To Save A Life

Hey!  Haven't posted in awhile :(   Today I'm going to talk about an issue that's really been on my heart lately.  My family watched a movie the other night and it was extremely poignant to my life right now.  To Save A Life is a great movie just to let you know!  There is a part or two that parents may have to fast forward for younger children.  The story is about a popular, handsome high school athlete and how he handles his best childhood friend committing suicide.  It chronicles his searching and finding Jesus; his dealing with the consequences of his former life.  It displays how he starts to view life differently, and picks up on the ostracizing of certain kids at school.  He changes his attitude and actions as God begins to convict him in areas of his life.  What struck me was at one part in the movie, he leaves a party where everyone has been drinking because he doesn't like himself anymore when he lives like that.  His girlfriend follows him out and is freaking out because she doesn't like how he is changing.  She asks him if this weird behavior is still about his friend committing suicide and then reassures him that it's not his problem and he shouldn't be worrying about it.  Basically, she tells him to get on with life; it isn't his responsibility.  In my opinion it's almost the best part of the movie, because in response to her he says in frustration, "Then who's is it??" Isn't that the truth?? He is convicted because he knew it WAS his responsibility!  God says to love Him first, then others, then ourselves.  Too often, we put ourselves first, then maybe try to put God second, and everything else drags behind like an old bumper.  If we weren't so focused on ourselves, if we weren't too busy with our own problems (I'm not saying you shouldn't be concerned for yourself at all, it's perfectly o.k. to do that, just not in excess!)  maybe we could see the person desperately trying to dry the tears before someone gives him a funny look, or the single mom who is exhausted and could use a friend's thoughtfulness in bringing over dinner, or the child whose hopeful eyes are just looking for someone to love them.  Maybe if we could clear the soundproof room of self away and actually hear the Holy Spirit's proddings on our heart we could help more of our brothers and sisters!  The fact is: everyone has a responsibility to care for everyone else because that's what Jesus would do.  Think about it.  He even felt the woman who touched the edge of His clothing!  He never missed a detail :) We will never be the Perfect Friend He was.  Hopefully though we can strive to have His heart for people and in so doing save some lives.  What do y'all think?  How are ways we can reach out to others?  Do you pray for God to open your eyes to things that others just pass by without a glance?

~morgan

Selling Makky's cards at the Lexington Farmer's Market.

Yesterday was a fun day enjoying our first venture selling at the local farmer's market.  My second daughter Makenzie definitely has the crafting gene and loves to make things.   In the last year and a half she has really been creative with cards and even had a lady wanting to buy some at a yard sale.  That got her thinking and she has been creating many cards in the hopes of either selling them online or at craft shows and farmer's markets.  So, we finally got our act together and tried out the local market here in Lexington.  Not bad for a first time.  She covered her cost of the market and made a few dollars even though there was not much traffic yesterday, I believe, because it was an extremely hot day!  The experience was fun though in spite of the heat and I am excited for her.  Here is some of her handiwork! :D

Maryanne Godboldo ~ A Detroit mom who was punished for protecting her child!

It's sad that I even have to write about this, but I decided to because her story needs told!  A lady from Detroit (right around where we used to live), Maryanne Godboldo, is now in a fight to get her daughter back.  And it's all because Child Protective Services and the Michigan government have told her she is unfit to be a mother.  Honestly, I have to ask - who are they to decide?? Now, I'm not trying to bash CPS or anything.  There are some legitimate cases in which the child needs to be taken from a parent/s.  However, when it comes to a mother's decision to not give her child the potent, mind-altering drug Risperdal which she considers harmful and poisonous - there should be NO interference whatsoever.  She has a right to make that choice! She was looking out for her child not harming her!  The CPS agents need to read the list of side effects for Risperdal which include:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thoughts; confusion; drooling; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; inability to control urination; increased sweating; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation, depression, severe anxiety); seizures; severe dizziness; stiff or rigid muscles; suicidal thoughts or attempts; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising; vision changes.


Maybe after seeing the horrors (and this is not the whole list of side effects...I didn't have room to post more!) this drug could cause they would be on the mother's side.  This is the problem - the CPS and Detroit police department are just blinding following orders.  They don't educate themselves on the fact that she's not a threat - just a concerned mother! You can get the whole story at  justice4maryanne.com which has links to news reports and everything.  
Also, if you go to naturalnews.com (a great independent resource on natural health) and type in Maryanne Godboldo in their search engine you will find many good articles on her full story and updates on her trial.  
Here is a interview with her about her situation:
http://www.naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=8B81912F9B1AD317AE3DBBD4896C61AA
I for one am going to donate some money for her cause.  Court and legal fees are mounting and she needs help.  Through PayPal on the website justice4maryanne.com anyone can donate to help her.  God calls us to stand up for the people who have injustices happen to them.  This is one of those instances.  

3 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP MARYANNE

1.) Pray!! Lift her up to our Heavenly Father and pray for her daughter's (Ariana) health

2.) Donate to help her fight against CPS to get Ariana back. 

3.) Spread the word to everyone you know and post on Facebook so that people are educated about the rights being taken from parents. 

Goat Cheese Tart! :D

Here is a yummy goat cheese casserole we made a few weeks ago topped with our own fresh basil!  So good!  Being that Morgan and I are gluten free now, we buy our gluten free crust frozen because it is easier.  I would like to play around with a few recipes for my own crust, but just haven't taken the time.  Someday, I hope! :(  Anyway here is the recipe. I got two full pies from this! :D

10 1/2 oz goat cheese (the recipe calls for garlic and herb - but I used plain.)
1 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
1/4 cup basil leaves
salt and pepper to your liking
 2 TB butter
onions (as little or as much as you like)

Cook your onions in the butter for 5 mins and spread evenly over the bottom of your two pie crusts.  Then place goat cheese, cup of cream, eggs and basil (although if your basil is fresh you might want to stir in by hand or you will get a light green goat cheese tart - lol - but still just as tasty) into a food processor until blended well.  Pour into your pie shells and bake a 350 for 30-40 minutes.  Top with some more basil and enjoy!