I haven't been on my blog in some time. Really, I haven't been moved by much that hasn't given me a case of the "poor-me"s. However, this time it is bigger than me. Health Care Reform.
Paul Harris wrote in The Observer today (Sunday the 26th) about how Wendell Potter became the Health Insurance industry's whistleblower. (www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/26/us-healthcare-obama-barack-change). This powerful article truly demonstrates the need for Americans to understand what it is to be our brothers' keepers. In Genesis 4 Cain killed his brother and when the Lord asked what he had done he said, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
HELLO PEOPLE!!! How is what the health insurance industry does any different? Cain attacked his brother; the Health Insurance industry attacks its supposed clients by using ridiculous excuses (like a doctor made an error in reporting for payment) to rescind health insurance for which these people had been paying (in the interim). The actions of these companies are demonstrating a disregard for human life, when in fact, human life is what they are designed to protect. One cannot protect life by breaking someones spirit: that is still called killing. Being told that you do not have health insurance after being up to date on all payments and needing it for an emergency procedure is a sure way to kill the spirit.
I grew up in a military family where we had excellent health coverage. My parents are blessed to be covered by military health insurance and medicare now. Both of my parents are in excellent health and for all of these things I am very thankful. As I look at my life now, however, I am seeing the challenges of the other side. We have been fortunate enough to have health insurance without having it lapse, but in the last year we have had 4 different insurances. We see that there are questions that this masters-level educated person still struggles to understand when filing out enrollment information and given conflicting information about payments and rules depending on who I speak with at the company (s) or the insurance sales person.
The way our personal insurance was calculated was biased. BMI is still being used in determining risk for personal insurance. My husband was a collegiate athlete, so he weighs heavier than the insurer thinks he should. He was considered "high risk / morbidly obese". Keep in mind the same equation that they use to come up with this number makes George Clooney and Matt Damon land in the same health bracket. (It is widely except that a better way to measure risk and level of health is waist circumference.) When we were getting insurance through my job we didn't have health reports like BMI that would change the amount we owe and therefore I (a runner and healthy eater) payed the same as a gentleman who is truly morbidly obese (I'm guessing he is 6 feet tall and 550 Lbs). I do not object to the way we payed for insurance at my job. But just as the risk is shared by the whole organization, why not spread the individual risk among all of the individually insured? Answer: Because individual policies is where the most money is made and spreading the risk would result is less money profit for the company.
Money isn't bad. It is a tool that allows us as Americans (and most nations of the world) to acquire goods and services. However, just as we do not want people to be mistreating guns, a tool that also can have life and death consequences, and are therefore overseen and given structured guidelines, we should have guidelines, laws and options given to us to protect us from those who would otherwise take our lives using the power of money. Health Insurance Companies place a price on life and if we can't afford the price they put on our lives, we die.
My soul silently aches for those who are sick and have been denied health insurance. Our voices should be loud and tell our government that we want change.... Hey, wait a minute didn't we demonstrate that in November? Hmm...it seems to me we have been loud about wanting change we can believe in!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Oprah Fan, Christ Centered
I am an Oprah fan. There, I've said it. I think she is great. She believed that she could make a difference in the world through her journalism, and she did, and then some. Personally, my favorite discussions and interviews are when she focuses on health or on positive living. I generally turn off the interviews with the convicted felons, parents of missing or murdered children, and anyone who turns me off due to some social or political stand he or she may be taking. I figure, I just don't want to be depressed or listen to someone who enjoys hearing him/ herself speak.
The reason I bring Oprah up in my Blog that is supposed to be about finding piece during a time of what many would call high-stress, is that last night I watched this fascinating show on how The Oprah Show can propel a business forward if it gets featured. Having married into a family of entreprenaurs, I think these features are great! I love the fact that Oprah is supporting small businesses: the sweet little bakery or cute boutique. However, the final feature last night's program was about a woman who decided to "live according to Oprah." Now, I have not read her Blog, but regardless, the piece featured a lot of material possessions that "Oprah says every woman must have" or books that Oprah has recommended. This woman purchased everything that Oprah said people should buy or try. This got me to thinking, what's the point?
If my closet and bookshelves were full of all of the things that Oprah said are must-haves, would I live a richer life? Would I be more capable of love? Would those clothes help me be a better mother and wife? Would any of these things bring me closer to God? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't.
I do firmly believe that spending one's own money the way he or she wishes too is just fine. And, I must admit, the woman in the feature in lastnight's program had some pretty cute stuff. The study this woman in question is doing is to see if following Oprah's recommendations makes her life richer: "Living Oprah". Truely this seems like the ultimate in idolatry to me. I questioned the TV: "how about living according to Jesus Christ?" How about trying to follow the proven teaching of the Son of God? Oprah a god? I don't think she would even say that. TV Diva or Most Powerful Woman in America, perhaps, but not a profit or even a minor diety.
As my family and I pursue the legal and financial challenges that we are dealing with, I thank God that I am not placing my faith in material purchases or a talented multimillionaire.There are times I think that I'd like to win the lottery or think that I'd like to go on a summer vacation sponsored by someone with a lot of money. But Oprah can't make me feel better about my current situation. I have read some of the books she has recommended, and when applied through my Christ-centered lens some of the things that I have learned in those books help me see things differently, but I'd call that a resource, and there are many of those...a lot of those hang out at the library.
In anycase, when I woke up this morning I was praising God and thanking him for the love of my son and husband, feeling emense joy in my heart. I felt like no legal or financial pressure could hamper my day (it didn't) and that life would only get better today (it did). Where did Oprah fall into all of this today? Her rerun was sounding in the background while I played with my son. You might say, she makes for good background noise.
The reason I bring Oprah up in my Blog that is supposed to be about finding piece during a time of what many would call high-stress, is that last night I watched this fascinating show on how The Oprah Show can propel a business forward if it gets featured. Having married into a family of entreprenaurs, I think these features are great! I love the fact that Oprah is supporting small businesses: the sweet little bakery or cute boutique. However, the final feature last night's program was about a woman who decided to "live according to Oprah." Now, I have not read her Blog, but regardless, the piece featured a lot of material possessions that "Oprah says every woman must have" or books that Oprah has recommended. This woman purchased everything that Oprah said people should buy or try. This got me to thinking, what's the point?
If my closet and bookshelves were full of all of the things that Oprah said are must-haves, would I live a richer life? Would I be more capable of love? Would those clothes help me be a better mother and wife? Would any of these things bring me closer to God? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't.
I do firmly believe that spending one's own money the way he or she wishes too is just fine. And, I must admit, the woman in the feature in lastnight's program had some pretty cute stuff. The study this woman in question is doing is to see if following Oprah's recommendations makes her life richer: "Living Oprah". Truely this seems like the ultimate in idolatry to me. I questioned the TV: "how about living according to Jesus Christ?" How about trying to follow the proven teaching of the Son of God? Oprah a god? I don't think she would even say that. TV Diva or Most Powerful Woman in America, perhaps, but not a profit or even a minor diety.
As my family and I pursue the legal and financial challenges that we are dealing with, I thank God that I am not placing my faith in material purchases or a talented multimillionaire.There are times I think that I'd like to win the lottery or think that I'd like to go on a summer vacation sponsored by someone with a lot of money. But Oprah can't make me feel better about my current situation. I have read some of the books she has recommended, and when applied through my Christ-centered lens some of the things that I have learned in those books help me see things differently, but I'd call that a resource, and there are many of those...a lot of those hang out at the library.
In anycase, when I woke up this morning I was praising God and thanking him for the love of my son and husband, feeling emense joy in my heart. I felt like no legal or financial pressure could hamper my day (it didn't) and that life would only get better today (it did). Where did Oprah fall into all of this today? Her rerun was sounding in the background while I played with my son. You might say, she makes for good background noise.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Plastic Firetrucks and Board Books
My life as a mom is such a blessing. Considering I am under stresses including financial pressure, a husband who is away, and an infant, truly, life is good. My son is playing on the floor nearby manipulating and alternately biting the little plastic firetruck and farm board-book which seem to give him all the joy in the world at the moment. He concentrates on how his hands twist and turn the toys and then goes back to biting them. With the attention of an 8 month old, who now has my computer in his sights, he plays and learns about this world into which he was newly initiated last fall.
As I think about how life changes, I wonder why that the child-like naivety that an infant has and can't remain. How can we recall the days of total amazement and wonder? Is it really too much to ask that an adult be awestruck by the bright lights at the grocery store? Or the big trucks that drive past our house? Or even the flowers that tickle our noses...How do we recapture this awe?
A devotional that I read a couple months ago still sticks with me. God has miracles revealed to us every day, we just don't see them because they seem so ordinary. But on those occasions that God answers some of the really big requests with a resounding "YES!" we become awestruck. "Leave me awestruck, Lord" Has become a part of my daily prayer, and I believe he answers it with "YES!" every day, with a beautiful, patient, fun 8 month old boy named Hunter.
He's after the laptop, gotta run!
As I think about how life changes, I wonder why that the child-like naivety that an infant has and can't remain. How can we recall the days of total amazement and wonder? Is it really too much to ask that an adult be awestruck by the bright lights at the grocery store? Or the big trucks that drive past our house? Or even the flowers that tickle our noses...How do we recapture this awe?
A devotional that I read a couple months ago still sticks with me. God has miracles revealed to us every day, we just don't see them because they seem so ordinary. But on those occasions that God answers some of the really big requests with a resounding "YES!" we become awestruck. "Leave me awestruck, Lord" Has become a part of my daily prayer, and I believe he answers it with "YES!" every day, with a beautiful, patient, fun 8 month old boy named Hunter.
He's after the laptop, gotta run!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Peace in a Storm
Have you ever sensed peace in your life, but there is no real logical reason to have peace? My situation is as if I look at my life as the eye of a hurricane. The most comfortable, peaceful place to be is in the middle of the storm. No wind or rain, just watching the event happen in a rush around me. This is about how I feel now.
Tim and I are blessed that he has a job now, working as a truck driver M- F, home weekends. The first week of him out on his own was like being dunked in the deep end. It is exciting to know that there will be a REAL paycheck come Friday. We now evaluate - what's next? We need some goals, some focus that isn't just about paying the bills or putting food on the table.
When we were new home owners and anticipating our son's arrival, we knew that all things are possible, but not sure how great things that we anticipated would materialize. We really thought Tim's business was about to take the industry by storm, just to have the economy and housing market take a nose dive and our dreams, temporarily, with them. As we look forward now, it seems that this is the first time in 4 months or more that we feel sure that we are making the right moves toward caring for our family and moving toward greater goals.
One thing is for sure, without the ability to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, my nerves would be shot and my sense of peace would be nonexistent. I just think, "I can do all things (and endure all things) in Him who strengthens me." Thanks be to God!
Tim and I are blessed that he has a job now, working as a truck driver M- F, home weekends. The first week of him out on his own was like being dunked in the deep end. It is exciting to know that there will be a REAL paycheck come Friday. We now evaluate - what's next? We need some goals, some focus that isn't just about paying the bills or putting food on the table.
When we were new home owners and anticipating our son's arrival, we knew that all things are possible, but not sure how great things that we anticipated would materialize. We really thought Tim's business was about to take the industry by storm, just to have the economy and housing market take a nose dive and our dreams, temporarily, with them. As we look forward now, it seems that this is the first time in 4 months or more that we feel sure that we are making the right moves toward caring for our family and moving toward greater goals.
One thing is for sure, without the ability to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, my nerves would be shot and my sense of peace would be nonexistent. I just think, "I can do all things (and endure all things) in Him who strengthens me." Thanks be to God!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Decisions Decisions
Have you ever wished you could hire someone else to make your decisions for you? "What will it be today for dessert: chocolate milk shake or german chocolate cake?" Hmmm, I think ... both!
As a part of trying to simplify our lives, I realize that we must make choices about what we are willing to live without. Yesterday on Oprah, families had 7 and 14 day experiements looking at what they could live without. As I examin my own life I realize that there isn't really , anything that I couldn't live without. There are things that I really enjoy, but other than food and water, I can live without most things.
Today, we were posed with a question about whether we should be keeping our house or not. Immediately I wondered, "but where would I live?" Then I remembered, that has already been prepared. Then I thought, "but I like my home and yard, and the new vegetable garden we planted." While on the phone with my husband this evening I realized that if we can live more cheaply by moving out of our home and living in a comparable place for $200 - $500 less per month, that is $2400 - $6000 per year in the bank....
My mom talked to me about the sacrifices that stay at home moms often have to make financially. "We didn't have what a lot of my friends had..." she said. "If you are OK with that, then you'll do fine with being a s.a.m." Moms are so wise! How much more important is my son then any thing!
The decision that I wish someone else would make for me is what to do with our home. I love our home, but I love my husband and son more, and making sure that their futures and happiness are secure is more imporant to me then budgeting down to the nub, squeezing water from a rock, in order to pay our mortgage.
It's a hard decision. We think we know what we need to do. Thank goodness there is someone who will walk with us through this every step of the way: the person of Jesus Christ! Praise God!
As a part of trying to simplify our lives, I realize that we must make choices about what we are willing to live without. Yesterday on Oprah, families had 7 and 14 day experiements looking at what they could live without. As I examin my own life I realize that there isn't really , anything that I couldn't live without. There are things that I really enjoy, but other than food and water, I can live without most things.
Today, we were posed with a question about whether we should be keeping our house or not. Immediately I wondered, "but where would I live?" Then I remembered, that has already been prepared. Then I thought, "but I like my home and yard, and the new vegetable garden we planted." While on the phone with my husband this evening I realized that if we can live more cheaply by moving out of our home and living in a comparable place for $200 - $500 less per month, that is $2400 - $6000 per year in the bank....
My mom talked to me about the sacrifices that stay at home moms often have to make financially. "We didn't have what a lot of my friends had..." she said. "If you are OK with that, then you'll do fine with being a s.a.m." Moms are so wise! How much more important is my son then any thing!
The decision that I wish someone else would make for me is what to do with our home. I love our home, but I love my husband and son more, and making sure that their futures and happiness are secure is more imporant to me then budgeting down to the nub, squeezing water from a rock, in order to pay our mortgage.
It's a hard decision. We think we know what we need to do. Thank goodness there is someone who will walk with us through this every step of the way: the person of Jesus Christ! Praise God!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Out of the Woods or Out of the Valley
It has been a week or more since writing. While this is not ideal, it is because of some good that is happening in our lives. I was at my parents' while my husband was in orientation for a new (near by) trucking job. We are praising God for this opportunity!
Our prayers have been full of questions and requests: "why did the business fail?" "What do we do now, with 3 mouths to feed (including an infant) and a mortgage?" "Please help us find a job for Tim and allow us to make more than enough to live, so that we might bless others too!" Sometimes I wonder if these are the right requests. They are genuine, so I am guessing it is ok.
In any case, I take quiet time now to reflect on the fact that, while we are not "out of the woods" financially, my Tim is now employed and driving truck. For now, at least, he is home weekends, gone Monday - Friday. Initially we thought this would be a temporary thing, but we are not sure. We are just greatful that Tim is working and bringing in money for the family.
I mentioned in my last post that I am tempted to find a job myself. There is a local position that if applied for, I believe I would get it. However, I really desire to be at home with my son. I know that it may mean working more later, when Tim is looking at retirement. However, I think working outside the home, away from my son would bring me great sadness. He is more of a priority over having "extra" money in the bank, which I haven't had for years... hence the temptation.
I entitled this "Out of the Woods or Out of the Valley", because I think that sometimes we have to make choices. I think that ultimately both goals are possible, but the rate at which they happen depends on whether I focus on them one at a time or at the same time. Case in point: We really want to be "out of the woods" financially, so that we can easily live within our means and save for our college educations, retirement and just plan living. However, we also value our family time together now and having me at home to raise our son. This time while he is so young is so fleeting and something I want to completely enjoy. So it seems, if I leave the home to be a working mother, the faster we'll be financially out of the woods, but the more likely I'll remain "IN the valley."
I am thankful for my family, my friends and extended family who support us through this hard time, Tim's new job, my home, and the knowledge that I have the strength of Jesus Christ on my side, so no matter the challenge at least I know where I will be in eternity! There, I will be both Out of the Woods AND Out of the Valley!
Our prayers have been full of questions and requests: "why did the business fail?" "What do we do now, with 3 mouths to feed (including an infant) and a mortgage?" "Please help us find a job for Tim and allow us to make more than enough to live, so that we might bless others too!" Sometimes I wonder if these are the right requests. They are genuine, so I am guessing it is ok.
In any case, I take quiet time now to reflect on the fact that, while we are not "out of the woods" financially, my Tim is now employed and driving truck. For now, at least, he is home weekends, gone Monday - Friday. Initially we thought this would be a temporary thing, but we are not sure. We are just greatful that Tim is working and bringing in money for the family.
I mentioned in my last post that I am tempted to find a job myself. There is a local position that if applied for, I believe I would get it. However, I really desire to be at home with my son. I know that it may mean working more later, when Tim is looking at retirement. However, I think working outside the home, away from my son would bring me great sadness. He is more of a priority over having "extra" money in the bank, which I haven't had for years... hence the temptation.
I entitled this "Out of the Woods or Out of the Valley", because I think that sometimes we have to make choices. I think that ultimately both goals are possible, but the rate at which they happen depends on whether I focus on them one at a time or at the same time. Case in point: We really want to be "out of the woods" financially, so that we can easily live within our means and save for our college educations, retirement and just plan living. However, we also value our family time together now and having me at home to raise our son. This time while he is so young is so fleeting and something I want to completely enjoy. So it seems, if I leave the home to be a working mother, the faster we'll be financially out of the woods, but the more likely I'll remain "IN the valley."
I am thankful for my family, my friends and extended family who support us through this hard time, Tim's new job, my home, and the knowledge that I have the strength of Jesus Christ on my side, so no matter the challenge at least I know where I will be in eternity! There, I will be both Out of the Woods AND Out of the Valley!
Monday, April 27, 2009
STRESS!
I am under some stress these days. Short story: new home, new baby, new business, business runs out of start up capital and now new home and baby but no business! ... This makes me think about those who CHOOSE to have stressful jobs. HOW do they remain sane! People who come to mind: President Obama, brain and heart surgeons, chiefs of firestations, inner-city police officers, Tim Geitner, and Charles Sullenberger....I'm sure I can think of a lot more. Right now, my brain is awash with current events. All I know is that the stress in my life right now, I NEED JESUS! Knowing that without Jesus I would not have salvation is the most stressful thing I can think of.
About 8 years ago my then supervisor, now super friend, asked me in the midst of the stress of a paper I was writing if the outcome would keep me out of heaven. "Umm...I hope not!" Certainly that one question put things in perspective for me....No matter the challenge and no matter the outcome we all have the ability to have all sin washed away and an opportunity to enjoy zero stress in our heavenly home.
I was emailing with my aunt about my current situation not too long ago. She is among the many people championing my husband and me: "If anyone can get through this, you can!" or "You all are strong, you'll get through it!" Yes, I know we will get through it. As with the people in so many of those Bible stories I learned in Sunday School, it is not the destination that I worry about, it is the journey that is painful. One story I think of Jesus' 40 days of temptation in the wilderness with Satin. That would certainly be huge stress!
My temptations right now include finding a job and ceasing to be a stay at home mom (something I have wanted to be since I wanted to be a mom); having my husband take a job he really doesn't want just so we can pay the bills; being prideful and not asking others for help. I'm realizing that through the struggle of stress, I am learning that life is not best journeyed alone, or even with just myself and my spouse, child and close friends, but with Jesus as my guide, leader, and support.
What a friend we have in Jesus!
About 8 years ago my then supervisor, now super friend, asked me in the midst of the stress of a paper I was writing if the outcome would keep me out of heaven. "Umm...I hope not!" Certainly that one question put things in perspective for me....No matter the challenge and no matter the outcome we all have the ability to have all sin washed away and an opportunity to enjoy zero stress in our heavenly home.
I was emailing with my aunt about my current situation not too long ago. She is among the many people championing my husband and me: "If anyone can get through this, you can!" or "You all are strong, you'll get through it!" Yes, I know we will get through it. As with the people in so many of those Bible stories I learned in Sunday School, it is not the destination that I worry about, it is the journey that is painful. One story I think of Jesus' 40 days of temptation in the wilderness with Satin. That would certainly be huge stress!
My temptations right now include finding a job and ceasing to be a stay at home mom (something I have wanted to be since I wanted to be a mom); having my husband take a job he really doesn't want just so we can pay the bills; being prideful and not asking others for help. I'm realizing that through the struggle of stress, I am learning that life is not best journeyed alone, or even with just myself and my spouse, child and close friends, but with Jesus as my guide, leader, and support.
What a friend we have in Jesus!
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