Facebook has become the modern public forum. If anyone tells you, “it’s just Facebook,” they’re kidding themselves. What we say on Facebook matters, and that’s scary because we are removed from the immediate consequences of face-to-face dialog, and therefore more likely to say things in haste.

All this stems from a discussion started by a friend of mine and the minister at our church. He has been following a “gambling bill” that has recently passed in our state. He has (for the most part) stuck to the facts, stating that certain members of the Church voted “yes” on the bill. But the comments have gotten so ugly!

“When you shake hands with the Devil, he WILL burn your hands. They’re marked by the church, done.” What?

“The question is…are these men attending congregations which are off the deep end, doctrinally? That would go a long way to explain it. It goes hand in hand.” Yikes.

Now I’ll admit, these are the extremes of the group. Many others have sought to be peacemakers and I credit them for that.

But here is my issue: we don’t have all the facts, and this issue is far from concrete doctrinally. Number one on my “did you notice” list- this bill, from what I can tell, puts the legality of Bingo machines to vote by the people of Alabama. I am no expert, but as far as I can tell, the bill itself does not legalize gambling. I have read that it is rife with corruption, and maybe it is. I don’t know.

Number two- the Bible says nothing about gambling, as far as I can tell. Personally, I have a problem with the issue of gambling. It makes the plight of the poor far worse and plays on desperation, and brings with it all sorts of crime. The Bible does speak of greed and good stewardship, and that is why I do not gamble. But I’m not ready to say that all sin should be prevented by politicians and bills.

Now here’s the other side of the coin. Are we fighting the good fight if we try to please everyone, make everyone feel comfortable? Do we really believe that our job is to save souls, or is “church” just something we do a couple of times a week? Jesus taught us to help the poor. So when it comes time to vote, you can bet I’ll be there voting against Bingo machines in Alabama. Because those machines are nothing but thieves that prey on the poor.

There is evil in this world and I refuse to close my eyes to it. Sometimes the Devil is easy to spot. Fat cats lining their pockets with the money of poor people hoping to get lucky? Easy to see. But how about sin disguised as righteousness? The bitterness of a hardened heart lashing out at easy targets? That’s the kind of stuff the devil delights in- because it slips under the radar so very often. And it keeps people away from following Christ- because they’re turned away by the attitudes of his most vocal followers.

I have to say, it makes me nervous to put this out there. My stomach is turning flips and my hands are shaky. I suspect I’ll get some hateful comments. But such is the nature of the internet. In signing off, let me say- these are the things on my heart today. I make no claim to omniscience or rightness. I’m just worried.

After 30 minutes that seemed like 2 hours, I found the end of the line. It was marked with blue tape, wound around the store, and people were being told that was the only place you could get in line, not to queue up in the aisles like some ppl were doing. Well, nice guys finish last. I found out after 2 hours that they were in fact letting the “cutters” through, and I (and the other rule-followers) didn’t get to the checkout for 2 and a half HOURS!!! But at 3AM I sat in my van with my impressive haul and sighed in relief of feet and mind. And racked my brain for the location of the nearest Waffle House. Best hash browns I have ever tasted.

So 3:45, might as well park at WalMart which is already open but waiting till 5AM to check ppl out with their deals. I sat in my soft cushy seat with the heater on for a while and at 4AM dragged myself into the building on my last remaining shopper’s high. The parking lot was almost full. And the carts were all taken So I managed with my little blue basket and was happy to find that you could in fact pick up the (non-big-ticket) sale items ahead of time and just wait till 5 to purchase. I got everything I came for, grabbed the latest issue of Interweave Knits, and waited close to the front of the line for 45 minutes. I witnessed the only near-argument while waiting- somehow the line next to us forked and the forks were fussing over who was the real line. The whole rest of the night (before and after), everyone was polite and fairly happy- even helpful.

I checked out at WalMart by 5:30, got in the van, saw the sun coming up, and went HOME. I had to hide the toys, but after that I hit the sack. And actually couldn’t fall asleep for a whole hour. Curse that bargain shopper’s high. I woke up at 2PM today

After his fourth or fifth helping, Josh and I grew concerned that our child would suffer greatly from vegetable-induced gas.  And then came the moment that Josh’s face became a mask of perplexed disbelief, even as the words exited his mouth:

“Luke, you’ve got to stop eating that broccoli.  Here, I’ll give you a donut.”

I’m going to try and do better about blogging, and since I just downloaded Windows Live Writer, I think that might be easier to keep up with.

I have been learning and making stuff as far as fiber art goes.  My latest hand-dyed and handspun wool turned out really nicely; it makes me happy

So I guess that leaves me with FlyLady stuff- hmm, I think that’s taken a back seat lately.  It’s like I try to start up and then hit a roadblock.  Maybe someday I’ll get better at routines.

My studio ready for art-making

Today I cleaned up my horrific desk, so I’m not overwhelmed with clutter every time I sit down to work.  Now for the actual resolutions…

1. Daily Bible readings with Josh.  Have bought daily Bible to make it simple.  Plan to have hot tea and Bible study in the evenings.

2. FlyLady baby steps.

3. Start fiber art business; begin building inventory for Etsy shop.

4. Blog daily.

So that’s it!  I’m very optimistic for the New Year.  I know there will be ups and downs, but I’m hoping to focus on the ups and learn from the downs.

I think, knock on wood, that my boys are beginning to really play together, entertain each other.  Of course, half the time they’re fighting over a toy or generally trying to kill each other, but at times I think they really love one another!  They even sleep peacefully in the same bed.

Sleepyheads

Sleep!  Glorious sleep!  I could not remember for the longest time what it was like to get a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep.  Now that Luke and Noah mostly sleep through the night, I have a brain again.  I have thoughts.  I don’t feel like the world is spinning out of control because I’m exhausted.

So young moms out there- it will happen.  You’ll be a real person again sooner than you think.