Separation of Church and State

http://www.npr.org/2015/06/30/418776102/some-texas-county-clerks-delay-licenses-for-same-sex-marriages

Here we go; my two cents:

Some American people demand that there be clear separation of church and state (no prayers in school, no bibles to swear upon in the courts, etc.).

The government (aka the state), not the church, issues marriage licenses. As such, people can get married without a religious ceremony.

County clerks, who issue marriage licenses, work for the government (aka the state).

Since people demand that there is a clear separation of church and state, religion cannot play a role in whether or not they issue marriage licenses.

If county clerks are opposed to issuing marriage licenses to certain couples because of their personal religious belief, they owe it to the American people to ensure separation of church and state by stepping down from their elected or appointed position.

Yes, I'm a sucker.

My husband called me a sucker. But, I'm ok with that because he said it with love and a bit of pride.

A few weeks ago, Chris and I had to attend our annual adoptive parenting training with our adoption agency. After the training, Chris surprised me with an overnight getaway to Denver. It was a much needed mini trip.

We stayed at a very nice hotel, enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and were able to sleep in a bit. The next morning after breakfast, we decided to walk around downtown Denver. It was a beautiful, sunny day, but still very chilly.

Shortly after leaving the hotel, we were approached by a man who was obviously a transient; evident by his large backpack, old, dirty clothes, and slightly haggard appearance. As he approached us, he asked us a favor. He asked to not judge him by his outward appearance and apologized for being dirty, but he asked us take one moment to listen to him.

We both said, "Sure," and stopped and listened to his story. As a young kid, he was in the foster program, but eventually "aged out" of the system before finding a forever family. He's spent his life trying to find his way and struggling at times. As he told his story, my heart was breaking for him.

You see, my grandparents fostered over 150 kids. I heard the stories of the kids who were forced into the foster system, many through no fault of their own. My grandparents had love in their hearts for these kids who had endured so much in the short time they had been on this earth. Grandma and grandpa tried to do right by these kids, help them when possible, and guide them everyday they lived in their house. Many of the kids they fostered are still in contact with my grandma (my grandpa past a couple of years ago).

As I continued to hear the brief story of the man in front us, he asked if we could help him to be able to stay in a warm place that night. He told us how much money he needed and said anything would help. I looked at Chris, but I already knew what I was going to do.

Since we didn't have any cash on us, we proceeded to the corner convenience store to get some cash. As we walked, Chris looked at me and said with a smile,"You're a sucker, you know." I said, "I know" and smiled back at him.

I know so many people will walk by a homeless person and not give them money let alone look at them. They think, "If I give them money, they'll just spend it on drugs or alcohol." Maybe so, but are we the ones who should judge those who have come on hard times? What if their need for money is sincere to help them get on their feet? I feel it is our responsibility to help each other when we can. If the needy end up spending the money we give them on drugs and alcohol, so be it. We can only try to help them.

We met the man outside the store, and I handed him the money. I said, "It's not exactly the amount you need, but it is a good start." He thanked us profusely and shook Chris' hand. As he shook my hand, I asked him his name. He said "William." A slight chill went through me at the name; my grandpa's name is William. I said, "I'll say a prayer for you. Take care of yourself" and gave him a hug.

As William walked away, I had a feeling that my grandpa was smiling down on me a bit. And seeing my husband smile at me with pride and love, should tell you why I'm ok with my husband calling me a sucker.

Goal Accomplished!

I started the year off right by finishing my event planner courses and getting my "Professional Event Planner" certificate!

Placing your child is not "giving up"

For the longest time, and even today, people referring to adoption as "giving up" a child. Deciding on adoption for your child is far from giving up. This article from American Adoptions, tells how deciding on adoption is not giving up, but choosing a life you imagined for your child. Please take a few minutes to read their article.

A year later

We can't believe it's already been a year since a fire destroyed the office where Chris had his business. We can still remember that night watching the office burn; the smells, sounds,  and sights are still vivid in our minds.

A week after the fire, we got to go into the building to see what could be retrieved. Besides a few small items, everything was destroyed. It was a somber day as we walked through the building with boots and hardhats, stepping on water-soaked carpets, feeling water drip on our backs from the water-logged ceiling, and seeing how the drywall was turned to mush. We were all overwhelmed and saddened by the loss, but thankful that no one was hurt.

For the past year, the owner of the building had been busy rebuilding it. Today was the first time that I've been back in the building for a year. What an amazing change! It was a happy moment to see the building back and even better than before! New walls, floors, doors, ceilings, carpet, and paint, and it is beautiful!

Now, we are heading to the furniture store now to pick out new furniture for Chris' office. We are so excited about this new phase of his business. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and thanks to the members of the community, who jumped in and helped us get setup in a new temporary office.