about them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been two months since he left</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I have witnessed enough ugliness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in people</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to last me a lifetime.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It has left me feeling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
heart-sick.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoB72lIXX6lk17rins4CwZdRvFmWJlsffF2Pj1a3AfgXI80aNqjgcHOlm0L2yU9-dQk3j3fBKCOeVQAZYHrS7WQTILdE9XrlJ3sIg8LZpfT0JW-TjGeqVnZ-R-Z7HaXqyljTyXJg0UvM8/s1600/44955_1414880500480_3347795_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoB72lIXX6lk17rins4CwZdRvFmWJlsffF2Pj1a3AfgXI80aNqjgcHOlm0L2yU9-dQk3j3fBKCOeVQAZYHrS7WQTILdE9XrlJ3sIg8LZpfT0JW-TjGeqVnZ-R-Z7HaXqyljTyXJg0UvM8/s1600/44955_1414880500480_3347795_n.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My parents had forty years together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before my mom passed away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each one carried "baggage" to their relationship</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which at times</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
threatened to destroy them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet they persisted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Together they </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
encountered ups and downs;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
experienced losses and triumphs;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shared successes and failures;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
had struggles and enjoyed comforts; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shed tears and reveled in laughter. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They had two children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and six grandchildren</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for forty years,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they worked hard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUs6Cgf8K7edpmbfeiZsdvCSun9-nRV2K6bz5araMbkO6k_9D8SzjwNNqTt4m6IZirL1Ubc-VQVFmwEdiKCqlxGm90Lv965gyFgwvehzs3FUiOGPdQiDDWdQ38p6mH6aPVl4qQU4DCkY/s1600/25784_102751589757698_2184145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUs6Cgf8K7edpmbfeiZsdvCSun9-nRV2K6bz5araMbkO6k_9D8SzjwNNqTt4m6IZirL1Ubc-VQVFmwEdiKCqlxGm90Lv965gyFgwvehzs3FUiOGPdQiDDWdQ38p6mH6aPVl4qQU4DCkY/s1600/25784_102751589757698_2184145_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And though the behavior of others</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has made me heart-sick</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and one would attempt to steal </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all my parents worked so hard for,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will focus on that which </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can never be taken</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and will always remain ~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a Lifetime of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Memories. </div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
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</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-75067644042663613342014-12-30T11:46:00.000-08:002014-12-30T11:46:53.099-08:00The End of an Era<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Four years, two months and twenty-three days</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after my mom passed away;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on November 30, 2014,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my dad went to join her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Eudag67ZP33TCz2NYzp1UK2bpxgufp1EqVeBzWNTVDhwG-oVRSV-rIhB-tC2Bt6-bXUvT-iKge7SO76qtcHPKfYUDEGOlvON8Ypgy-PoEHKPy7DbTMsmZYX-Gb9-EkvCZnZNQh3JeY/s1600/10849867_10203424189633880_4668924605764472827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Eudag67ZP33TCz2NYzp1UK2bpxgufp1EqVeBzWNTVDhwG-oVRSV-rIhB-tC2Bt6-bXUvT-iKge7SO76qtcHPKfYUDEGOlvON8Ypgy-PoEHKPy7DbTMsmZYX-Gb9-EkvCZnZNQh3JeY/s1600/10849867_10203424189633880_4668924605764472827_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have gone through the last month in a bit of a haze </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and can barely account for the time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know (and am glad) that Christmas is over</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and have realized that as this year comes to an end,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so ends an era.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have never thought that my parents would live forever,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but never did I think that they would be gone while </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was still in my forties.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEcr8cU4X8RHoNJoZ5Ch7glcw1PPICfSANW7yygbaCNcpshnSgszo9wW8w2ZjQdnUQfXTyJFXePxY7GM5VHkgAsDb7G8Tyo24HYh7fukfT6Sp4nWauBAvpVdd0qeTGm-EgyKpQPOcXjU/s1600/10801579_10203321760593218_4504223294106200944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEcr8cU4X8RHoNJoZ5Ch7glcw1PPICfSANW7yygbaCNcpshnSgszo9wW8w2ZjQdnUQfXTyJFXePxY7GM5VHkgAsDb7G8Tyo24HYh7fukfT6Sp4nWauBAvpVdd0qeTGm-EgyKpQPOcXjU/s1600/10801579_10203321760593218_4504223294106200944_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Neither one of them will be present at any more holiday gatherings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Neither will attend any of my children's weddings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Neither will be here to meet my grandchildren. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQEx5yZa0qZqi9_4Yg-SVi4DseWLbrubaoVPtfQiHyQIb5QlnHWRWm8QNWi0Q48JT4dLjDFJ6-EUFVQFQdq_ZWWbNyGInokDRLwRqiCRQeFfy0jw-LbpILBbqFp-4l_nujhG6boi8VsI/s1600/10625139_10203401628669870_2258239329949872439_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQEx5yZa0qZqi9_4Yg-SVi4DseWLbrubaoVPtfQiHyQIb5QlnHWRWm8QNWi0Q48JT4dLjDFJ6-EUFVQFQdq_ZWWbNyGInokDRLwRqiCRQeFfy0jw-LbpILBbqFp-4l_nujhG6boi8VsI/s1600/10625139_10203401628669870_2258239329949872439_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am now the sole source,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to my children,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of family stories, timelines</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and oral histories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(gosh, I hope I keep it all straight). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am now solely responsible for making</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
holidays fun & memorable</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and for continuing on with family traditions</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I hope I succeed).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And though I know that countless others</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have become orphans at a much younger age than I have,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is still strange to fathom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But life is what we make it </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2015</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will be the beginning of a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new & wonderful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
era.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXTKQaHvHRGmi4vSgeyuySzNpQRW3XDISld3b7XYg33SJoHJVzcP-wJqvYJL2-JRWNyvtx-JApjA2LGKaPfMV4Vu8sTVXCIPq2C8ah74nODQMHUAOQuSsNq47eJ5PNyc61cKTei2lBCc/s1600/44955_1414880500480_3347795_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXTKQaHvHRGmi4vSgeyuySzNpQRW3XDISld3b7XYg33SJoHJVzcP-wJqvYJL2-JRWNyvtx-JApjA2LGKaPfMV4Vu8sTVXCIPq2C8ah74nODQMHUAOQuSsNq47eJ5PNyc61cKTei2lBCc/s1600/44955_1414880500480_3347795_n.jpg" height="200" width="165" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Year </div>
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SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-3228966329223944952014-11-15T08:19:00.002-08:002014-11-15T08:19:15.193-08:00A Little Kindness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsgTwd6s_BY5CALF3Ejvd3TnxQcfU-WVIk95yq-cmxxSwVV-zXDqCMt4IH-gtz2XOptu-HcZOAUdOKGSn8TBDDCqDtISYEeRSJ9vRiphu-84c1kFhqXJdPEREWU9X4N16agwot16lYJM/s1600/1546153_10152832528264293_9107348195054755220_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsgTwd6s_BY5CALF3Ejvd3TnxQcfU-WVIk95yq-cmxxSwVV-zXDqCMt4IH-gtz2XOptu-HcZOAUdOKGSn8TBDDCqDtISYEeRSJ9vRiphu-84c1kFhqXJdPEREWU9X4N16agwot16lYJM/s1600/1546153_10152832528264293_9107348195054755220_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On November 13 I received </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a text message that went something like this,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I love [Girl1] (my oldest daughter)...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and in her cute little shop...and the way her face lights up and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
answers, "yes!' to the question, does she like what she is doing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hair...and her talent in that area,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her dreams for her future...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what a precious young woman.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not having seen or been around her for so long</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was even more noticeable, her wonderfulness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is God who created her, who she is,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and her responses and choices have shaped her life...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but obviously you and (hubby) did a lot right</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in parenting and teaching her by example what love is...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is such a refreshing blessing to know her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And...thanks for posting on FB, suggesting her services.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would have not thought to go to her...so am very thankful you did." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
November 13 was World Kindness Day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this message was a great kindness paid to me by a loving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
person who doesn't only claim to be a friend on social media</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or who pays lip service to the word "friend" but</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who demonstrates it by purposefully spending a few moments of her days</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
uplifting and encouraging people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though it may seem small, simple or insignificant to others,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
every kind thing we do matters greatly to some one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realize that being kind comes naturally to some</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and not to all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But when it comes down to it,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we each make the <b><i>choice</i></b> to be kind or not. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope that, some day,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we all make the choice <b><i>to</i></b> be kind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBv_SGAuNnS3-i65PhdcwrhwlfrJcIctnmml2qoFz6YL_ZtIiCBi133VTTLB5pQPqB7hY5qydrs1r_pU2hOz66LXtIeM1kXCAQn7bOsDxo0_6fJ1neIypqopQh_MLB-3JSlqXEbHGMdw/s1600/1477643_10201950695557449_806533582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBv_SGAuNnS3-i65PhdcwrhwlfrJcIctnmml2qoFz6YL_ZtIiCBi133VTTLB5pQPqB7hY5qydrs1r_pU2hOz66LXtIeM1kXCAQn7bOsDxo0_6fJ1neIypqopQh_MLB-3JSlqXEbHGMdw/s1600/1477643_10201950695557449_806533582_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-57788292307918230382014-11-13T12:22:00.003-08:002014-11-13T12:26:48.716-08:00Truth Is, I'm Tired<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's ironic that when I started this blog,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did so with the intention of posting </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
daily thoughts, ideas, anecdotes, etc from life </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but have failed, epically, to do so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For whatever reasons,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this fourth year without my mom has been difficult for me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the truth is, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm tired.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TWaGf6EVhwgqhtz83gcXeXth1ZZa-iFTOcn9GxMttNwEbtfex4swOAeP7E59I-unKPX8wgIYEdK5JO2sW6DPR6tULnplbvFoOPOUi35SEr-XLDkMeyy9Afn_MU3AqjT7wJ_15trE9l8/s1600/268143_1871227908880_1486598558_1555368_4992739_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TWaGf6EVhwgqhtz83gcXeXth1ZZa-iFTOcn9GxMttNwEbtfex4swOAeP7E59I-unKPX8wgIYEdK5JO2sW6DPR6tULnplbvFoOPOUi35SEr-XLDkMeyy9Afn_MU3AqjT7wJ_15trE9l8/s200/268143_1871227908880_1486598558_1555368_4992739_n.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of being concerned about other people's feelings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while forsaking my own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of forcing my family to do things they don't want to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of people being rude to my husband and children.<br />
<br />
I am tired of being the pursuer of relationships. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of struggle.</div>
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I am tired of fear.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of snarky attitudes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of meanness, unkindness, hatred, intolerance and injustice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of abuse.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of the expectations people place upon people.</div>
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I am tired of people taking offense at the "drop of a hat".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of consumerism, commercialism, materialism and obsessions with money.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of lies, falsehoods and manipulation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of politics. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of shallowness, selfishness and self-centeredness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of people not listening to other people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of those who want to live in the past</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rather than embrace the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of being told what to do and what to think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of being judged for living, thinking and believing outside the box.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I am tired of being around those who think it is their purpose to be that judge. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have only just realized that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
over the past year, I have unconsciously and slowly,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
been removing things from my life which are toxic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and distancing myself from the things which exhaust me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I simply do not have the energy to deal with them any more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This life is not about what our culture has made it about.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have not been the person that I was designed to and WANT to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have allowed culture to influence who I am </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rather than remaining true to my REAL self </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who is - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
kind, sympathetic, empathetic, accepting, loving and real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am tired of being tired.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And from now on am going to focus my energy on being</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who I REALLY am. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were all created to be free</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I am going to live as free</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
regardless of who likes it or not.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who knows,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after this little rant</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe I'll actually begin sharing about my journey </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on a daily basis.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then again, maybe not.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HA!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-64353163751106947212014-10-31T07:40:00.001-07:002014-10-31T07:41:03.488-07:00Sunrise<p dir="ltr">Beautiful #sunrise on this #Halloween morning. Have a fabulous day! #northernnevada</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BJXssEn8Qv75xd-CUXgMYax50g0tvuFx3eK0-1Ttl6Vohn09ZBcum7n3l9V2XBxH5S2qMjCg7ktlb1ssgVzAQq8CAGgFi7ROdr0M7yP_k6-RshGoKvkNtOdqcp4fQWcOymYNsYi6HFI/s1600/20141031_073103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BJXssEn8Qv75xd-CUXgMYax50g0tvuFx3eK0-1Ttl6Vohn09ZBcum7n3l9V2XBxH5S2qMjCg7ktlb1ssgVzAQq8CAGgFi7ROdr0M7yP_k6-RshGoKvkNtOdqcp4fQWcOymYNsYi6HFI/s640/20141031_073103.jpg"> </a> </div>SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-19277736190036568572014-10-10T10:26:00.000-07:002014-10-10T16:27:12.963-07:00Thoughts Sparked by Observances of (some) Atheists<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x3aXriC_4hcP8JnDHGuiroD9Q30EHaSNrFYLa9I0yjlU4NVrUtcI1E3TmWDuyV90G3T6dSHXcGsJQKTZ2hjYYxVifzgfmTniySMekS_cW4CF5BJwztWvRm8JDuKJ0KVonoSW6L86V2U/s1600/DSCF1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x3aXriC_4hcP8JnDHGuiroD9Q30EHaSNrFYLa9I0yjlU4NVrUtcI1E3TmWDuyV90G3T6dSHXcGsJQKTZ2hjYYxVifzgfmTniySMekS_cW4CF5BJwztWvRm8JDuKJ0KVonoSW6L86V2U/s1600/DSCF1066.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have always known God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel him, I hear him, I see him; indeed, I know him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Never, in my forty-something years, have I ever felt judged
by him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sadly, however, I have been judged by people who have
claimed that their judgments were from God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But since I know him, it doesn’t matter to me what others
say.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortunately, though, this is not true for everyone and
what others say does greatly influence some.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my (recent, limited) observances of some atheists; that is,
listening to and reading some of their thoughts and ideas, I have seen that
their rejection of God (or the existence of God) actually has little (if
anything) to do with God and has (mostly) to do with other peoples’ portrayals
of him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A great number of those who claim to know God the best have
created bizarre cultures of loud, intolerant, unloving, judgmental fanaticisms.
Some bear the name of the one they claim as their founder; some bear the names
of those who actually are their founders, some claim to be the True Saints,
some claim to be True Witnesses, some claim to be God’s (only) Chosen People
and some claim that all others are infidels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all of them say that if you don’t “believe”
as they do, you will definitely perish (somewhere).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And there are plenty of people who belong to these groups
who will love to throw verses at me from the holy book of their choosing in
order to defend their view. And they may do so all they’d like because my
thoughts are not based upon belief in any book. Rather, my thoughts are based
upon my relationship with and knowledge of God.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, there once was a time when I was lured into one of these
bizarre cultures by a desire to “belong”; or probably more honestly accurate,
by a desire to be “right”. And sadly, I have likely been guilty of turning
people away from a belief in or turned people off to the notion of God because
my portrayal of him was grossly wrong. For that, I am truly sorry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But one of the amazing things about God is that he is
perfectly capable of repairing that which people have “ruined”. In fact, he is
perfectly willing and glad to do so.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Though I imagine he absolutely does not like what humans do
to humans and that he abhors evil, he does not worry and fret over things (us)
the way that we imagine he has “commanded” us to do to each other.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do know that he absolutely, completely loves each one of
us; atheist and bizarre fanatic alike, and I would wager that his intention has always been for us to know him and that in doing so, we would love,
encourage, uplift and strengthen one another.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God is always kind, loving and good. And if what you’re
teaching, preaching, evangelizing or ranting about <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is contrary to this, then what you’re
teaching, preaching, evangelizing and ranting isn’t about God at all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-61067600944283137602014-09-22T09:23:00.002-07:002014-09-22T09:24:55.030-07:00Simple Truth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGyk51rfLx4zWHz3iR2gK8QDwphb4Uv6CExQ0tGoM4wNToolhck975eQkZugM6wNHJ4OrSImBDnyfM2_SsSPT12AIb6FROcMxGkKWIclZXWb1a2PBw_4zcbtc1WUMzZSBr-gWbqzaUeA/s1600/Blog.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></div>
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SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-8957877243367342722014-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:002014-08-21T07:51:54.630-07:00Intentional Intentions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
It is wondrous how when one focuses on the good things in life,</div>
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one finds that there's more to be thankful for than one had first imagined.</div>
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</div>
<div align="center">
Living in a small town is tough and I </div>
<div align="center">
have not always been gracious with the community</div>
<div align="center">
here in this desert.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But my last two posts have caused me to</div>
<div align="center">
pause for some reflection.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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I've realized that since moving to this desert,</div>
<div align="center">
I have met a handful of outstanding people.</div>
<div align="center">
People who have chosen to live intentionally; </div>
<div align="center">
who have learned to make their (good)</div>
<div align="center">
intentions known.</div>
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</div>
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When opportunities for kindness arise,</div>
<div align="center">
these people step up.</div>
<div align="center">
They give of their time, energy, resources and love.</div>
<div align="center">
They give encouragement and</div>
<div align="center">
infuse others with hope.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3GwHdIx2g1NCt1skLE5IHiIohpfDZ0tVGPoKqSHEAzGvHwG6yg93ae-gXL5SR2vGLgraZUpRs6EfTXq5Re9VeA9Lul-zIfifjxUlXRqZ-p8ZwXTDWbe-HOCmAFYIWE9pKzjrQIL__LQ/s1600/DSCF2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3GwHdIx2g1NCt1skLE5IHiIohpfDZ0tVGPoKqSHEAzGvHwG6yg93ae-gXL5SR2vGLgraZUpRs6EfTXq5Re9VeA9Lul-zIfifjxUlXRqZ-p8ZwXTDWbe-HOCmAFYIWE9pKzjrQIL__LQ/s1600/DSCF2995.JPG" height="145" width="200" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div align="center">
It is interesting that we</div>
<div align="center">
(this handful of people and I)</div>
<div align="center">
all moved here within just a couple of years of each other.</div>
<div align="center">
We were purposefully led here for many reasons.</div>
<div align="center">
But the reason we all have in common is, </div>
<div align="center">
to show the community kindness, infuse it with hope, </div>
<div align="center">
and to reveal and manifest unconditional Love.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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Thank you,</div>
<div align="center">
Jim and Sherry,</div>
<div align="center">
Ken and Elaine,</div>
<div align="center">
Marcia and Byron</div>
<div align="center">
and</div>
<div align="center">
RuthAnn</div>
<div align="center">
for your love and for living intentionally.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-32005042277915667882014-08-20T07:39:00.002-07:002014-08-20T07:39:32.631-07:00Doubly Blessed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
Yesterday I shared about a woman who had</div>
<div align="center">
an impact upon my life with her simple kindness.</div>
<div align="center">
She was an active part of my life for a few months</div>
<div align="center">
but we didn't really know each other all that well.</div>
<div align="center">
But every time I think of her, </div>
<div align="center">
I pray for an extra blessing in her life</div>
<div align="center">
and I will never forget her.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
After I finished that post, </div>
<div align="center">
I realized that I couldn't write about her </div>
<div align="center">
without sharing about another beautiful woman in my life.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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She was a good friend to my mom and before she left</div>
<div align="center">
(passed away), I know that this wonderful woman</div>
<div align="center">
promised mom that she would</div>
<div align="center">
"look after" me.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
We met her several years ago and it was "friendship at first sight".</div>
<div align="center">
She (and her husband) quickly became</div>
<div align="center">
an every day part of our lives;</div>
<div align="center">
a part of our family and has remained so</div>
<div align="center">
ever since.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
As my "other mom" she is faithful in keeping me and my family</div>
<div align="center">
in her thoughts and prayers, faithful with her kindness and encouragement,</div>
<div align="center">
faithful with her resources and energy.</div>
<div align="center">
She knows, truly, what it is to be a friend.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And like Donna, Elaine has had an eternal impact upon me.</div>
<div align="center">
I have been doubly blessed.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cb2Fq_Leewmgfm3oEhyphenhyphenB8NEx7xMiuj7xCmxhfCZ-dsDo6u0dZXAGtnjDsW6W0qEw8_KgCscL1pzSbWhdMUgOh-Rbt5VxppdUycifQEnDV-qGTQvkOUwHYO12AuOIJ3pJrUKLCJZoqWA/s1600/DSCF0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cb2Fq_Leewmgfm3oEhyphenhyphenB8NEx7xMiuj7xCmxhfCZ-dsDo6u0dZXAGtnjDsW6W0qEw8_KgCscL1pzSbWhdMUgOh-Rbt5VxppdUycifQEnDV-qGTQvkOUwHYO12AuOIJ3pJrUKLCJZoqWA/s1600/DSCF0972.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Often times we shy away from opportunities to show kindness</div>
<div align="center">
because we don't feel as if we have the time or energy that it requires.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
We cannot be all things to all people,</div>
<div align="center">
but we can be that small thing to that one person.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Whether it's a passing kindness or a </div>
<div align="center">
decades long relationship, </div>
<div align="center">
we all have a part to play in the lives of others.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
We each choose whether to act upon those opportunites for kindess,</div>
<div align="center">
or not.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Imagine what it would be like if, indeed, we each chose </div>
<div align="center">
to act upon every opportunity for kindness.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Truly,</div>
<div align="center">
we would change the world.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-54489624792826718152014-08-19T08:54:00.002-07:002014-08-19T08:54:14.527-07:00Good Intentions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
Years ago, in the midst of some difficult circumstances, </div>
<div align="center">
I met a wonderful woman who began a correspondence </div>
<div align="center">
and relationship with me.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj_NlXunQnPFW2E4XPcxgIYEe1ER3XCjSBPRv7_4PdcLCCtrhL3n_ra5Wdbg1J0aGRmtD9MFS17NjdMDYJQN3Mq2GLCR7RaL-eCnFiZ39UZdOv-NAkmEQ6Lfz56L79skQGw6Hqu96v9o/s1600/20140720_084004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj_NlXunQnPFW2E4XPcxgIYEe1ER3XCjSBPRv7_4PdcLCCtrhL3n_ra5Wdbg1J0aGRmtD9MFS17NjdMDYJQN3Mq2GLCR7RaL-eCnFiZ39UZdOv-NAkmEQ6Lfz56L79skQGw6Hqu96v9o/s1600/20140720_084004.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
We saw each other about once a week and were sometimes able to have</div>
<div align="center">
a few moments of private conversation.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And every week like clockwork, I received in the mail,</div>
<div align="center">
a beautiful card with a hand-written note of encouragement</div>
<div align="center">
along with her assurance that she was praying for me.</div>
<div align="center">
Not prayers based upon her opinion of what she thought I needed but</div>
<div align="center">
genuine, heartfelt prayers for goodness and blessing upon my life;</div>
<div align="center">
prayers for God to move in ways that he knew I needed.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Often times we have good intentions that we never follow through on.</div>
<div align="center">
If you're thinking (good) thoughts about someone, let them know.</div>
<div align="center">
Send a text message, email, card or note, or pick up the phone and call.</div>
<div align="center">
No one can know your intentions unless you make them known.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Sweet Donna, didn't know the details of my circumstances,</div>
<div align="center">
but she intentionally chose to share in my sufferings.</div>
<div align="center">
Her obedience in investing her time and energy into my life; </div>
<div align="center">
showing me love and support through her encouragement </div>
<div align="center">
(and even with her finances)</div>
<div align="center">
infused me with hope.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Never underestimate the impact of what a kind word </div>
<div align="center">
or gesture can have on a person.</div>
<div align="center">
Learn to listen and obey.</div>
<div align="center">
When you are feeling prompted to reach out to someone,</div>
<div align="center">
reach out.</div>
<div align="center">
When you are prompted to help someone,</div>
<div align="center">
help them.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Learn how to pray for others;</div>
<div align="center">
not imposing your will upon their lives</div>
<div align="center">
but asking God to bestow goodness and blessing upon their lives,</div>
<div align="center">
providing exactly what he knows they need.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
If each person would put these simple things into practice</div>
<div align="center">
in their daily lives,</div>
<div align="center">
truly,</div>
<div align="center">
we would change the world.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Donna was intentional about her intentions</div>
<div align="center">
and it made all the difference in my world.</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-51563934694917341642014-08-18T11:40:00.001-07:002014-08-18T18:05:07.706-07:00Human Being - Being Human<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
The human is an interesting being.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
What makes us human?</div>
<div align="center">
Our physical body, obviously.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But what keeps the body alive?</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Is it the heart, beating in rhythm,</div>
<div align="center">
keeping the blood flowing,<br />
coursing through the body?</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Is it the blood itself;</div>
<div align="center">
running the body like a well-oiled machine?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vnALK_NeXmtxAsmnGpgYb7svizZ4tyu1CoiqyWZMihlcskNQXejRhzO7gJinWliOaN7pLSz9QvDXQlYw1R7Gh24GlmBrbSrlCnADNEfZshOS5YUXzEeKM_tYZnM-Ho-4SL48ROhtx3g/s1600/body.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vnALK_NeXmtxAsmnGpgYb7svizZ4tyu1CoiqyWZMihlcskNQXejRhzO7gJinWliOaN7pLSz9QvDXQlYw1R7Gh24GlmBrbSrlCnADNEfZshOS5YUXzEeKM_tYZnM-Ho-4SL48ROhtx3g/s1600/body.png" height="200" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo:buzzle.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Or is it the brain which tells the heart to beat</div>
<div align="center">
so that the blood can flow?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3R-RSlcr8e-nqnaED4K7aLKP_V8VuA3uN14QU5EQ2AszR4lwlNkLGXXezJ1UaPK1OilaKh03tR4_JsViG8mLHThbvaWEaTwX4GL0xtDh5voBvunPDnCf-sSe9zVXThonVJgDWayRE6I/s1600/brain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3R-RSlcr8e-nqnaED4K7aLKP_V8VuA3uN14QU5EQ2AszR4lwlNkLGXXezJ1UaPK1OilaKh03tR4_JsViG8mLHThbvaWEaTwX4GL0xtDh5voBvunPDnCf-sSe9zVXThonVJgDWayRE6I/s1600/brain.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo:inmonova.com<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Science has evidence, if not proof, that the soul/spirit,</div>
<div align="center">
though invisible to the human eye, indeed exists.</div>
<div align="center">
It has weight, if only just a fraction of a gram,</div>
<div align="center">
which the human body is relieved of </div>
<div align="center">
immediately upon death.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
So, perhaps, it is the soul/spirit which keeps the body alive.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
We know that the body dies</div>
<div align="center">
and we (many) believe that the soul lives on</div>
<div align="center">
forever.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG9ZltwRmkN0grQL3sdwqku5dxM7P5GKT1rBLlUJCpMFFUinnwHlKOTWtRaGsHRnqnAz6m8TgPjdM-tUH-g2tmtxjfz22TBvGeR8Knp5MqU2FgZ_jy5riD3g4v7J7OLyzB1D1WCty7xU/s1600/spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG9ZltwRmkN0grQL3sdwqku5dxM7P5GKT1rBLlUJCpMFFUinnwHlKOTWtRaGsHRnqnAz6m8TgPjdM-tUH-g2tmtxjfz22TBvGeR8Knp5MqU2FgZ_jy5riD3g4v7J7OLyzB1D1WCty7xU/s1600/spirit.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo:galleryhip.com<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, if we have been created in the image of God,</div>
<div align="center">
yet our human body dies,</div>
<div align="center">
one can reason that it is our </div>
<div align="center">
spirit-being rather than our</div>
<div align="center">
physical body which is the very image/replica</div>
<div align="center">
of God.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
The realization of this blows the human mind</div>
<div align="center">
(realm of thought)</div>
<div align="center">
wide open.</div>
<div align="center">
The impossible no longer exists for those who see.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
History records that while some of Jesus' disciples</div>
<div align="center">
were traveling, Jesus appeared to them, yet they did not recognize him</div>
<div align="center">
until he spoke to them.</div>
<div align="center">
Then again, when his disciples were gathered together for fellowship,</div>
<div align="center">
he appeared to them and they did not recognize him at first either.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
When I was a child, I used to wonder at (about) this.</div>
<div align="center">
But now it makes sense.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWzFzG9o5NI16RSwp-MH6T0ALUKbCfxWFfA520Un92ShhgNEyJNWHrh6fpAfMqwHeH5gDFj57NqNHw4b-CcS3rRThlE25ZwfcLC1E04X3yxTtVrc380yFgjXmornCiLcMlYwQJnpz8Ic/s1600/meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWzFzG9o5NI16RSwp-MH6T0ALUKbCfxWFfA520Un92ShhgNEyJNWHrh6fpAfMqwHeH5gDFj57NqNHw4b-CcS3rRThlE25ZwfcLC1E04X3yxTtVrc380yFgjXmornCiLcMlYwQJnpz8Ic/s1600/meme.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
The human eye looks for a human being,</div>
<div align="center">
but when we look spirit to spirit, we see so much more.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
"Sublime"</div>
<div align="center">
doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of such a realization.</div>
<div align="center">
It is liberation times liberation times infinity.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
WOW!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-16927347308445867492014-08-15T10:05:00.000-07:002014-08-15T10:05:42.866-07:00Ultimate Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
There seems to be countless </div>
<div align="center">
expressions, demonstrations, stages and levels </div>
<div align="center">
of love.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But when I think of LOVE,</div>
<div align="center">
ultimate Love,</div>
<div align="center">
I think about the very nature of our existence.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
To have been given life with the ability to</div>
<div align="center">
think and reason</div>
<div align="center">
and with the right to </div>
<div align="center">
live and choose for ourselves</div>
<div align="center">
is to have received the manifestation of</div>
<div align="center">
ultimate Love.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnjPP8J0s579bZ0NJmfuuHlduXsNOq8soeGMECzDGUbv0aIQe_uz60QDsPRAWG4z_kUKkhrr5csYX8HppZS9e0K8lK8YupVC61EBf5JzwenMZpxc7f4UkRNMsLb7A0Dh1NrGeA6aKN9c/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnjPP8J0s579bZ0NJmfuuHlduXsNOq8soeGMECzDGUbv0aIQe_uz60QDsPRAWG4z_kUKkhrr5csYX8HppZS9e0K8lK8YupVC61EBf5JzwenMZpxc7f4UkRNMsLb7A0Dh1NrGeA6aKN9c/s1600/heart.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
To realize that we have already received the fullness of Love</div>
<div align="center">
by having been given free-will is to</div>
<div align="center">
realize that any kind of love with</div>
<div align="center">
boundaries, limits and/or conditions isn't</div>
<div align="center">
real love at all.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
No other forms of love compare to the Love</div>
<div align="center">
which allows us complete and free access to the Giver of ultimate Love.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And once one experiences a true realization of this,</div>
<div align="center">
one can't look at the world the same way as one used to.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And this is a </div>
<div align="center">
GOOD</div>
<div align="center">
thing.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-59803853344676765092014-08-13T08:41:00.000-07:002014-08-13T15:38:58.601-07:00The Best Thing I've Ever Done<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
I have always had a consciousness, awareness and relationship with God.</div>
<div align="center">
My earliest memories (from about the age of three) are of Him.</div>
<div align="center">
We hung out together all of the time.</div>
<div align="center">
And while with Him, there was nothing I couldn't know, nothing I couldn't do and nothing to fear.</div>
<div align="center">
He was my best friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOOHqBW_AJzYc7nxZB6CDLoWcnEoLq_JhBl9fDC0BgkmokNHYwawba9wylSgQtLOTXdyhJGNviRgrKecwXR8f4oicShWBDtZCSMnk6GgammKba36NVXGuISZgSz_WpZ0IJPj5yJFsh1c/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOOHqBW_AJzYc7nxZB6CDLoWcnEoLq_JhBl9fDC0BgkmokNHYwawba9wylSgQtLOTXdyhJGNviRgrKecwXR8f4oicShWBDtZCSMnk6GgammKba36NVXGuISZgSz_WpZ0IJPj5yJFsh1c/s1600/me.jpg" height="195" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But as time went on, as I grew and as people began to have an influence on my life, things began to change.</div>
<div align="center">
Other children laughed at who my best friend was, others rolled their eyes, and Sunday School teachers told me how I was supposed to view God and that He only hung out with certain people.</div>
<div align="center">
They "taught" me all of the things I had to do in order to be pleasing and acceptable to God.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I became task and works oriented, concerned about what people thought of me, a people-pleaser and obsessed with following the rules.</div>
<div align="center">
I became fearful of never being good enough, doubtful that I ever did anything right, suspicious of other people's motives, and skeptical of ever being able to accomplish anything.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
By the time I was sixteen I was exhausted.</div>
<div align="center">
Up to that point I had always treaded lightly, followed the rules, got straight A's in school,</div>
<div align="center">
highlighted and memorized most of my Bible and was in the habit of making sure that those around me were happy (at least happy with me).<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
A little before my sixteenth birthday I met a man.</div>
<div align="center">
He was older, a bit unconventional and he made me laugh.</div>
<div align="center">
I was comfortable being around him and he encouraged me to be myself.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
After I turned eighteen, this wonderful man and I married each other and have lived in marital bliss ever since.</div>
<div align="center">
But wait. The story doesn't end there. In fact it's not even the point.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
To make a long story short(ish), after more than a decade of marriage, three children, some ups and downs, and a series of events, I began to examine myself, got to know myself a little bit and began going through some changes.</div>
<div align="center">
Then after a few more years, the hubby and I packed up everything and moved to another state, another culture in fact, and that's where things really "got real".<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
The term "soul searching" only scratches the surface of what I went through.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
After several years of pain and anguish (mostly inflicted by others),</div>
<div align="center">
one day God (finally-ha) said to me, "Throw out everything you have ever been taught about me and allow me to show you who I really am".</div>
<div align="center">
So I did just that.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I threw out every preconceived notion, every rule, every sermon, every story, every theology, </div>
<div align="center">
every everything that anyone had ever "taught" me about God and allowed Him to speak and act freely and directly to me.</div>
<div align="center">
<em><strong>And it is the best thing I have ever done.</strong></em><br />
<em><strong><br /></strong></em></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Gone is the guilt, fear, shame, doubt, suspicion, skepticism, judgementalism, self-loathing, caring what other people think, etc.</div>
<div align="center">
I am free from all of those things.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I am free to know and be myself.</div>
<div align="center">
I am free in my relationships with others and in my relationship with God.</div>
<div align="center">
I am free to live.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJIbGk2exGrZwxSv3xOk0dz5m-ukaHcafCBy06SEd4m2al5lJN20KkdAuqvdOZzzsPvTH4x8qIXX9xRUXZIVEhNOZ7IgjF7HsQhCmdWLo9STMMp7tDUrcqSPZIuR9qsV7fVnVoJPki_o/s1600/Freedom+Explosion!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJIbGk2exGrZwxSv3xOk0dz5m-ukaHcafCBy06SEd4m2al5lJN20KkdAuqvdOZzzsPvTH4x8qIXX9xRUXZIVEhNOZ7IgjF7HsQhCmdWLo9STMMp7tDUrcqSPZIuR9qsV7fVnVoJPki_o/s1600/Freedom+Explosion!.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
It has been several years now and I have just realized that I am back in that place, as when I was a little girl, where I have real, complete and honest freedom with and access to God; a place of peace and rest; that place where I know that there is nothing to fear and that absolutely nothing is impossible.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0wGiKukd51PZpFCGf_fgH6lEuchGOxEcJz5KfOKVF-uN2YdxvuT8-eYrYSZGXGMUjzq2tWt1jf-M-7DQeJ8-_oduD0Ee8AgTuz8HiNqfkFiGW8LcOKBbuDoRlSvu9Nvcw8xsDyoensA/s1600/1a2814a350cf6b44b1bdb148f8d96aee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0wGiKukd51PZpFCGf_fgH6lEuchGOxEcJz5KfOKVF-uN2YdxvuT8-eYrYSZGXGMUjzq2tWt1jf-M-7DQeJ8-_oduD0Ee8AgTuz8HiNqfkFiGW8LcOKBbuDoRlSvu9Nvcw8xsDyoensA/s1600/1a2814a350cf6b44b1bdb148f8d96aee.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-42705847194007726332014-08-12T12:05:00.001-07:002014-08-12T12:05:07.779-07:00Live and Let Live<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
We all have a desire,</div>
<div align="center">
an insatiable need rather,</div>
<div align="center">
to know and connect with</div>
<div align="center">
that which is greater than ourselves;</div>
<div align="center">
the Great Spirit, Greater Being -</div>
<div align="center">
God.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
For millennia, </div>
<div align="center">
humans have been on a quest to figure out</div>
<div align="center">
how to garner favor and blessing</div>
<div align="center">
from God.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
For the masses,</div>
<div align="center">
no amount of sacrifices,</div>
<div align="center">
good works,</div>
<div align="center">
prayers,</div>
<div align="center">
incantations</div>
<div align="center">
or anything else</div>
<div align="center">
seemed to do the trick.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Then came Jesus</div>
<div align="center">
whose purpose and intent</div>
<div align="center">
was to show us that none of those things</div>
<div align="center">
are required nor qualify to</div>
<div align="center">
do the trick.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Rather, Jesus' very life was the </div>
<div align="center">
example, demonstration</div>
<div align="center">
and embodiment of</div>
<div align="center">
RELATIONSHIP</div>
<div align="center">
with God.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
His death was to</div>
<div align="center">
dispel any thought for</div>
<div align="center">
or need of man's continued</div>
<div align="center">
striving toward God.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Through his own</div>
<div align="center">
real and personal relationship</div>
<div align="center">
with God,</div>
<div align="center">
he knew how best to live. </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And Jesus did not say,</div>
<div align="center">
"Appoint taskmasters, judge and police one another,</div>
<div align="center">
start a new religion, create theologies, evangelize or</div>
<div align="center">
convince everyone else that they need to think like you."</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Rather, he said, "Everything I have said and done</div>
<div align="center">
has been from/of God.</div>
<div align="center">
My life has demonstrated that everyone has equal</div>
<div align="center">
access to God. </div>
<div align="center">
You have all been equipped to do all I have done</div>
<div align="center">
and MORE.</div>
<div align="center">
This is good news!</div>
<div align="center">
Go out and share it with the world."</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And since everything that Jesus did was </div>
<div align="center">
kind, loving and good,</div>
<div align="center">
one can deduce that God is kind, loving and good.</div>
<div align="center">
And when one embarks on a personal relationship with God,</div>
<div align="center">
one finds that God is, indeed,</div>
<div align="center">
kind loving and good.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJIbGk2exGrZwxSv3xOk0dz5m-ukaHcafCBy06SEd4m2al5lJN20KkdAuqvdOZzzsPvTH4x8qIXX9xRUXZIVEhNOZ7IgjF7HsQhCmdWLo9STMMp7tDUrcqSPZIuR9qsV7fVnVoJPki_o/s1600/Freedom+Explosion!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJIbGk2exGrZwxSv3xOk0dz5m-ukaHcafCBy06SEd4m2al5lJN20KkdAuqvdOZzzsPvTH4x8qIXX9xRUXZIVEhNOZ7IgjF7HsQhCmdWLo9STMMp7tDUrcqSPZIuR9qsV7fVnVoJPki_o/s1600/Freedom+Explosion!.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
Yet, some how,</div>
<div align="center">
the clear simplicity of Jesus'</div>
<div align="center">
message has been missed.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Even today, people expend </div>
<div align="center">
time and energy </div>
<div align="center">
on coming up with uselss ways</div>
<div align="center">
to "rightly" gain God's favor.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Jesus' message is</div>
<div align="center">
so simple,</div>
<div align="center">
yet so profoundly </div>
<div align="center">
Powerful.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
We've all been created</div>
<div align="center">
and given the right to live our lives</div>
<div align="center">
as we see fit</div>
<div align="center">
(free will).</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And we have all been given</div>
<div align="center">
full access to God</div>
<div align="center">
and have been thouroughly equipped</div>
<div align="center">
to accomplish things that have been deemed</div>
<div align="center">
as "humanly impossible".</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
This is good news!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P2nI2LXsFpUPLxBO8ZdIUiBCcQa0h_RXt4YmZOFCBqdchlycaZiCkfBVxnDI2iVjeRixt5BDA3Z5TuuRjH0JCPhL-wGyFlPxEetDBpU4vPNa0B_XDVx_pN2Fdt3CiXP6B3rowFZvvho/s1600/DSCF2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P2nI2LXsFpUPLxBO8ZdIUiBCcQa0h_RXt4YmZOFCBqdchlycaZiCkfBVxnDI2iVjeRixt5BDA3Z5TuuRjH0JCPhL-wGyFlPxEetDBpU4vPNa0B_XDVx_pN2Fdt3CiXP6B3rowFZvvho/s1600/DSCF2970.JPG" height="145" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
So, while I live my life,</div>
<div align="center">
I will allow and</div>
<div align="center">
encourage you </div>
<div align="center">
to live yours.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Live well my friends!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-80605035218712315012014-08-09T12:54:00.001-07:002014-08-09T19:53:43.906-07:00Think for Yourself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
When did thinking for oneself</div>
<div align="center">
become a sin?</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I want to know. </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
When did our</div>
<div align="center">
right and privilege</div>
<div align="center">
of free-will</div>
<div align="center">
and thinking</div>
<div align="center">
become wrong?</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
At what point in history did</div>
<div align="center">
sharing wisdom from one's own</div>
<div align="center">
personal experiences become,</div>
<div align="center">
"If you don't act, think, believe, live or worship</div>
<div align="center">
like me then you're</div>
<div align="center">
an idiot...</div>
<div align="center">
or going to burn in hell"?</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And <em>when</em> did all of this</div>
<div align="center">
become acceptable?</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***********************************************</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
"Think for yourself</div>
<div align="center">
and take a stand!</div>
<div align="center">
It has always been</div>
<div align="center">
part of the plan.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Thinking is good.</div>
<div align="center">
Thinking is fun!</div>
<div align="center">
Thinking for oneself</div>
<div align="center">
gets things done.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Don't be afraid.</div>
<div align="center">
It's not a crime.</div>
<div align="center">
Thinking is great.</div>
<div align="center">
So give it a try!"</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE2JT9DJvK0z0j7wcPBu-MdaR6SXQn8x65B_7Vm0HTNPz4HfcAb-jow0XTX4kNyQyTIgGzCXX7Tlh-GDC_oz3at-hExZERwwSomUZldT3Zx94_amUsBIbQ43am6tiac01NtWqQG7PK1M/s1600/38a6ffb1b6a22f19ca7629a6cfb0bf9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE2JT9DJvK0z0j7wcPBu-MdaR6SXQn8x65B_7Vm0HTNPz4HfcAb-jow0XTX4kNyQyTIgGzCXX7Tlh-GDC_oz3at-hExZERwwSomUZldT3Zx94_amUsBIbQ43am6tiac01NtWqQG7PK1M/s1600/38a6ffb1b6a22f19ca7629a6cfb0bf9a.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-38522433190151672342014-08-01T09:41:00.000-07:002014-08-01T09:41:56.028-07:00Real World Changers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrydm_6e0xDKhaf3fp_ORhwMLmANB3klNm4O1Fm3l21R3oaJV4leIGV6K7Dq8WW4zbadpiU180krP-RrBsjoTgpjSCHmMDrykkMZdQAfMxORNRzolwy0ZWSU9PIGRjrgP2tPPavMgk5o0/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrydm_6e0xDKhaf3fp_ORhwMLmANB3klNm4O1Fm3l21R3oaJV4leIGV6K7Dq8WW4zbadpiU180krP-RrBsjoTgpjSCHmMDrykkMZdQAfMxORNRzolwy0ZWSU9PIGRjrgP2tPPavMgk5o0/s1600/scan0005.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If the people who believe in God</div>
<div align="center">
would put as much time, energy and effort</div>
<div align="center">
into their own relationship with Him</div>
<div align="center">
as they do in trying to convince others</div>
<div align="center">
to believe in Him</div>
<div align="center">
(the same way that they do),</div>
<div align="center">
we would <em>really (truly)</em></div>
<div align="center">
change the world.</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-88598585215458337812014-07-31T15:59:00.001-07:002014-07-31T15:59:04.115-07:00Beotch, please!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
The other night I watched a 1964 film called</div>
<div align="center">
"The Americanization of Emily"</div>
<div align="center">
with James Garner and</div>
<div align="center">
Julie Andrews.</div>
<div align="center">
It takes place in England during WWII.</div>
<div align="center">
He plays an American officer in the US Army</div>
<div align="center">
and she plays a nurse in the Royal Army.</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk7z7fOoVVpdVRj2TzilTPpaXfAsqnwNvzPy11GCacm-MWaKeDL13LtzT5OgEq47xMU7EGX_mNZcQs6HbRBKqreUuppNV2ncDgVKrBjFxENsHudtKX7TSU7vmhLiAEC_O1bWHUM9g6s0/s1600/beotch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk7z7fOoVVpdVRj2TzilTPpaXfAsqnwNvzPy11GCacm-MWaKeDL13LtzT5OgEq47xMU7EGX_mNZcQs6HbRBKqreUuppNV2ncDgVKrBjFxENsHudtKX7TSU7vmhLiAEC_O1bWHUM9g6s0/s1600/beotch.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
Her character, Emily,</div>
<div align="center">
is a woman who has lost</div>
<div align="center">
a husband, brother and her dad</div>
<div align="center">
in war related incidences.</div>
<div align="center">
Because of this</div>
<div align="center">
she has built some walls and defense mechanisms</div>
<div align="center">
to help protect her from the pain of losing loved ones.</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXt3SebA334a9HpNUva0NGRgVr5A-ElOg7DnH_nm1rEJR9LR1XDJApKDsOybQmXavV7dY1R5w_s7i_JBy7mpEXV2QUaKEonnCg6rX6ew8UnL71PTMmF-8Wn5ohYjoERVAexcpl73a03Y/s1600/beo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXt3SebA334a9HpNUva0NGRgVr5A-ElOg7DnH_nm1rEJR9LR1XDJApKDsOybQmXavV7dY1R5w_s7i_JBy7mpEXV2QUaKEonnCg6rX6ew8UnL71PTMmF-8Wn5ohYjoERVAexcpl73a03Y/s1600/beo2.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
His character, Charlie, </div>
<div align="center">
is cocky, arrogant, self-pleased and a little bit funny.</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ou8-XlRb0J9o1LzdaDHf41TybyY4TPNVVghcxvW1L-Y3f7ukB88p5zH5EUted9CIir2gugiCpwMq2MJlmHuKlT7xxXR0JEaQ3GyxPsVTGl__dj5aRNJquRqKLyF7IkM2x8myMPrn4sw/s1600/beo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ou8-XlRb0J9o1LzdaDHf41TybyY4TPNVVghcxvW1L-Y3f7ukB88p5zH5EUted9CIir2gugiCpwMq2MJlmHuKlT7xxXR0JEaQ3GyxPsVTGl__dj5aRNJquRqKLyF7IkM2x8myMPrn4sw/s1600/beo5.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
Needless to say, they fall in love.<br />
</div>
<div align="center">
Charlie asks Emily to marry him and after much</div>
<div align="center">
vacillating and rationalizing,</div>
<div align="center">
she finally agrees.</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVzOB6tSkQzaHQlEQYizA3mAnA55dnj3KnMOq1ixB_Kx2C1H5SS8rCogWAcSHVO-vArdL4XLzEL2D6ECGWSgl-WP564Hg-lz6-bLFknuh4eg10qdPUSRjmbKRd0PPH6EUleSqUXdmkyM/s1600/beo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVzOB6tSkQzaHQlEQYizA3mAnA55dnj3KnMOq1ixB_Kx2C1H5SS8rCogWAcSHVO-vArdL4XLzEL2D6ECGWSgl-WP564Hg-lz6-bLFknuh4eg10qdPUSRjmbKRd0PPH6EUleSqUXdmkyM/s1600/beo3.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
But as Charlie is about to board an airplane</div>
<div align="center">
which will take him to his station from which he will</div>
<div align="center">
storm Normandy,</div>
<div align="center">
they have a bit of a spat and</div>
<div align="center">
Emily tells him that she won't marry him.</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_5ubw0wBRWmguwCxx7ISGKan9R6E3NWysu4zyN7-0bvc7H5DEnfgNzTrEcdDwnvHEMwltjn1A3odPPiRJ2jcEJ23YeoyTsQeAXdnF-DEsM3yOjm9djppN_dmg6t-OjQ7NUbR5cWLf24/s1600/emily+cinematography+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_5ubw0wBRWmguwCxx7ISGKan9R6E3NWysu4zyN7-0bvc7H5DEnfgNzTrEcdDwnvHEMwltjn1A3odPPiRJ2jcEJ23YeoyTsQeAXdnF-DEsM3yOjm9djppN_dmg6t-OjQ7NUbR5cWLf24/s1600/emily+cinematography+1.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div align="center">
Clearly frustrated, Charlie goes on a bit of a rant</div>
<div align="center">
and basically tells her that she has allowed fear to rule her</div>
<div align="center">
and keep her from being happy.</div>
<div align="center">
He evenly says to her,</div>
<div align="center">
"Emily, you are a bitch."</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
And it's true.</div>
<div align="center">
She was.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Although she was a caring nurse to the wounded,</div>
<div align="center">
the walls and defense mechanisms she had built around her</div>
<div align="center">
had caused her to adopt an air of superiority.<br />
<br />
This scene from the movie caused me to reflect on<br />
current American society<br />
in which a large group of girls/women have<br />
fallen into what seems to be a trend of<br />
the "Bitch Attitude".<br />
<br />
While I understand that there are<br />
reason and circumstances which have contributed to<br />
and have led them there,<br />
it doesn't make it right or good.<br />
<br />
And while there are people who will choose to <br />
love those who have adopted this attitude,<br />
as Charlie clearly demontrated,<br />
there comes a time when<br />
enough is enough.<br />
<br />
The same is also true for those <br />
cocky, arrogant, self-satisfied<br />
boys/men<br />
out there who have fallen for the trend and have adopted the<br />
"Asshole Attitude".<br />
<br />
Though these attitudes might make one feel better<br />
for a time, <br />
they aren't becoming or cute<br />
nor do they empower a person,<br />
rather they isolate and<br />
add to one's misery.<br />
<br />
Because<br />
no one likes a Bitch or an<br />
Asshole for very long.<br />
<br />
And seriously,<br />
I hope these trends fade away<br />
quickly!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsajhtlKOPSOYHNuXVH_Z9UemD6vzl-apLrfYtzAhmD5jfV6Sa5HSccRi6wyj5PP281gdiGcsahXylcbX_cO-WHHf55_n-be1u9Moacdm3FhTzK5cV90Dx5f2cF2mQ8HAmSnQF10mTfg/s1600/beo7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsajhtlKOPSOYHNuXVH_Z9UemD6vzl-apLrfYtzAhmD5jfV6Sa5HSccRi6wyj5PP281gdiGcsahXylcbX_cO-WHHf55_n-be1u9Moacdm3FhTzK5cV90Dx5f2cF2mQ8HAmSnQF10mTfg/s1600/beo7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, by the end of the movie,<br />
both Charlie and Emily see the error of their<br />
ways, reconcile and<br />
live happily ever after;<br />
or so I presume.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3860207211997299714.post-48865291916050333212014-07-30T11:49:00.000-07:002014-07-30T16:33:23.013-07:00Sex Isn't a Big Deal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
"Sex isn't a big deal."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnR21lnQuBLEOtUTBqgz7VU2qDnCcFOW_rQZOD8PqqXoNVNpBzIzvB2ZtgEzMzQHR3c9RtANa8s7hPdjuNjoeSzBMTotLfgZwWaYR5U5_MtH8PaQIhw3Q8aNHJ8dDPmLC0qHFq4Vzfrk/s1600/scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnR21lnQuBLEOtUTBqgz7VU2qDnCcFOW_rQZOD8PqqXoNVNpBzIzvB2ZtgEzMzQHR3c9RtANa8s7hPdjuNjoeSzBMTotLfgZwWaYR5U5_MtH8PaQIhw3Q8aNHJ8dDPmLC0qHFq4Vzfrk/s1600/scan.jpg" height="152" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
I said that a few weeks ago to </div>
<div align="center">
two of my children</div>
<div align="center">
(and a couple of their friends).</div>
<div align="center">
And within the context of our conversation,</div>
<div align="center">
I assumed that what I meant was clear.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
However,</div>
<div align="center">
yesterday, my youngest daughter </div>
<div align="center">
mentioned it to me and revealed that</div>
<div align="center">
she had mistook me as meaning something</div>
<div align="center">
entirely different than what I had intended!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
We have always attempted to keep </div>
<div align="center">
the lines of communication open and clear</div>
<div align="center">
for our children about any subject they</div>
<div align="center">
wish to discuss.</div>
<div align="center">
No topic is taboo or off limits in our home.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But perception is a funny thing.</div>
<div align="center">
And without clear, open and free</div>
<div align="center">
communication, </div>
<div align="center">
things can easily become "sticky"</div>
<div align="center">
or convoluted.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSgzE0IJgX3yW4pdGwNUE34I-3OF9IZCj-hXYjZoZ72v9VMLrr2Ndya4gVvDklrH0VdEA4yYjhjZ0aycHfeAT3SYP8KvuBoYKmu2w8A2P2GqphUt782eeuRQye5rP1vxdEKI6k7WhXNg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSgzE0IJgX3yW4pdGwNUE34I-3OF9IZCj-hXYjZoZ72v9VMLrr2Ndya4gVvDklrH0VdEA4yYjhjZ0aycHfeAT3SYP8KvuBoYKmu2w8A2P2GqphUt782eeuRQye5rP1vxdEKI6k7WhXNg/s1600/images.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
So when I said,</div>
<div align="center">
"Sex isn't a big deal,"</div>
<div align="center">
I was implying that when you are in a</div>
<div align="center">
committed relationship/partnership</div>
<div align="center">
with another person,</div>
<div align="center">
sex is not necessarily at the forefront</div>
<div align="center">
of the relationship.</div>
<div align="center">
It is always an important part of the relationship,</div>
<div align="center">
but as life happens and</div>
<div align="center">
as time goes on,</div>
<div align="center">
sex is not as big of a deal as it was when</div>
<div align="center">
we were younger or new to one another.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
In a healthy, loving relationship,</div>
<div align="center">
sex is a benefit rather than</div>
<div align="center">
something we struggle to abstain from</div>
<div align="center">
or </div>
<div align="center">
something which we strive to obtain.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I'm thankful that Girl2 brought this up again</div>
<div align="center">
so that I could clarify my (very serious) comment</div>
<div align="center">
which she had perceived as being flippant!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Which goes to show that any kind of relationship</div>
<div align="center">
without clear communication is</div>
<div align="center">
a disaster waiting to happen!</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Raising children in a safe, honest & open </div>
<div align="center">
environment is essential to their well-being</div>
<div align="center">
on into adulthood.</div>
<div align="center">
And I am so glad that we have chosen this path!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkZS5TM1hbl46ke1unHKlHoDITBp9nXxCcBMzTC7HlTpOGaD7yrpCu8km5Oo1zNLHlA2kdG_LeY400aRT7Ou5ym75pkkwHdcm4yWcKzWDukYlqI-KpXfu8rqKWIA-kE6A27-t1M7uBAk/s1600/scan0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkZS5TM1hbl46ke1unHKlHoDITBp9nXxCcBMzTC7HlTpOGaD7yrpCu8km5Oo1zNLHlA2kdG_LeY400aRT7Ou5ym75pkkwHdcm4yWcKzWDukYlqI-KpXfu8rqKWIA-kE6A27-t1M7uBAk/s1600/scan0003.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
P.S.: My children (and friends) are teens/young adults and are</div>
<div align="center">
mature and capable of handling such topics of conversation.</div>
<div align="center">
No need to report me to the authorities for exposing</div>
<div align="center">
children to illicit conversation!</div>
</div>
SagebrushFarmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15013987477551669408noreply@blogger.com0