Black is the Day

But white is the light that "shineth in the darkness," though "the darkness comprehendeth it not." (John 1:5)

Well, I finally got to cross off one of the things on my bucket list: I got to go shopping on Black Friday. (!!!)

Firstly, let it be stated that my Black Friday experience was doubtless a little bit different than the majority of Black Friday shoppers, in that I went shopping in the afternoon rather than early in the morning (a smart move; we didn't have to brave any lines hardly at all), and that I only got to go to the fabric store of all places. But if shopping is involved, count me in. Spending money is one of my favorite pass times. Doubtless why I have none. : ) I'm joking, of course. (not)
(Probably something that will have to change if I'm going to be a journalist; money is not often a thing of abundance)

It's no secret that many of the bargain hunters that were out this Friday were doing early Christmas shopping (you know who you are).
But it does seem that we live a culture where the gifts and the shopping is made out as more important than the people that are giving or receiving them. Just take a look at the self-gifters
(I mean, an awesome concept, but come on). 

We take great pains to find just the perfect thing for that special someone, and spend a boat load on it, and then the next moment we are on Facebook while they sit there ignored.
Parents spend hundreds of dollars on presents every year for their children, yet they don't take the time to teach their children why they are receiving them. Perhaps they were never taught themselves.

We live in a very materialistic culture, where often among the younger generations the clothes you're wearing can matter more than who you are, and your cell phone more than what you stand for.

Thus I pray that this year (though it is already past) and the next that the Lord's light would shine through Black Friday and show the people of this nation who their true master should be, "for you cannot serve both God and money." (Matt. 6:24)


I'll try to post a story or a poem sometime soon. I have some ideas for some advent serial stories, so we shall have to see.
I have a draft due for my writing class, so I'll be scrambling til Wednesday. Time management is NOT one of my fortes (another thing I'll have to work on).

You guys are always in my prayers.

A servant of His,

Julia

A Day of Thanks

"Happy Thanksgiving!!" That is the greeting that can be heard everywhere one goes on this day. Families gather together from far and wide for fun, fellowship, and to devour vast amounts of bird. There are endless quantities of food, from pies to cakes to side-dishes, the aforementioned star of the dinner table, and then of course the football game afterwards.

Indeed, whether it is the bird or the black Friday shopping that piques your interest, it is a day that is dedicated completely and utterly to thing that matter most in the world, second only to the Lord: to family.

And not just to family, it is a day of rest to be dedicated to a certain thing that many of us (and yes, that does include me, too) often forget: Thankfulness.

It seems that often we tend to become focused on the things that maybe aren't as perfect in our lives as we would like them to be. Perhaps there are times that maybe we weren't as appreciated as perhaps we think we should have been, or maybe our team didn't win in that one football game (WAR EAGLE!!), or maybe we just don't have as many things as we want.

Sometimes we tend to forget what charmed lives we have in this nation. Even if we don't have things we have the opportunity to work for them.

And, more often than not, sometimes we (I know I do) forget the very reason that we are here, that the world was ever put into being, and man ever given the breath of life: The Lord God Almighty.

I want to challenge you and your family this day and in this coming week to look over all of the things that you have, get out a piece of paper even, and write down all of the things in your life, whether good things or bad things, on that piece of paper. And then take it out every night before bed (it will probably be a pretty big list I know, but humor me), and look it over. As you do so, thank the Lord for all of the people and things that He has blessed you with, the roof over your head, your parents, your spouse (if you have one), your friends. And pray also over the things that maybe it is hard to see as a blessing, like that pink slip you got six months ago, that friend of yours that lost his house, or that college opportunity that went caput. Pray over these things, and ask that the Lord would take them use them to be a blessing for you or that person. Maybe there is a person at work that is giving you fits. Perhaps that person is a blessing in the rough.

And when you are praying over those things, and on this day, always remember to thank the Father for the reason we are here: His son.   

God bless you!!

A servant of His,

Julia

Lights, Camera,........

Well, this is it. The day before the election: The day before the day it all happens.

The media is scrambling, preparing for the all day coverage that will be provided during the day and on election night, when the winner will be announced.

The campaign workers are still hard at work making calls, mailing out flyers, and putting up signs. In fact, it seems like they're working even faster and harder than they were before. I've gotten at least nine calls today alone, and about six different political flyers and pamphlets in the mail.

The last sprint to the finish, I suppose.

I've always been a lover of politics; there is nothing better in my mind than a breaking story or a new controversy or scandal. Thus I've always loved the excitement of election day.  The voting, the waiting, and finally the big reveal on election night.

If your candidate wins, well, there's an excuse for a party. And if your candidate loses, well there's an excuse for another of my favorite things: a debate.

This particular election, however, has more excitement tied to it than any of the others before it; the stakes are higher.

I won't endorse either of the candidates (on here, at least), since I know that my view would doubtless be rather different than some of you, my readers, but I think that, regardless of their politics, most people here in this nation know that something has got to change. Things aren't going to be getting cheaper anytime soon, and jobs don't come out of thin air.

I think that, where ever your politics lie, people are realizing that things are not always as they seem. In fact, they are often not. It is no secret that rhetoric has grown deceitful, among politicians and media alike. I could cite at least a dozen examples.

I know that people always say that "More rides on this election than ever." But this time they're right. There is a lot of legislation that has been signed in the past that is beginning to trickle through the system, and it sure isn't going to be making anything better. Not to mention the things that very well may be passed.

I think that I feel how many Americans are beginning to feel: I don't care whether you have an (R) or a (D) next to your name, what I care about is whether or not you will defend the constitution and have my best interest at heart. Because the two go hand in hand.

So, however you choose to vote tomorrow, vote for the person you feel is best equipped to deal with these things, and pray that you made the right decision. For my generations sake. 

See you tomorrow,

 Julia