Winds of Change Blowing a Bit Too Much?

Are the "winds of change" blowing a bit too much for your comfort these days?



Feeling kind of "blue"?



Feeling rather "sour" about the media coverage of the election?



Feeling like you're going "head to head" with the more liberal mindset of today's culture?



Like you're just not "seeing things" the same way as CNN or other news reports?



Having a little "paper trouble" like our friends over at ACORN?




Tired of riding the "waves" of the up & down economy?



Wondering what's going to happen next????



Concerned about the future of your children? Feeling the need to tuck your sweet babies in a little tighter at night?




Be encouraged! You're not alone! We're in this thing together...and sometimes it helps to just have a few reminders in our day of what's really most important in life...





Take the time to hold hands with those you love.



Give someone else a "lift."



Keep going for the goal, aim high!




Don't be afraid to keep climbing.




Be prepared to flex your muscles & stand strong for what you believe!



Before you go out the door, always put on a "smile." (and cool sunglasses won't hurt either)



Keep your sense of humor throughout the day, even if your brother doesn't "appreciate" your jokes!



And always, always remember this one important thing...no matter who or what we face in life, the Greatest "Force" of all, our Lord Jesus Christ, is always and forever with you!




God bless you today!
Thinking of you and praying with you for our nation,
Stay STRONG!
The McDaniel's (:

It Just Takes An Average Joe...

Wow! Joe the Plumber is my hero! He has single-handedly, amazingly, and quite possibly, changed the course of this upcoming election. I am astounded. As I'm sure he is! I look at this situation and think, God you are INCREDIBLE!

Here is a guy, an average Joe, a hard worker, probably much like you & me, who has come out of seemingly nowhere. And now, because of his willingness to ask some hard questions, he has become the TALK of the week, has been thrust into the media spotlight, was addressed directly by both presidential candidates during the national debate on Wednesday, and has been invited to appear on countless news & talk shows. Why??? How???

I don't even think any of us have all the answers, but I do know that this morning I am HOPEFUL, very encouraged, & believe strongly that this is a CLOSE race, and both sides do stand a chance to win. Whoever you're voting for...it just ain't over till it's over!
And I'm encouraged by this thought too...we CAN all make a difference in this world! It doesn't take fame, it doesn't take a lot of money, it doesn't take a big education, it just takes our willingness to take a STAND & SPEAK UP!

So, here's my top 5 things I've learned this week from an average Joe, Joe the Plumber from Ohio...

1. BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! This is America, and anything is possible! I love the verse that says those words exactly, "Everything is possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23

2. Don't be afraid to ask hard questions. Joe wasn't afraid. Are you? Because of his questions, some important information has been shared that the public may want to be aware of!

3. Be involved, let your voice be heard, take a stand, make a difference! One great thing is this, Joe was there! He spoke out, he didn't even just stop at one hard question, he clarified, he pursued information, he got involved. Are you willing to get involved, even when things are kind of, well, "uncomfortable?" I mean, he could have just shaken Senator Obama's hand, he could have said something "really sweet & nice," but he chose to ask some questions & get some answers! Thank you Joe for doing that!

4. Ask God to lead your path every day, every moment. Ask God for His leadership over your time, who you meet, where you go, etc... Joe was in the "right place at the right time." I don't even know if Joe's a Christian, but I'm thankful that he was where he was on that particular day. And I do know this...those of us who are Christians & who are led by the Holy Spirit, can ALWAYS be in God's right place at God's right time! That's the way to live!

5. And lastly, don't be afraid to be an "Average Joe." In this nation, I think so many people are infatuated with & quite preoccupied with Hollywood, with stars, their lifestyles, who they marry, what they do, who their babies are, where they're spending jail time today, etc.., etc...and I ask this...who really cares? As I've become a "bit" older, I've become much more interested in just "plain" people, like me, like you, like Joe! Like those of us who are just trying to live this life to make simple, but important decisions that will last a lifetime, like those of us who are seeking, not the media spotlight, but God's spotlight, those who want to bring honor to the God of the Universe! He is so concerned about where we are right now at this moment in our nation, and in our lives. God is involved, God is here, He does care!

Thank you to Joe the Plumber for making a difference this week. I'm praying that WE will be willing to make a difference in the circles of our influence, especially in these next important few weeks of history. Bless you all today!

P.S. Joe will be on Mike Huckabee's show on the Fox network Saturday evening. He had already been booked before this week's debate, but now I'm sure many more people will be tuning in to see this guy who has caused such an uproar this week, yet is so much "like us."

No Time For A Get Away? Read This!

Troy & I just had the most wonderful weekend away in San Antonio! O.K. it really just about a 24 hour time frame, but it was STILL great!
A night at a beautiful hotel on the Riverwalk, dinner at the famous Casa Rio, brunch at the Guenther House (You've GOT to go there if you're visiting S.A. or the Riverwalk area! Order the sweet cream waffle & applewood smoked bacon...my mouth is watering thinking of it, yum!)
Our kids had a blast visiting with family (thank you Grandma, Aunt Becky & the Molinets, you're the best!), and Troy & I had a blast just being "on our own" for a few brief hours.
We were once again reminded of how incredibly important it is for a couple to set aside the time to get away, to spend some hours alone, without the kids, without work demands, etc...And it makes me think, if it's SO important for the continued health of our marriage, why don't we do this more often???
In the past 7 years of our marriage (since kids), "getting away" just hasn't come easy enough for us, I don't know about you, but we can always have too many reasons why we might need to wait awhile for that little "get away!" Don't get me wrong, we WANT to go, but sometimes really making it happen is quite another story. I'm sure alot of you are much faster learners than we have been! Please feel free to share the insights you've learned along the way in making this get away thing really work for couples (just hit the comment tab at the end of the blog), but I tell you one thing we have learned...it just won't happen on it's own. If we aren't committed to setting aside the time, we will most likely never go.

So here's some excuses, I mean, "reasons" we've had in the past that maybe we can help "talk through" with you if you're thinking, or not thinking, of a get away!
Excuse #1:
"This is just a busy season of time (or phase of life), after things slow down a bit, we'll make it a point to go."
Reality Check:
It's been our experience, and probably yours too, things NEVER DO seem to slow down! Life can just be full & busy both pre-kids & post-kids and every time frame in between! Our culture itself is simply driven by "busyness." We have to MAKE the time to do what we really want to do, get it on the calendar, set the date, and don't let anything interfere with that time! THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WE CAN DO IN LIFE ARE PROBABLY ALWAYS THE MOST INCONVENIENT.

Excuse #2:
"We just can't afford it right now."
Reality Check:
Call me! We have so many money saving tips & ideas, believe me, we live this one out year by year! And here's the thing too...a get away doesn't have to be an expensive one, maybe you have a friend who has a little cabin somewhere, a place you could stay for just a night or two, or maybe, like us, you like the Hotwire deals you can find. We just found a great room ON the Riverwalk in a 4 star hotel for $79! And there's deals like that everywhere I know, we just have to be creative & LOOK for them! Oh, by the way, it costs about $30 to go pitch a tent in a state park somewhere, & I'm sure you'll have TONS of memories to bring home. And yes, we have done that!

Excuse #3:
"We just couldn't leave the kids anywhere overnight."
Reality Check:
Yes, you can. GO! They'll be fine for a night or 2, at Grandma's or a relative's house. Or maybe, like us, if you have more than a few kiddos, you might have to get a little creative & split them up among different friends or family. THEY WILL HAVE FUN, and so will you! Maybe you can even swap off a time frame with another friend, then you don't feel bad in asking, and your friends might enjoy a time away also!


If you don't remember anything else from this blog note, please, remember this...GO! Go for a get away, even if it's short, even if it's inexpensive, even if it seems rather inconvenient at the phase of life you're in...set aside prolonged times with one another to reconnect, to be alone.
We're already looking forward to our next time away! Anyone want to babysit? (:

Camping With The Critters, Our 3, & Lots More!

Ever been camping before with 3 young children, eager to spend a night in the great outdoors??? What an adventure, and we even lived to tell about it!
We so enjoyed our time, though brief (yet long enough for me!), at Stephen F. Austin State Park, great place for kids to experience tent camping, yet complete with water, electrical outlets, and bathrooms nearby, hooray!
We met lots of "new friends," many from Cubscout Pack 1179, and some 4 legged ones as well - lots of deer, a possum, and a family of raccoons who had the sense to tip over our food bin at midnight, crash! Let's just say it was a long night trying to get 2 roly poly 2 yr. olds to sleep with the wildlife outside!
Of course, along with the new friends we made, there were the flying pesty "enemies" as well - Texas mosquitoes, ugh!!! They swarmed us about the whole time we were there, we kind of got used to them, I think it made Houston seem not quite so bad!

Highlights:
1. Dawson had a fun time with cubscout friends & even got to make a super cool camping chair.
2. We loved just looking up at all the stars at night, and of course the big full moon, God's creation is incredible.
3. The sound of crickets & locusts are amazing when it's just so quiet...Noah & Gracie kept asking, "what's that sound?"
4. There's nothing like a camp style breakfast, so wonderful. (:
5. Getting out of the city & busyness of life is just plain necessary at times.
6. I'm always amazed at the things we can do that we think we "couldn't do" or "wouldn't want" to do!
7. Wildlife, such amazing creatures that God has thought up...it's great for kids to see them in their own environment too...and those raccoons are just plain smart, or hungry (Gracie just knew she wanted to "pet that big kitty.")!

So, when you're feeling like you just need to try something new, something daring, something adventurous - DO IT - go camping with the family, the entire family!
You'll make memories for life...Troy & I still remember camping days with our families as kids!

My 3 Biggest Reasons To Vote This Election...

Here are my 3 biggest reasons to get involved in this election & VOTE!

1. Gracie


2. Noah



3. Dawson


If you're anything like I have been in the past, you might find yourself saying things like, "what election?" "who's running anyway?" "what day did you say voting day was?" "am I even registered to vote?" My parents were both very hard working people as I grew up, but we just didn't talk about "politics" much at home, & it's taken me a long time to even be remotely interested in that whole scene.
But with the wonderful gifts of children in our lives, I've become very aware of the reality that the decisions our nation makes now will greatly impact their lives later. There's just so much at stake in this election that will make significant impact on the next generation - both now & in the years to come. This reality has just fueled my fire! It's created in me a passion to BE INVOLVED, BE AWARE, HAVE A VOICE & PRAY!

No matter what you may hear in the media, neither candidate has a magic wand to wave over the economic situation in our nation. Neither candidate will be able to "fix it" immediately, whoever is elected is in for one big ride...along with all of us in America. When you spend more than you bring in over time, there are consequences! Simple as that. You don't need a law degree from Harvard to figure that out, right?
Neither candidate is going be able to "fix" our health care situation immediately either, quite possibly ever. Neither candidate has all the answers when it comes to ending the war in Iraq, foreign policy, protecting our nation against terroists, etc.. Neither candidate is perfect, both have flaws & weaknesses. But, let's not end on that "happy" note...

Besides these big huge topics that we hear so much about, there are other issues that I believe are HUGE in God's heart. Depending on who wins, this election has the potential to positively or negatively impact our future generations in areas that so many of us have taken a firm stand against over years....like abortion...like the homosexual lifestyle being taught in public schools...like the threat of the traditional definition of marriage - which, last time I checked is still between one man & one woman. Our next president will be in THE key political position to choose to nominate godly or ungodly men & women to places of authority in our land. Depending on what that picture looks like, the stage will be set for further moral or immoral decisions to be made &/or laws to be passed.

Let me encourage you & myself:

1. Do the homework - do the research. There are great websites to see how our candidates have voted in the past & what they stand for today, like the following links:
McCain vs. Obama
campaign for working families

2. Don't check out - check in - check WAY in.

3. Get involved.

4. VOTE.

5. Encourage other people to vote.

6. Vote early if you want to avoid the long lines on Nov. 4th. (Google search early voting sites for your county, Troy & I already know where we're going on Oct. 21st.)

7. If you don't vote early, WAIT IN LINE, DON'T LEAVE.

8. PRAY, please PRAY. Pray for our nation, pray for God to intervene as He chooses, pray for His people to have the voice He would want us to have. If you, like me, just feel like you don't even know how to pray for such a big political battle, this great website can help:
pray-the-vote.org

9. Don't lose hope, BELIEVE.

10. And, lastly, here's my big heart reason to write this today...TALK TO YOUR KIDS about this election at age appropriate levels. Whether you have children at home, or teach children, or have neices & nephews, or grandchildren, help them get involved! Tell them who's running, tell them who you're planning to vote for & why, tell them what you can do as a family to be involved in this process, tell them why it's important to have a voice in our land & then HAVE A VOICE, let them see you're willing to spend some time & effort to make a difference for what you say is important, pray together about the election, let them hear your heart, remind them that more than anything - God is in control.

Dawson is in 1st grade, he seems to care more about Star Wars than about political wars right now. But he does know who's running, he knows what we believe in & what we stand for, and who we're voting for based on those reasons. Noah just knows he wants to be "king." Gracie attempts to "de-throne" him constantly. But, in spite of where we're at right now, I have to believe that in the long run, our efforts to talk with them about "politics," about taking a stand & having a voice, WILL pay off.

We CAN raise up a generation of young people in this land who have learned what it is to TAKE A STAND FOR SOMETHING THEY BELIEVE IN. Our kids are watching us more than we could ever know. Let's raise them to know - they have a voice - let's raise them to know how to use it in a way that would bring honor to God & to His purposes!
Now THAT is something to vote for!

The Sarah Palin "Connectibility" Factor

Well, whether you like her or not, whether you're a Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, there's just something about Sarah Palin that many people feel like they can "connect" with, relate to...know what I mean?
Maybe it's the mom thing, maybe it's because we know she's spent a lot of time on the soccer fields or hockey games, maybe it's because she was involved in PTA, or because she has a precious special needs baby, or just the fact that she even has a baby at all!
Maybe it's that she has 5 kids & she seems to love her husband & family more than anything, maybe it's because her family isn't "perfect" and the media has constantly reminded us of that as they have attempted to parade their mistakes or flaws in front of all of us.
Maybe it's because she talks in a way, that makes us feel like we could sit down & have a cup of coffee with her.
Maybe it's because she's a working mom, juggling lots of activities & events that so many of us can relate to, maybe it's because she's a part of the "middle class" America where so many of us find our own lives.
Maybe it's because she's young, she's a woman, she's bold, not afraid to take a stand & fight, able to communicate effectively what she believes in & where she wants to go & where she wants to lead.
Maybe it's simply because she obviously has a taste for style & we all loved her red heels or we want a pair of those adorable glasses that she wears.
Or maybe, it goes much deeper than that...maybe we sense that she, like us, has a strong belief in the God of the Universe & His Son Jesus Christ, maybe we trust that about her, maybe our nation is longing to have someone in the White House that is more "like" us.
Maybe it's because, as the media re-played again & again, over & over, a few moments of blunders with Katie Couric or the Saturday Night Live spoof, we realized that, like us, she's just not perfect. And just who is? Who out of all the many presidents & vice-presidents over the years, Democrat & Republican both, have ever been perfect????
Why is it that our nation has set the bar so seemingly high for Sarah Palin? Almost as if to say, "you could never attain that level or position"?

I've been fascinated at watching how so many have either become her " biggest fans" or sought to bring her down in one big swoop. I almost laughed when I saw they even had "action figures" of Sarah Palin, who else of the presidential / vice-presidential nominees have ever had action heros made of them???
Now that the Vice-Presidential debate is over and many of us are THRILLED that things went so well with that debate...we hear new criticisms. At first it was, she's just not "ready" or "qualified enough." Although, if being a Governor of the huge state of Alaska & fighting corruption with the big wigs in the oil industry & being a skilled communicator & effective leader over years in the political arena isn't some type of preparation, I don't know what is! She hasn't been a Senator or lived in D.C., I think that's why many of us like what she brings to the table!
The new spin I heard today is this, maybe she's just too much "like us." O.K., whatever. Of course that was spoken from the opposing side, what else would anyone expect? Whatever the biggest strength is for a candidate, there must be an attempt to bring it down. And, to be fair, we all understand that both sides do that.

That's why I want to encourage you to stand on your beliefs & not allow the media to sway your thoughts, ask God for wisdom on who to support. He always will lead us & make clear what His heart is, what His thoughts are, if we ask Him. I have dear friends & family on both sides of the issue, that's what makes us America, that's what makes us wonderfully "different." I'm joining with many of you in continuing to pray for our nation & for this upcoming election. Whatever the outcome, I will continue to pray for our President & Vice-President, McCain or Obama, Palin or Biden. I trust that God who already knows the outcome in the month ahead, will help us in the years to come as we draw near to Him & pray for His help & mercy on our nation.

If you haven't checked it out yet, the website www.pray-the-vote.org has links on the site to view Pro-Life, Pro-Family candidates for each particular state, and on www.cwfpac.com you can actually view the chart of what each candidate stands for & how they've voted on major issues in the past.
Praying that God will guide us on the journey over the next weeks, that we will take the time to know what we really believe in & stand for, that we would be willing to have a voice & VOTE.
Bless you all today & may GOD BLESS AMERICA! We need HIM more than anything else!

P.S. Be sure you're registered to vote! Voter registration deadline for Texas is Monday, Oct. 6th, you can follow links on either of the above websites to register, if you haven't already!

No Fear

We've all seen these words "No Fear" written across millions of t-shirts, sports equipment, etc...in the past years, but as I read the following words this morning, I'm reminded that THIS is how we are able to live when we are in the center of God's care & design, WITH NO FEAR - no matter what!

From Psalm 112: 1-9
"Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.
His children will be mighty in the land, the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken, a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have NO FEAR of bad news, his heart is STEADFAST, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is SECURE, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteouness endures forever, his horn will be lifted high in honor."

Even in the midst of financial turmoil in our nation, even with the uncertainty of the upcoming elections, even when we hear "bad news," we can live with no fear, our hearts secure, trusting in our God who never wavers.
I realize that for many of us, when we feel the pressure of bad economic conditions, it makes us want to tighten down, keep our wallets a little "closer" to us, we probably don't naturally think, "hmmm, how can I give to God and to others today?" But in this scripture, it seems to go hand in hand, when we have a reverence for God, even in dark times, generosity is part of our character, because really, it's part of HIS! God knows how important MONEY is to us today, it always has been, throughout time. Maybe that's why Jesus taught more about money than any other subject, it's all through the Bible! There's a verse that talks about fear being a "snare" or a trap for us, even the fear of losing money can be a snare. What's the cure? Be generous, share, give, be honest & fair in every business dealing you have, honor God above everything else.
I'm challenging myself today to continue to be a GIVER, to choose not to live in fear, but to continue to trust God for everything. Here are 10 blessings we can see from this wonderful passage of those who choose to fear the Lord & honor Him with life itself, you can probably find even more if you dig deep:

1. We are blessed! verse 1
2. Our children will be "mighty" in our land, even they will be blessed, and who do you know that doesn't want their precious kiddos to live "blessed"?! verse 2
3. "Wealth & riches" are in our house. Now you may not "feel" very rich, but please remember, compared to how many live in countries around this world, we are a RICH nation! v.3
4. Even in "dark" times, there's light for us - there's hope, thank you Lord. v.4
5. "Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice." There you have it, it's right there, God says that good WILL come our way if we choose to walk in geneosity & honesty. v.5
6. We will not be "shaken." Our country is feeling shaky right now, we don't have to join them in that panicky mentality. v.6
7. We will be remembered forever, actually we will LIVE forever with Him, we have much more to look forward to after life on earth! And up there, the "economy" is just fine. v. 6
8. We do not have to fear bad news. We can be "steadfast," we serve a God who never changes! v. 7
9. Our hearts are "secure," and we all love security, I just even love the word, "security," it just makes me feel, well, secure. v. 8
10. We will be a BLESSING as we give to others, "he has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor," doesn't that just sound like God wants us to give big? To give broad? To keep giving? v. 9

Have a blessed day as you go, as you give, as you walk with NO FEAR!