Thankfulness

So this will be a short post. To make up for the novel that I posted last! Sorry about that! Really this is just a post about how thankful I am of things. There are a few things that I'm just overly thankful for right now! I'm thankful for a lot of things, but these I just need to point out! 1.) Thank you Lord for blessing me with such a wonderful wife and family that supports us! I know that a bunch of people don't have that kind of familial support. But really, having not one, but two sets of parents that are supportive and always there for you in your time of need. Not everyone has a beautiful wife that is there for you in every way! I'm so thankful for her, her caring spirit, and the wonderful caring heart that God has blessed her with! 2.) Thank you Lord for answering our prayers and blessing me with a good paying job that's going to offer great opportunities for us. I'm so thankful for that, and the opportunity I have to work, and provide for my family! 3.) I'm thankful for God opening doors to things that I've asked in prayers for, and He has guided me through those open doors and answered my prayers. Thank you Lord for being such a graceful and comforting leader to my life! It's in your son's name I pray, Amen!

Babies, Babies, Babies...

Hi all, Derek here again... I'm trying to ease Sarah into blogging, so we shall see in a few days!

I want to hit on a few things in this post, but I'll try no to exasperate the topics too much, cause I'd like to talk more on them in later posts. Topic one, Baby Fever, what is it, what causes it? Topic two, Arkansas Legislation on banning Homosexuals (actually any non-married couple residing together) from Adopting. And Topic three, Christianity in Politics (will barely touch the surface on this one in this post, for obvious reasons!).

Topic One: Baby Fever... What is it? What Causes it? How to Stop it?

As I talked about in my last post, Sarah and I have an insatiable desire to bring a child into our family and this world. It seems as though this urge gets stronger and stronger with each passing day! Sarah, as well as many other women/people, refers to this as "Baby Fever." What!?!? I mean, isn't a fever the body's natural reaction to rid itself of an intruder, i.e. a virus, or infection of some sort? So does that mean that "Baby Fever" is one's natural reaction to rid itself of a child? Sounds kinda morbid and wrong. Well, of course not, this is far from what the term "Baby Fever" stands for. If one were to look in a dictionary at the definition of the term "fever", one would find that an alternate definition to the word is not a noun as noted above, but a verb meaning intense nervous excitement. In this case the verb is describing one's desire, and nervous excitement at the thought of having a child. Now that the English lesson is over... Now we've identified what "Baby Fever" is, so what causes it?

Well obviously its the desire of a woman, or in our case a married couple, to conceive, and birth a child. But there are SOOOOO many more contributing factors to this phenomenon we call "Baby Fever." The constant barrage of the adorable babies on TV commercials advertising, diapers, food, school supplies...you name it. Or how about the shows that my wife just loves to flip on when I've somehow lost my stranglehold on the remote. "A Baby Story," "Bringing Home Baby," "Baby's Day Out (movie)," etc. TLC (The Learning Channel) loves to put these shows out there! Thanks a lot! Today, for example, we got up, I went out and played some Xbox, while Sarah stayed in bed for a bit with the kitten (our current baby... Sarah even walks around with Reecie on her hip, like a child...). I got done with the game I was playing, and went back to the bedroom to chat. I walk in, and lo and behold... A BABY STORY! She's feeding her "Fever." But it continued... Whatever we watched during the evening (with the exception of Last Comic Standing... GO ILIZA SCHLESINGER!) had something to do with babies. Even the NBC Series Fear Itself was based around a couple wanting to have a baby. It's almost like there's a conspiracy by the American Government to make the American population want to have more babies, to build it's army up... JUST KIDDING! So what really causes "Baby Fever?" Maybe it's yourself just putting those desirable thoughts into your head. Or maybe it's God sending you a sign? I dunno, but if it is a sign, I'd really appreciate it, God, if you'd attach a letter letting us know what the upcoming lottery numbers are, so we know that, monetarily speaking, we'll be ok! Otherwise... I don't know how to get rid of this "FEVER!!!!!"

Well, how do you get rid of it? Well there's a simple answer... flush the birth control, and have a baby! But if that option is in the best interest of you, what else is there? Deal with it! That's what I've come to understand. You can't just get rid of a feeling or desire... It's kinda like love! Love's not something that's easy to just let go of. You just have to push through this feeling/desire, and look ahead to the future! Plan ahead, be ready! So that when that day comes, and you feel somewhat settled in a career and you feel that you're steady, then... You'll be ready! You'll be able to start 9 months of a fever that's even worse than the "Baby Fever" you had before, cause you just can't wait to hold that blessing from God in your arms.

And I can't wait for those days! All of them!!! The day when Sarah and I look at each other with a smile on our face, and we say... we're ready! Don't get me wrong... we're READY to have a kid, but with ready, comes steady, and that we are not... not yet! I can't wait for that day, when Sarah and I are sitting on the couch waiting for that pee stick to change, and it does for the best! I can't wait for that day, that the OBGYN officially lets us know, that we are expecting. I can't wait for that day when we sit our parents down and let them know that they're going to be grandparents (even though they already are Grand Parents!) I can't wait for that day when Sarah says, "Honey, it's time." I can't wait for that day when I get to walk out into the waiting room and announce that my precious bundle of joy (or bundles of joy), has (or have) entered the world! I can't wait for the many days in between each of those days, and the days following, that I get to share with my wonderful wife! I just can't wait! But, I'm gonna have to!!!

Topic Two: Proposed Adoption Ban in Arkansas Falls Short

I ran across this article on Facebook, while I was perusing around. It comes from the local paper where Sarah and I live. Please, before reading on in this Topic, please click the link, and read the article, so we'll be on the same page! What grabbed my attention more than the article, was the what the person had to say, who posted the link. Again, so we're together, she didn't write the article, she just posted a link to it on her profile on Facebook. This is what she put...

"Thank you, God. At least YOU recognize that someone needs to step up and take care of these "orphans" since your own people aren't doing it, and it shouldn't matter who."

So, of course, being the debater I am (just ask Sarah how much I like to debate!), I had to respond to this. First off, I am a Christian, and this girl is too, I think. I took offense to the comment because she's categorizing me, and people of faith. Not just Christians in general, but any religion that is based around God. I have mixed feelings about the proposed legislation, but I for one, am not (thankfully) a resident of this state, and will not be voting for or against it. That being said, I feel like I should stand up for if not just my beliefs, but the beliefs of others. I don't sit here claiming to be a prophet or scholar of any sort on the Bible, but I am a Christian, and I AM an American, so I have the right to stand up against comments that target me. Sure it didn't target me personally, but it did target me. Why? I feel as though I'm one of "[God's] own people", and I haven't adopted. Here's how one person responded to the article and comment:

"I was adopted as an infant. So issues dealing with adoption are more than just "policies" to me. I was blessed to be adopted by a couple who served God earnestly. I signed the petition, and supported its goal. Knowing that if gay couples are barred from foster care or adoption, that would make the chances even more unlikely for some kids to find a home. Kids need a home. They need to feel like they belong, that someone wants them. Its crucial to their emotional and psychological development. And yet, knowing all that, I still oppose gay couples adopting or giving foster care. No matter what we do, orphans will exist, always. No matter what we do, the poor, the starving, the sick-all will exist until the day this earth ends. That's not an excuse to do nothing. However, it tells me that its ok to make decisions, even if the outcome is painful for some. Gay couples are not what God designed or had in mind. Its not part of His plan, and its not what His laws of nature support. And because of that, I am justified in supporting any measure that conforms to God's design for a family. Not out of hate, or moral self-righteousness. But because God gave me His gift of choice. God grants authority on earth, and He has given us the choice and responsibility to appoint that authority. That's what our system of govt does. It gives us the opportunity to decide who governs, and what laws we will be governed by. Yes, barring these couples means more kids without homes. But allowing them adds another tear to the fabric of our society. It adds yet another way this nation disregards God's purpose, another instance where a moral value is substituted for our own "wisdom" and agenda. Our country is in crisis. And its not Bush, or oil, or the housing market, or Iraq..... Its this nation that has stopped honoring God and blessing God. If you wonder why things are so bad in this country today, ask yourself what this nation has done lately to seek God's favor? Don't get mad at me when it was God who said homosexual sex was an abomination. Don't get mad at me when its God who condemned it. If you have a problem with that view, you need to take it up with the Supreme Legislator, who's edicts cannot be appealed. It saddens me to think of all those kids that will miss out on some semblance of family. But I've lived long enough to know that no matter what we do, there will always be those cases. So I'd rather uphold and support a principle that conforms to what God says. And hope that somewhere along the line, Christians will realize this issue would me moot if we just followed God's word. A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world - James 1:27" - Rod Cueller

I couldn't have put it any better... that was probably one of the best responses to something on this topic that I'd ever seen! The girl who posted this item is a proclaimed Liberal, which with some viewpoints of Liberals, I don't see how you can be Liberal and a Christian, but that's Topic Three, so I'll wait! This is my response to the comment/article:

"You know what... this is so far from just a biblical objection/acceptance thing. This really is Politics 101. Kids need a home, no doubt about it. But for someone to criticize Christians who aren't adopting, that's just wrong. How many atheists adopt? How many Catholics adopt? How bout Democrats, Republicans, Green Party Supporters, hippies, etc? Don't point out one group and assume that we don't support it. And let me ask a question that I already know the answer to... [Post Author], have you adopted yet? I mean come on, I know the point you're trying to make, but you're going about it in all the wrong ways! Adoption takes money, time, and commitment. If a homosexual couple wants to put forth that effort, more power to them! And unfortunately as the children grow up, they will more than likely be faced with MORE ridicule than say a Caucasian baby that was adopted by an Asian couple. If the homosexual couple wants to deal with that, and watch their children cry as they try to understand why they're being picked on at school... again, more power to them! Sure, every kid is subject to ridicule in some way, but when Johnny has two Daddies, or two Mommies, it's going to be tough! Don't base this on religion, when there is SO much more involved in this. I myself am against gays/lesbians adopting. As Rod said, the Bible does say that Homosexuality is an abomination. In that sense, I also believe that Homosexuality is not of God, and an innocent child cannot be "born that way." Because saying so is saying that God made a mistake. Could a child be born into this world to later serve a purpose later in life as a homosexual, possibly, can't say for sure. But that lifestyle is a choice, and I and many others stand firm on that. Children are born innocent and are not genetically, or prenatally chosen to take part in Sodomy (which the bible also puts down). I just don't think a child should be put in that situation. That's my opinion!"

It's hard to battle opinion with opinion, but sometimes, I feel like some people's opinions are based solely on the basis of "that's what I heard" or what the media feeds them. And when people attack Christians on their stand on homosexuality, they base it on those same grounds. It really frustrates me when I am conversing with a person about this topic, homosexuality, and we're both Christians. Their only true argument is "Where is it in the Bible?", "What's the scripture?" And when I provide the answers to those questions they'll say something like, "Well, that's not what it means," or, "Are you a scholar on this, that you know everything that the Bible intends to say?" NO!!! But when the Bible specifically says something, i.e. homosexuality is an abomination, or Sodomy is WRONG... you don't have to be a scholar to know that THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS!!! I feel as though I may be exasperating this topic, so I'll stop there, if you'd like to hear more, or have questions on this topic, feel free to comment. I may delve into this subject a little more in the future.

Topic Three: Christians in Politics!

Well, it's kinda getting late, my hands are starting to feel the beginning signs of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, so I'll keep this short. As I said in the intro, I'm not going to go too deep into this, cause it's really, really, really deep! Politics is defined as the science or art of political government or use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining any position of power or control, as in business, university, etc (dictionary.com). But really, these days, all American Government politics seem more like the latter. Politics is full of false promises, lies, and deceit. So goes life right? Well within those confines, I don't see much room for God, or Christianity. With the debates that rage these days from ones like above, to abortion, to Iraq, to oil, to gas prices, etc. America has forgotten about God! It's time that God is put back into this society. The Washington Post states, "More than nine in 10 Americans—95 percent—told ABC News polltakers that they believe in God." That leaves only 5% of people in America that DON'T! You mean to tell me that 5% of this nation of 301,139,947+ (2007 US Census Estimate), are running this country? Are making the decisions for this country and leaving the Devine Legislator OUT OF IT!?!?!?!? That's outrageous! Granted that's a little over 15 million, it's not everyone. I vote, and I'm part of the over 286 million that DO believe. But not everyone who believes in God, acts that way, or makes Him a part of their everyday lives. But don't you think that it's about time for a nation that was built "Under God" should really be "indivisible" and stop leaving God out of it? Right now, Christianity has no place in Politics... but it's time to put it back in! This November get out there, and as "One Nation, Under God, [that's supposed to be] Indivisible", let's put God back into this country.

As always I will end with a prayer: Dear Lord, our lives are constantly filled with questions, that we desperately seek the answers to. We know that you hold the answers, because you alone, write the questions! Lord, give us the strength to every day, place our trust in you, and have faith that you will help those who need it, and give answers to those who seek them! Lord, right now, I feel that the time is not yet right for Sarah and I to expand our family, I pray that you continue to strengthen our relationship, not just with each other, but with you. Give us that strength, and guide us along that path that eventually will lead us to children. Lord if that time is now, we accept it, and will strive hard, with your guiding hand to give those children a loving home that is based around you! Lord I pray that you give strength and support to children who currently don't have homes. Life in this world is not easy, Lord, I know that. Satan has a stranglehold on this world right now, and the only way to break that is with you! I pray that you will continue to work through the leaders of this country, the leaders that you've empowered with the responsibility to make life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness possible! With your help Lord, I pray that the right man be put in charge of this country in the coming months, I trust that whomever that person is, will be inspired by you, and have you at his core. But most of all Lord, tonight, I pray this: Be with those without you! Guide those who are around non-believers to show the true goodness, and blessings that you provide. Be with those who are in sin, myself included. Forgive us of our stupidity, bull-headedness and our pride! Give us the strength to conquer the Devil's temptations, and the grace to pick us up when we fall! Thank you so much for your many blessings, and constant guidance, in Christ's name I pray, Amen.

First Post!

So here it goes! Derek here, and this is my/our first post! July 22nd, 2008 already, it feels like time is flying by. Sarah and I have been married over 2 years now, and she just turned 22! We can't wait for the summer to be over so that school can start back up for her. The sooner it starts, the sooner we can move! The sooner we move, the sooner I get to start the career that I love and can't wait to enjoy. The sooner I start my career, the sooner we can have a baby!

Sarah and I are experiencing an insatiable fever for having a baby. It seems like everyone we know that's married (or not) is having a kid. But we both want to be steady and ready. We're both ready, but we're just not steady. Job's aren't steady, shoot, they don't even exist right now.

I'm searching for a job right now in Searcy, and it's really difficult trying to find a job that I want, and will enjoy. I know that's not the key, but for me, if I don't love what I'm doing, it's really hard to go to work. I'm sure it's that way for a lot of people. I know that when I start my career in Broadcasting, I'm going to look forward to getting up everyday and heading in to work, where nothing is predictable, and everyday is a new adventure. It just seems like if the superficial jobs between now and then are lame, and I hate them, it's just seems like a waste. But I know that right now, our future is the focus, and to achieve that future in Ohio, we need money, so I'm going to do whatever I need to do to get that money, and get us there!

I'll end this post with this. Keep us in your prayers. My prayer is this: May an opportunity present itself to me that will make the stress of money and the fear of failure disappear. And that no matter what happens in life, that we continue to put God first, and ourselves last!

In HIM,

Derek Drake