Busy much?

I sure am! Holy freak, it's been a crazy month! Next month isn't looking much better, and I regret that my writing has been impacted.  I'm hoping to find some time to get back to working on REKINDLE soon.  I was so excited to get started, was on my way, then life interfered.  But that happens, as we all know.  And my freedom series has been interrupted unfortunately.  I'm hoping to get that back on schedule too.  On top of all that, I need to get another batch of queries sent out on SHARDS OF GLASS.  Must find time...

In the meantime, I'd like to share some exciting news.  My husband and I have decided to adopt.  And that is partially why I've been so busy.  We are very early in the process, but the process has been started.  Prayers for this journey we are taking would be much appreciated.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer.  The weather has been less than pleasant here in Illinois (hotter than blazes!), and we are badly in need of rain.  Dead grass.  Dying crops.  Not good at all for my husband's mowing business or the farmers. 

But we still feel blessed, and I hope you do too!

Just Like A Scene From A Horror Movie

After a crazy busy weekend, I finally had time to sit down with a movie and relax last night.  My husband left earlier in the day to be a volunteer faculty member at church camp for the week, so I was home alone with my two dogs.  Neither of them bark often.  Sometimes when a stranger pulls into the driveway, they bark, but only if they think I don't know anybody is there.  And sometimes they bark at animals.  Chip is the only one that likes to bark at nothing.

Anyway, last night I was on the couch watching my movie when Tucker began barking in the front living room.  Wondering who in the world would be coming to my house at such an hour and keeping the lights off, I got up and went to the front room.  A brief glance out the window assured me nobody was there.  But since I had no idea what else Tucker would be barking at, I went to the dining room and snuck a peek out that window.  Still nothing.  Then I went to the kitchen.  A peek out that window revealed nothing out of the ordinary.  But then, just as I was about to turn away, a sound came from behind me.  I turned, and the pantry door was opening.  So I did the only logical thing.  I flipped the light switch and yanked the door open.  Nobody was there, of course.

I never did figure out what Tucker was barking at.  But if I had to guess, I'd say he probably saw the thieving creature that helped itself to a free meal by chowing down on seven of my chickens the night before.  I know it came back last night because this morning my tomato plants were dug up.  I may need to stand sentry with the .22 tonight.

Hope everyone else had a nice, uneventful weekend. :)

3. Our Founding Fathers

Introduction
1. The First Amendment
2.1 Beginning of a Nation
2.2 Beginning of a Nation

One argument that frequently comes up during debates about the separation of church and state is that the Founding Fathers of the United States were not Christians.  I cannot say that I agree.  There is plenty of evidence to indicate many of the Founders were in fact Christians.  When considering the Constitution, is it necessary to know what the Founding Fathers believed? I think so.  But at the very least, knowing the backgrounds of the men responsible for bringing forth our nation can’t hurt.

In a letter to his father, John Quincy Adams wrote, “My hopes of a future life are all founded upon the Gospel of Christ.”  See the eighth quote.  Robert Treat Paine, signer of the Declaration of Independence, stated (shown here), “I desire to bless and praise the name of God most high for appointing me my birth in a land of Gospel Light where the glorious tidings of a Savior and of pardon and salvation through Him have been continually sounding in mine ears.”  Benjamin Rush, also a signer of the Declaration, relied upon the blood of Jesus to cleanse him from his sins.  Roger Sherman, signer of the Declaration and the Constitution, believed in God and believed God to be Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  John Witherspoon, yet another signer, declared, “If you are not reconciled to God through Jesus Christ…you must forever perish.  See page 286, last paragraph.  These are just a few select examples.

Furthermore, Abraham Baldwin and Joel Barlow both served as Chaplains in the American Revolution.  And interestingly, at least forty Founders were involved in a Bible society. (Barton, David, Original Intent, pg. 145-149)

For more evidence regarding the Founding Fathers and their belief in God, you can also review these statements and the last will and testaments of several Founders.

I would encourage everyone to seek out original statements and writings that were made by our Founding Fathers in order to determine their beliefs.  Don’t take my word for it.  Based on the information we have available to us, which is much more than I can list in a blog post, I believe the Founders never intended for people to be prohibited from practicing Christianity outside of their homes.  And yet, people have been prohibited on numerous occasions.  Even worse, based on today’s idea of the separation of church and state, it appears the United States has gone from a country that freely embraced Christianity to a country that supports Christianity’s regulation.  If you do not believe Christianity is or has been regulated, stay tuned.

Next week, we’ll look at:

4. The Supreme Court

June's Absolute Write Blog Chain

Today's post is part of the Absolute Write June Blog Chain.  This month's prompt is about weird worlds.  Take a look at my piece of fiction below, and then take a tour of my fellow AWer's blogs to see their awesome work.

~
Luc punched the seat in front of him and cursed.  “Where’d you learn to drive?”

Daemon, the driver, was still reeling from the collision with the golden sign and took a moment before speaking.  “The glare blinded me, boss.”

Both climbed out of the vehicle and glanced around.  Luc didn’t recognize the lush valley.  The stillness was eerie and so unusual, so weird, but with a tint of familiarity that he couldn’t explain.  “Do you at least know where we are?” he asked while rubbing his sleeve as if the sunlight would soil his suit.

A brief hesitation was met with a slap to the back of Daemon’s head.  “Sure, boss, sure.”  Working a kink out of his neck, Daemon added, “It’s just over that rise there.  It’s got to be.”

Luc wasn’t about to go traipsing through thick, green grass.  There was no telling what kind of filthy creatures could be lurking there.  And the sunlight was already forcing his temples to pound.  “Then get to it! I’ll be waiting.”  He took his place in the back seat and closed his eyes.  His nap had been interrupted, and he was hoping for a few more minutes of rest.

Knowing better than to disobey, Daemon trudged along the frightening landscape.  He’d never seen such bright colors.  Green grass went on for miles and tickled his feet.  The clear blue sky held no clouds.  And the sun.  It burned his skin, but not like the piercing burns he was used to.  Hoping he hadn’t botched the job too bad, he made his way over the rise and shielded his eyes with his hand.  Then he screamed.

Seconds later, Luc was jerked awake by a tug on his arm.  “What now?” He set his piercing eyes on his driver who was now kneeling on the ground and gnashing his teeth.

His body trembling, Daemon pleaded for mercy.  “I’m sorry, boss.  I didn’t mean to bring us here.”

Luc jumped out of the vehicle.  The sound of a heavily clad army filled the air.  A trumpet sounded.  He ran to the front of the car for a better view of the sign that had fallen to the ground.  The glare remained, but he was still able to read the bold letters.  HEAVEN.  Luc’s eyes widened until they were ready to pop out their sockets.  Turning and pointing his gnarled finger at Daemon, he yelled, “You damned fool! Get us back to Hell!”

~

Hope you enjoyed.  Now check out the following:

dclary
orion_mk3
Proach
pyrosama
areteus
MelodySRV
Diana_Rajchel
writingismypassion (YOU ARE HERE)
randi.lee
magicmint
AFord
Sweetwheat
Nick Rolynd
more to come...