Twinki's Place

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-14T13:35:00.001-06:00

Ho, ho, ho!

2008-12-08T08:46:00.001-06:00

Well, thanks to Judi Patootie, I have a lovely, festive design to carry me through the holiday season. Don't you love it! Check her out.

Overload...

2008-11-10T20:24:00.002-06:00

Well, the election is over but... man, I'm still on current events overload. This election cycle was my official political birth so to speak. Yes, I've voted for years and all that but never been as tuned in to what is going on in the whole world as I am now. And boy is it S-C-A-R-Y.

I truly believe the wrong guy got elected. But at the same time I understand it may be God's will... a part of the plan. If you look at prophecy... SO many things going on right now could be classified as fulfillment of prophecy, especially end times.

I urge you to become aware and keep up with what's going on all around us as a nation and in the world. Be aware and prepared and remember our leaders, country and the world in your prayers.

I honestly don't see how our country comes out of this one still the same as when it was founded. I believe extremely harsh and difficult days are ahead. Personally, I am continually looking at opportunities and options with a different set of eyes in preparation for what may be coming.

It's a heavy undertaking and heavy emotionally and spiritually. But I don't think all our good days are gone either. We do have to keep on living and doing what we're here to do and enjoy ourselves along the way.

As my good friend "Bro. Tim" said... we have to get busy living the lives Jesus saved us to live.

Truer words never spoken...

Do Not Elect a Job KILLER

2008-10-31T08:38:00.001-05:00

Now I remember why I voted for Mitt Romney in the primaries...

Romney: Obama Would Kill Millions of Jobs
Thursday, October 30, 2008 3:11 PM

By: Ronald Kessler

In the final days of the campaign, John McCain needs to emphasize that Barack Obama would kill millions of jobs, Mitt Romney tells Newsmax.

“It’s too late in the process to be unveiling new initiatives,” Romney says. “Instead, you focus on the consequences of an Obama presidency and the benefits of a McCain presidency. And frankly, in my lifetime, I don’t recall a more anti-job program than Barack Obama’s.”

McCain’s program creates jobs, Romney says, while Obama’s shrinks them.

“My own view is that’s the message in the last days. Boil it down in a way that people understand,” Romney says. “You don’t have to go through all the differences and the details. The headline is: Barack Obama will kill millions of jobs in America; John McCain will create millions of jobs in America.”

While the economic crisis has hurt McCain’s chances, “What caused this downturn was profligate borrowing in the mortgage market,” Romney observes. “And who’s been pushing that? Democrats and a lot of Republicans. And then, when it came to regulate that borrowing, Republicans wanted to regulate it and reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Democrats said no, just hand out the money. That’s what caused this downturn.”

In fact, “Republican Senator John Sununu of New Hampshire authored a bill to rein in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; Democrats blocked it,” Romney says. “This is Barney Frank trying to do the old two-step. This is the guy that led the charge to hand out mortgage money to people who couldn’t afford to pay. And it’s caused the crisis that we’re seeing. It’s just easy to say blame George Bush, and that’s what the Democrats are doing.”

Obama’s program would kill jobs because it would raise taxes on companies and entrepreneurships that create jobs, Romney says.

In addition, “Putting a penalty on employers that don’t provide a government-approved healthcare program kills jobs,” he says. “The card check program to unionize small business kills a lot of jobs, permanently. And John McCain’s program creates jobs.

“He lowers taxes on employers to create incentives to add jobs. He puts in place a healthcare plan that lets individuals buy their own insurance and keeps the burden off employers. And he invests in truly becoming energy independent, which lowers our energy prices and makes it more attractive to do business in this country.”

Romney has been campaigning for McCain and he’s also been campaigning for 28 congressional candidates, five U.S. Senate candidates, and two gubernatorial candidates.

Formed in April, Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC has donated $202,000 to 75 GOP candidates. He’s made another $173,000 in donations through his affiliated state PACs, including to the National Organization of Marriage in California to pass Proposition 8 and to an effort to stop a ballot initiative in Massachusetts to decriminalize marijuana use.

In all, financial support through Romney-controlled state and federal PACs has totaled $375,000.

Asked whether he would run for the presidency again, Romney says, “As you know, politics is a lot about timing; and when the window opens, you either step through or you decide not to. Well, the window opened for me, I stepped through, I got on the stage, battled hard, but I lost fair and square. And looking down the road, it’s hard to imagine the window opening again. But you know, time will tell.”

In the meantime, Romney is going on a whirlwind tour in the final days of the campaign.

“I think this is an absolutely critical time for our country, so all the team is pulling on the oars as hard as we can,” Romney says. “I’ve seen John McCain come from behind before, and it was in the race where he was running against me and Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani. He surprises folks. There’s not a lot of time to go, but I don’t count this race over yet.”

Another for McCain...

2008-10-29T18:33:00.002-05:00

Check out this article. Some pretty good insight from the campaigns up close and personal... and nobody else in the media will report naturally...

Link

From Meghan McCain

2008-10-29T08:32:00.001-05:00

Meghan, daughter of John, McCain is spot on:

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2008 AT 12:31 PM

"Musings on Politics from a Pop Culture Girl"
POSTED BY MEGHAN

When I started the Blogette last year, I wanted to show people what happens behind the scenes in a national campaign. I did this because I love my family and I knew that it might surprise people to see how normal this experience can be. I know this has been a difficult campaign for a lot of people. I know there are many who just want to get past the last eight years. And I know there are people who are so desperate for change they will do anything to get what they think is a better deal.

I make no excuses for the state of politics today. But I want everyone to know that my dad is more than ready to be the President this country needs right now. Everyone always assumed Iraq would be this campaign's number one hurdle. The only thing I respect more than people's opinions about how to proceed in Iraq are the men and women who are bravely serving our country in harm's way every single day. My Dad is the only candidate with real military experience who has the support of an overwhelming majority of current service members. And if you really want to know how much I trust him, remember that I have two brothers who are serving, one of whom is about to redeploy. Of course, all of this is easy to miss, because this election is clearly about moving past the current administration and fixing the economy.

If you honestly think someone with extremely limited experience will solve the severe problems we have in this country then, by all means, vote for Senator Obama. If you want to give complete control of our government to the Democrats who have made a real mess of things over the last two years they've controlled Congress, then go ahead and vote for Senator Obama. And, if you really believe that our taxes should be higher and that government should have a bigger role in our lives, vote for Senator Obama.

Some of you have asked me how I can support my Dad or call myself a Republican when times are so tough, especially since my own personal beliefs don't always sync with the GOP. Well, I have asked myself that same question a lot. But I support my Dad through it all because I know this: my Dad will be unlike ANY other Republican president. My father has the experience, leadership skills, and proven dedication to serve. I only wish people could understand that Dad will bring about the change everyone is so hungry for in a much more real way than Senator Obama could ever possibly hope to do at this stage in his political career.

So, forget everything you've heard or seen. Just know this: everyone wants change. And while some people can only talk about it, my dad will bring it. Don't give up on him. He is never going to give up on you. And by you, I mean every American. Regardless of age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or political ideology; a vote for John McCain is a vote to change our country for the better. Don't hope for a better future. Vote for one.

Song of the Day: "Believe" by The Bravery

I Don't Understand...

2008-10-21T21:26:00.001-05:00

I don't understand why the Attorney General(s) aren't getting involved in all the voter fraud allegations? WE ARE 2 WEEKS AWAY FROM ELECTION PEOPLE!!!

And why does everyone seem to think it's just a "Republican tactic" or "Republican desparation"???? I'm sorry but if you are an intelligent, fair minded, rational AMERICAN of ANY party or affiliation voter fraud should alarm you and concern you and should provoke our leaders to action.

Geez.

Anotha Shout Out

2008-10-21T21:25:00.000-05:00

Another big shout out to my sister Judi at Doodlebug Designs!!! She recently gave Patti's Place a make over. Patti loved, loved, loved the beach and the color blue so I know she would love the new design.

Click on Patti's Place at the top of the page and check it out!

Oh. My. Gosh.

2008-10-21T21:04:00.001-05:00

I don't know what to say... read for yourself.

Joe Six-Pack

2008-10-15T12:40:00.001-05:00

What better reading material as I am eating my lunch... meatloaf and mashed potatoes...

Check it out

Repair Your Soul

2008-09-29T19:41:00.003-05:00

I don't know if you have been like me in that I am always broken. Broken in the sense that I feel never good enough for God's love and forgiveness. I'm always doubting my own worthiness and scratching my head wondering how on Earth could God love me or continue to see me as anything good. This article I read today on Crosswalk was pretty insightful to me so I wanted to share it with you. You can read it here.

It is a struggle I have had all my life. If you have had moments like these I hope this article helps you too.

Shout Out

2008-09-29T19:37:00.001-05:00

Be sure to check out my sister's (a.k.a. Doodlebug Designs) page and take a look at her wonderful designs. Get one for yourself! It's easy and a great way to get in touch with family and friends or just journal your thoughts! You can check her out by following the link below.

Doodlebug Designs

Set up the TiVo!

2008-09-29T19:34:00.000-05:00

Okay... don't forget to set up your DVR to record the VP debate this Thursday night! If you don't have DVR... you really need to have one... but I'm sure you can watch it online Friday if you miss the broadcast.

This is a super important election. If you're not registered to vote and are of age... REGISTER! Even if you haven't voted in years, make sure your able and get out and do it!

The Good Ol' Days

2008-09-23T20:09:00.003-05:00

(sigh)

Anyone else longing for the good old days?? With everything going on in the world today, here and other countries, I find myself wishing for a simpler time.

I think of how far we've come... not necessarily all good. And I can't help but think how nice it would be to NOT have to worry about what kids see on TV or hear on the radio. How nice it would be if folks still waved at one another in passing and respected one another's property and personal space. A time when you could leave the doors unlocked and didn't need a cell phone.

That's just a very small sample of things I think of. Times are hard, dangerous. People seem to have little to no moral compass. There's so much greed and hate. It seems at times this country has totally forgotten and veered away from the very principles it was founded on and that made it so great.

Maybe I've just been watching too much news. But it is a scary time.

Wife Killer Gets ONE YEAR

2008-09-17T19:08:00.005-05:00

What is wrong with our justice system. A man kills his wife and gets one year jail time. I don't care what the circumstances, it seems like taking another's life deserves more punishment than that. Click my new T-Shirt slogan idea below to read the story.

I killed my wife in Tennessee and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.

Media and Religion

2008-09-17T19:08:00.002-05:00

This is a very good article relating to how the media is totally trashing Governor Palin for her religious beliefs. Check it out. Very good read. Click the link!

...Religion in the Closet

Back from the Road

2008-09-15T18:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm back in Tuscaloosa. I spent the last few days in my home town and it was very nice to be back there. I miss my family. It's always a thing with me... wanting to be here and there.

I got to see everyone except my oldest niece. I missed her but I'm going to be sure to catch her next time. My sister and her family are at the beach soaking up the sun! Dawgs. But I got to spend some quality time with my youngest niece. She is sooo funny and sweet. She's 10 going on 30. But she is so smart and talented and witty. I can't wait to see what she grows to be. And her little brother is a cutie patootie. Learning to talk and so sweet too.

My mama, as always, makes everything in the world better and brighter. She is hands down the sweetest spirit I have ever been blessed to have in my life. I thank God I was blessed with her for my mama. She is the sweetest, most kind-hearted, generous person. I have not always shown her just how much I think of her but I do try to let her know how special she is sometimes. My trip was to surprise her for her birthday. Sometimes I wonder, has she been loved enough? Has she been appreciated enough? Has she felt enough kindness? Does she know she's needed? Does she know people want her company and find what she has to say important? And it hurts my heart in a way I can't find words for to think she may not know any of these things or feel any of these things at times... especially when she doesn't know because we may not show her in little ways like the way we speak with her or when we fail to include her or when we talk to her like she is being silly or when we are disrespectful. I pray God shows her somehow just how special she is to us who love her but don't always show her enough what she means. Being a mother seems like it would be a non-stop heartache!

So, as always, I'll spend the next few days kind of blue missing my mama and my sisters and home. I like having my own space but I like being surrounded by family too. And I've been away from home for 16 years now... I can't help wondering sometimes what my life would have been like if I had never moved and thinking about all the little things I miss out on.

I wonder if they think the same of me too.

(sigh)

But I am back... back to work and every day things. My family and home are always in my heart.

Get 'O'vah Yourself

2008-09-06T16:22:00.001-05:00

So... When exactly was it Oprah decided NOT to use her show as a political platform???

'O' yeah... it must have been right after she almost single handedly thrust Obama into the eye and mind of America praising his book. Or I guess it could have been every time she pours over him with praise, adoration and support almost to the point of worship on her show and other very public events/settings she's a part of.

Governor Palin is who EVERYONE in this country who is listening, watching, waiting, deciding, researching and speculating on this election and these candidates wants to hear from right now.

Isn't denying probably one of the largest (and mostly female) audiences in media today the opportunity to hear from and speak to Governor Palin making a political statement in itself?

Puuuhhhleeeezzeee...

People like this are so scary...

Killer Right Hook

2008-09-04T16:35:00.002-05:00

W-O-W! Governor Palin waylayed Obama and the general political establishment Wednesday night in her address at the Republican National Convention. She has a killer "right" hook that had to have rattled a few teeth on the other side.

I really expected she might ease into her position as VP candidate but she came out with both barrels blazing! I was very impressed. I agree with most of what she said, especially pertaining to politics and government needing to make a u-turn back to "for the people, by the people".

I also agree with her defense against all that's been said about her "inexperience". I personally think the people in the #1 and #2 positions in the White House should have executive positions in their backgrounds... ESPECIALLY governor. A governor has to balance a budget, create jobs, etc. You always want proven performance in those kinds of areas going into the White House no matter the length of time spent gaining the experience.

Now, I will say we still don't know a whole lot about Mrs. Palin. But how much do we REALLY ever know about our leaders until they are thrust into the limelight? We only really know what the media tells us unless we are diligent in executing our own research or we have firsthand knowledge as the good folks of Alaska would, for example. And there is already a negative media frenzy beginning. So we should all be doing our own vetting, so to speak, so that we can determine for ourselves what should be gleaned and what should be tossed as it goes through our own sifter.

On the issue of her being so conservative... in my opinion the election of the President has to based on many issues and not just the most controversial. You have to weigh the plans for things that affect security, economy, energy, foreign affairs, etc.

And to say we need an overhaul or fresh perspective and a proven record of change in the area of energy is a huge understatement. Based on what Mrs. Palin says... she will fight for good changes in this area.

She seemed to me to be strong, a fighter for sure, yet still compassionate and in touch with commom people and their needs... because that is where she comes from.

I think we need more like her coming up through the ranks. Our government, for a long time, has come off as having the following priority order:

Me
My party
My lobbyists
and then any tiny bit left over goes out to the rest of us.

Much like society as a whole these days... me, my career, my family, and then any minute amount left over goes to community, world and God.

Sarah Palin gives the election as a whole the best hope for change. McCain made a very smart choice it seems.

The ride from here to November 4 will be filled with a lot of twists and turns I'm sure. But I think with Governor Palin in the mix it will be very exciting!

Let me know what you think!

I Am Not The Center Of The Universe...

2008-08-31T14:34:00.002-05:00

Uhhh.... So why do I act like I am most of the time?? The older I get it seems I am more self aware. Now that is not to say I am successful at making changes to the not-so-good stuff I am aware of about myself.

Lately, I have been reflecting quite a bit on my life these past few years. It's funny I never really believed I was self-centered or selfish. But I don't know that I ever really gave it much thought... maybe in passing. Now, I am seeing more and more just how guilty I am though. I mean, always thinking about my own little corner of the world, mostly focusing on what I need, want, etc. Not really taking part in anything that focuses on others or other needs. It really bothers me now just how much of this attitude I see in the reflection staring back at me.

During the daily grind I think we lose sight of things like this in ourselves. As a society, we're so focused on material possessions, success, personal accomplisments, our own relationships and packing in as much as we can in every second that we forget we were really created for something WAY beyond ourselves and our little pieces of the universe.

If we are Christians especially, we have a purpose and responsibility that goes so far beyond our own wants, needs and desires. We are to be becoming more like Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him. To me, a part of this purpose and responsibility means we should be looking outside our circle to what is needed in our communities and the world. No, we all can't be world or life changers but we can make small differences that to some seem like life changers.

We can sit with the little old lady in the nursing home with no family or anyone to visit. We can smile and speak to the sad or worried face in the banks, malls, check out lines and doorways that we have the opportunity to see every day. We can give to families in need. We can spend quality time with a child. We can write an encouraging word to someone, family, friend or acquaintance. So many little things we could do somehow, some way every day that would help and/or train us to take the focus off of ourselves and tune in to others.

Of course, I am saying all this to myself most of all because I have truly lost sight of it all. I still have moments I grab hold of it and make a small difference, but for me it should be foremost in daily life to truly be satisfied and content.

So, if you are stopping by today and you have any good ideas or suggestions or advice on overcoming self-centeredness or any suggestions on those little random acts that could make a difference, I would really love to hear what you think.

Thanks again for visiting and come back soon!

Gustav

2008-08-31T14:23:00.007-05:00

Howdy! I added a gadget over to the side here regarding hurricane Gustav. So, if you are visiting and wonder in the back of your mind what's going on with this bad boy, just click around on the Accuweather gadget and you should be able to find out anything you need to know.

Thanks for stopping by!

Precious!

2008-08-26T21:39:00.003-05:00

In case you missed it or haven't been watching America's Got Talent... this has GOT to be the most precious child I have ever seen! She makes me smile and get all teary eyed! Please follow the link to watch her and SMILE... you won't be able to help it!

Kaitlyn Maher

Prodigal Lessons

2008-08-26T21:08:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite passages of scripture has always been the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. It touched me deeply the first time I read it and still does to this day in many, many ways. So many times in life I've felt just like the wayward son in the story. Well, it hasn't been just "feeling" but truth!!! There is such a wonderful, amazing message in the story... lessons and comfort as well. I once read a book called God of the Second Chance based on this passage of scripture and to this day is one of the very best books I've ever read.

Today, one of the articles I read was about this same scriptural story but from the perspective of parents. I am not a parent myself but I still gleaned a great deal from the article.

Whether or not you have children, take a minute to read the article if you get a chance. You can get to it from here.

Let me know what you think about the story of the Prodigal Son and/or the article! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for stopping by! Come back soon!

How Do I Look?

2008-08-25T19:45:00.004-05:00

How about this way cool design??? Props to my sister, a.k.a. Momma's Mind, a.k.a. Doodlebug Designs! Please take a look at her wonderful designs by following this link.

She is very talented! I am very proud of her! And super excited to have my very own customized space to scribble out my thoughts, etc.

Thanks, Judi! I am sending some beautiful love to you! :)

I hope you will visit often. Take a look around even if you don't have anything to say! My place displays some of my favorite rooms. In A Quiet Place you can link to some of my favorite devotional sites and/or materials. The Reading Room will have links to books on my reading list so you can check them out for yourself. And Blogs & Sites will be listing blogs and sites I try to check out every day in case you want to check them out too!

Come on in!

I'm Back!

2008-08-25T13:20:00.003-05:00

Well, a blog revival of sorts. It's been almost 2 years since I have posted on my own blog. I am making a comeback! I hope you stop by often and enjoy your stay. More to come this evening!