I woke up this morning in a very thankful mood.  Rising early is beautiful on the high desert. the sun seeps through the landscape early, as it spreads over us from the East. It is like a slow dimmer switch.  We woke to the glorious evidence of freezing fog.  The morning is bright and clear and blue – but the landscape is decorated in a crystal wonderland.  Amazing.  The chickens were glad for warm water and a swirl to their food tray to get the crumble to drop.  Gotta keep the ladies happy so that the fresh eggs keep a comin!

My thoughts this morning of thankfulness was of living in a country where we all have such great freedoms. I have been a bit active on Facebook lately, looking up claassmates from Marshfield and hooking up with long gone friends who moved away to find employment and be with family in other places. All of our lives look so different on Facebook.  It really doesn’t matter that we all went to the same school, or that we alot of us grew up in the same town, or that many of us had similar religous experiences, or that we have all gone through the same holidays, our individual lives are vastly different.  I am thankful that we live in such a country that our passions are able to be expressed. That we can go after the thing that matters to us.  That we can speak freely over the internet and in the press. I am glad that my passions are able to be lived out, openly and honestly, and that I’m able to teach other what we do, and pass on the lessons I’ve learned. Those that are different from me get to do the exact same thing. I am glad for my walk with Christ, for my growth in love and peace and the fruits of the Spirit. I am happy that I get to live my life the way I wish, and that I get to pursue my family and have my children learn in the ways that I think is best.  I am glad and greatful for an America that allows individuality along with the United. I am glad that we live in an America where the United also remains to have freedom of choice.  I am glad that I go to a church that will welcome you if you drink wine, or vote democrat, or support any presidential candidate, or have an individual opinion that might go against the grain.  I know that along with my right to publically profess my opinions and passions, that allows any other person to profess their passions as well.  America is still amazing.  Remembering that the Pilgrims fled to Americal to follow after thier God with freedom means alot to me.  May our freedoms grow, and our love for each other grow, whether our passions are like minded – or not.

After having all of these jumbled thoughts this morning before even putting my blanket warmed feet onto the cold tile, I read a blog of a friend who was reporting on the issues in Silverton, Oregon.  I am shocked, and teary eyed, ashamed and saddened at the behavior of those that objected. In America you get to object with your vote and with your dollars.  Hate signs are so sad and offensive.  I pray this morning that the people who witnessed this event will realize that the majority of those who walk after Christ do not feel the same way – and that Christ would not feel the same way.   One of the greatest things we get to do as Americans, or anyone that has access to the internet – is to write. To Blog. To Journal. To express our hearts. To share our lives. To rejoice with our successes. To share our sorrow.

I will continue to share my heart here. I will continue to share our learning experiences – academically, spiritually, physically.   Here is where I can speak what I believe is truth. Here is where I can share my soapboxes and my changing opinions.  Its my vote.  nuf sed.