A few minutes ago, we were visited by a Jehovah's witness sharing the word of his god. He read a section of the bible sharing with us that we are in the "End of Days" and that all of the problems we are facing are foretold in the bible. I wanted to ask if it was in the factual part of the bible, or the allegory part of the bible, but I figured I should just let him do his mission.
You don't have to hear it from a Jehovah's Witness that things are bad. The Marks family listens to Air America on 92.1 every single day, usually for several hours between our cars and listening over dinner. We try and pay attention to all the directions our government seems to be heading, and the new direction we hope it will turn in 21 days. In this chaotic world of financial crisis, religious and cultural intolerance, and fear of another cold war, it is imperative that each and every one of us take stock of how good things really are.
I am the healthiest I've been in a very long time. I've officially lost just over ten pounds in the past seven weeks. I eat balanced meals every day, with a lot healthier ingredients, and a lot more organic, fresh fruits and steamed vegetables. My influence is working on the rest of the family, I believe.
We have a home that we can afford that is just right for our family. We have bedrooms for each of us, a big downstairs that is a complete mess right now but which will soon be a craft space and storage. We have a welcoming living room and kitchen table with food on it for anyone that would like to stop by.
We have a beautiful, incredibly smart, and well-behaved daughter. She now can "meow" when you ask her what a kitty says, and "moo" when you ask her what a cow says. She also can say "ah duh" for all done, "hey" when she picks up a telephone, "bah" for a bottle or a ball (whichever is closer), "bithoo" for bagel, and growl like a bear when you growl at her. Grandma Jaci says she can also say her own name, but I think Nadia's keeping that from us for a while and making it a special thing between the two of them. ;) Nadia still takes two naps a day, so for three hours every day I get to stay caught up on the computer, do a workout video, wash laundry, clean the kitchen, or relax. Do you know how fantastic it is that our toddler takes two naps?!?
We have two working cars, clothes that fit us, running water of all temperatures in our sinks. We are millionaires in comparison to so many on this earth. We have religious freedom to think the heathen thoughts we think. We even have the right [AND THE DUTY] to vote. What a fantastic country we live in!
We even have the love of our wonderful families. Thank you, Daddy, for our hour-long conversation last night about all things Tennessee, politics, friends, and family. Thank you, Joy, for writing me letters every so often, sharing parts of your life "down south" that we don't get to see from up here. Thank you, Jaci, for supporting us in so many ways, and for being my sounding post on several occasions. Thank you, Jim, for understanding the inner workings of all the things we need but don't seem to work. Thank you, Mom, for making our lawn so beautiful. You have a glorious 'green thumb' and everyone at Nadia's party noticed how wonderful everything looked. Thank you, George and Lisa, for filling our bellies with warm and tasty food, and then cleaning the dishes afterwards. Thank you, Grandma Cecy, for cheering us up on our front porch, or when we're at your front door, on so many occasions. Thank you also for the beautiful cards you embroider, the wash cloths you crochet, and the stickers you put on envelopes. Thank you, Grandma Rindy, who always remembers to send cards on the special occasions, knowing that she cares very much for all of us.
Be optimistic. Remind yourself every day that you are lucky to be so lucky.
