I know these videos have been circulating for a few days now. I love the position both men take. I think that they each make very valid points.
I am a very centrist person. I live in the middle on most issues. For that reason, I believe nothing is absolute or black and white. I think there are huge differences between plans and how they are implemented, in ideas and actions, in what we believe and how we behave.
I think there is a place and purpose for the church but, how it runs now is not the vision our Lord had. I would be very interested in everyone else's thoughts. Take ten minutes and let me know who you agree with more.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Money Pit Series: Part 2 Starting the search
So, now that we had a well laid out plan, we started looking around. I did not feel we were in a hurry and was content to wait until the right deal fell into our laps. My husband, on the other hand, now had a course of action and was hell bent on seeing it to completion. We started online and then began working the open house circut. Then, we approached a realtor who bagan pulling properties for us.
We actually went through three realtors before buying our home. We did not have a great time communicating with our second realtor. She sent us all over town to look at properties that never ended up fitting our criteria. The first had simply told us that she would not work with us if we were not ready to buy. When we did settle on a house, we bought from an agent at the company listed on the sign.
Before I go any further, I need to explain something about my husband. He is a very easy going guy who doesn't feel structure is always neccesary for production. He is also very independant and tenacious. The combination, however, can result in some impulsive and spontanious decisions that he stubbornly clings to, even when it may have been shown not be the wisest path.
I am the opposite. I want to think things through, weigh the options, sleep on it and then decide. I plan, make lists, and "talk it out" about a hundred times just to be sure.
It can make for some rather heated discussions in our marriage. Overall, we do provide a good balance for each other and I like to think we often find a common ground somewhere near the middle.
How we narrowed it down and made the decision to buy this particular property is a blog for another time.
We actually went through three realtors before buying our home. We did not have a great time communicating with our second realtor. She sent us all over town to look at properties that never ended up fitting our criteria. The first had simply told us that she would not work with us if we were not ready to buy. When we did settle on a house, we bought from an agent at the company listed on the sign.
Before I go any further, I need to explain something about my husband. He is a very easy going guy who doesn't feel structure is always neccesary for production. He is also very independant and tenacious. The combination, however, can result in some impulsive and spontanious decisions that he stubbornly clings to, even when it may have been shown not be the wisest path.
I am the opposite. I want to think things through, weigh the options, sleep on it and then decide. I plan, make lists, and "talk it out" about a hundred times just to be sure.
It can make for some rather heated discussions in our marriage. Overall, we do provide a good balance for each other and I like to think we often find a common ground somewhere near the middle.
How we narrowed it down and made the decision to buy this particular property is a blog for another time.
The Money Pit Series: A long run of blogs about our home.
I will preface this by saying that our home issues could have their own novel. There may be multiple posts on this subject. You have been forewarned.
In 2007 my husband and I began searching for a home to purchase. We did not have a whole lot of money but we made a steaady paycheck and shad some money in savings. We thought we could buy a nice starter home, perhaps something that needed a little updating. You know, seventies light fixtures and wallpaper, nothing big or crazy. We thought we could hand;e some do it yourself projects if it meant having some equity in the next few years.
The plan was to then buy a nicer home after my husband was commissioned and rent out our first home as an investment property. We had a plan of action! You know the saying, the best laid plans of mice and men.....?
In 2007 my husband and I began searching for a home to purchase. We did not have a whole lot of money but we made a steaady paycheck and shad some money in savings. We thought we could buy a nice starter home, perhaps something that needed a little updating. You know, seventies light fixtures and wallpaper, nothing big or crazy. We thought we could hand;e some do it yourself projects if it meant having some equity in the next few years.
The plan was to then buy a nicer home after my husband was commissioned and rent out our first home as an investment property. We had a plan of action! You know the saying, the best laid plans of mice and men.....?
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Army Wife 101 Real Talk: Likes/Dislikes About The Commissary
Army Wife 101 Real Talk: Likes/Dislikes About The Commissary
----> Please follow the link above and watch the video. Especially if you are a military member or spouse.
OMG! I agree with so many things in this video. 1) I do self checkout all the time at other stores and I NEVER have the problems I do at the commissary. 2) Just a little FYI, you can mute the crazy computer lady but that doesn’t stop her from effing up your order 10 times. 3) I have never seen a store out of so many things. All the time there are big empty spots and when I ask, they tell me the truck hasn’t come in yet this week. Well, you get a truck every week. Who is doing your ordering? 4) I buy a lot of produce… A LOT! I also try and buy at the commissary because they are so much cheaper than everywhere else. The problem is, their stuff is bad! I sometimes have to dig through the items in the display AT THE STORE because stuff is moldy, bruised, discolored, etc. Then, if I do manage to get it home, sometimes it is only at the house a day or two before I have to throw it out. 5) I also would say it is important to check the dates on everything you buy. I have purchased milk that goes bad a week after getting it home, things well past the expiration dates, items that I know I saw on the clearance shelf this time last year……..6) I know that “technically” they are tax free, but at least here, they charge a building and maintenance fee THAT IS THE SAME AMOUNT AS TAXES WOULD BE! Then you still have to tip your bagger and the kid that walks you out to your car. Sometimes I walk out and think that if I had just gone to the grocery store by my house, I probably wouldn’t have spent any more than I did here. 7) They do not have very many store brand options, so while the name brand stuff can be significantly cheaper than at your local store, you may not be saving money if you are willing to purchase off brand items elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong, I do think it is nice to have a commissary, and there are a few items that do cost a lot less. I just feel that sometimes, we are given the bottom of the barrel stuff that other stores wouldn’t take. Or that are flawed. I also think that there is a real issue with how the stores are being run and managed. Ordering, produce and inventory turnover are a store by store responsibility. Yet, it seems to happen a lot of places. Perhaps someone who isn’t just a vet but someone with actual grocery management experience should be brought in…….. Just the rantings of a fellow army wife. Sorry I got a little crazy. lol
----> Please follow the link above and watch the video. Especially if you are a military member or spouse.
OMG! I agree with so many things in this video. 1) I do self checkout all the time at other stores and I NEVER have the problems I do at the commissary. 2) Just a little FYI, you can mute the crazy computer lady but that doesn’t stop her from effing up your order 10 times. 3) I have never seen a store out of so many things. All the time there are big empty spots and when I ask, they tell me the truck hasn’t come in yet this week. Well, you get a truck every week. Who is doing your ordering? 4) I buy a lot of produce… A LOT! I also try and buy at the commissary because they are so much cheaper than everywhere else. The problem is, their stuff is bad! I sometimes have to dig through the items in the display AT THE STORE because stuff is moldy, bruised, discolored, etc. Then, if I do manage to get it home, sometimes it is only at the house a day or two before I have to throw it out. 5) I also would say it is important to check the dates on everything you buy. I have purchased milk that goes bad a week after getting it home, things well past the expiration dates, items that I know I saw on the clearance shelf this time last year……..6) I know that “technically” they are tax free, but at least here, they charge a building and maintenance fee THAT IS THE SAME AMOUNT AS TAXES WOULD BE! Then you still have to tip your bagger and the kid that walks you out to your car. Sometimes I walk out and think that if I had just gone to the grocery store by my house, I probably wouldn’t have spent any more than I did here. 7) They do not have very many store brand options, so while the name brand stuff can be significantly cheaper than at your local store, you may not be saving money if you are willing to purchase off brand items elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong, I do think it is nice to have a commissary, and there are a few items that do cost a lot less. I just feel that sometimes, we are given the bottom of the barrel stuff that other stores wouldn’t take. Or that are flawed. I also think that there is a real issue with how the stores are being run and managed. Ordering, produce and inventory turnover are a store by store responsibility. Yet, it seems to happen a lot of places. Perhaps someone who isn’t just a vet but someone with actual grocery management experience should be brought in…….. Just the rantings of a fellow army wife. Sorry I got a little crazy. lol
Monday, September 19, 2011
Tolerance, it isn't just for pagans anymore.....
*sigh* Sometimes it frustrates me that Christians treat tolerance like a dirty word. Umm... have you read a bible lately? That Jesus guy? His main message was loving ALL people. Someone asked him what the most important rules were and you know what he said? Love God most and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is NO commandment greater than these. Hear that? NONE of those other rules are as important as treating those around you with love and respect. Not one. That is Mark 12:28-34 for anyone who cares to call me on my quotation. NIV is the way to be.
If you personally believe that what someone is doing is sinful that is fine. But we are not in any position to excuse or not excuse behavior. Only God is. You show them how to live a Christian life by leading a shining example not by damning their choices.
I read a review today of Modern Family that said "it is interesting to note that Cam and Mitchell are presented as a normal couple living an acceptable lifestyle" Then went on to talk about what a shame it was that our culture normalized what was once shunned behavior. Regardless of whether or not you morally agree with it, Homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time. It was often times (and in some cultures, still is) perfectly acceptable and normal. Also, these are neighbors and police officers and teachers that we see every day. My kids go to school with other children that have same sex parents. For us to say it isn't normal is ignorant. I see adulterers ALL the time and I see Christians turn their head and say it is none of their business. I think that if it really turns out that God doesn't love them after all, then he will handle that on Judgement day. Everything else until then I equate to a dad having to tell one sibling to stop tattling and being so bossy. All it does is get you in trouble too.
You know it was only 50 years ago that a black and white couple was against the law and considered morally unclean. Or 200 years ago when church was for men only, bc they had the mental capacity for understanding God's word. Or that a few hundred years ago, the thought of a lay person being able to handle the powerful message of the gospel was outrageous. Not to mention that for several hundred years the bible was edited, revised, books taken out, books put in... I think God gave us the capacity to love and be tolerant and he also gave us the power to evolve! Why is it that so often I find Christians who refuse to be progressive and move into a path of more tolerance and love?
If you personally believe that what someone is doing is sinful that is fine. But we are not in any position to excuse or not excuse behavior. Only God is. You show them how to live a Christian life by leading a shining example not by damning their choices.
I read a review today of Modern Family that said "it is interesting to note that Cam and Mitchell are presented as a normal couple living an acceptable lifestyle" Then went on to talk about what a shame it was that our culture normalized what was once shunned behavior. Regardless of whether or not you morally agree with it, Homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time. It was often times (and in some cultures, still is) perfectly acceptable and normal. Also, these are neighbors and police officers and teachers that we see every day. My kids go to school with other children that have same sex parents. For us to say it isn't normal is ignorant. I see adulterers ALL the time and I see Christians turn their head and say it is none of their business. I think that if it really turns out that God doesn't love them after all, then he will handle that on Judgement day. Everything else until then I equate to a dad having to tell one sibling to stop tattling and being so bossy. All it does is get you in trouble too.
You know it was only 50 years ago that a black and white couple was against the law and considered morally unclean. Or 200 years ago when church was for men only, bc they had the mental capacity for understanding God's word. Or that a few hundred years ago, the thought of a lay person being able to handle the powerful message of the gospel was outrageous. Not to mention that for several hundred years the bible was edited, revised, books taken out, books put in... I think God gave us the capacity to love and be tolerant and he also gave us the power to evolve! Why is it that so often I find Christians who refuse to be progressive and move into a path of more tolerance and love?
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