Home Sanctuary

A few years ago, I participated in a project on Rachel Ann Ridges' blog known as Home Sanctuary, and she has graciously invited us to join her again.

At this time, I only know that Monday's theme is "peace."  I'm including a poem.

Credit

Best wishes!
Forgetfulone


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Pray for Nice

14/7, French holiday, Bastille Day, fireworks, live music, parties, family holidays.

I am sick with grief.
I would be so happy if I didn't have to hear the word "horrific" again, but is there any other way to describe it?
At least 80 dead, 18 more injured, including at least two Americans.
And it is still unclear who the perpetrator was at the time I am writing this.

I do not understand how anyone could want to kill someone else.  I just can't fathom it.  What is happening to our world?  It's become a very scary, uncertain place.
And France just keeps taking a beating, so to speak.

Oh, pray for Nice, and please pray for peace.

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Random Tuesday

(Linking up with Stacy for some randomness)

So much sadness this week.  So much senseless violence.

Being from Texas, the incident in Dallas has hurt my heart because it is so close to home. I do not understand why a man would want to kill the very people who were protecting the Black Lives Matter protesters.  The police were not there to arrest them, or to tell them they couldn't participate in their peaceful protest, or to in any way direct their protest.  They were present to protect.  That is what they do. And it was a peaceful protest.  Until a lone terrorist with a gun and a grudge decided to start shooting.

I resent that Mr. Obama stated that it would be hard to untangle the shooter's motives.  The shooter's motives were clearly spelled out.  He wanted to kill white people, especially cops.  I believe the President should not speak up until he knows the facts, about this or any other incident, and the fact-getting is the responsibility of local officials.

I have the utmost respect for Dallas Police Chief David Brown.  His professionalism is unimpeachable.  He exhibits courage, bravery, and intelligence. He has dealt with so much in his personal life, and he overcame every obstacle to get where he is, and now he is facing one of the most difficult things he will ever deal with in his career.  He is most definitely in my prayers.

My heart and prayers also go out to the twelve police officers and their families who have been touched by this tragedy. I know of two specific organizations that are on the level if you're led to donate.  The officers who died likely had insurance, but we all know how long that takes.  In the meantime, their families have to pay bills, mortgages or rent, utilities, and keep their families fed. Here are two organizations that are on the up-and-up.
Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation
The Line of Duty Fund of the Dallas Foundation
I'm sure there are GoFundMe pages set up for the officers and their families.  And if you're interested in funeral arrangements, you can find that information here.

My take on some other things... There have been tragedies recently where police officers have used unnecessary force.  People have died.  But not all police officers are bad!  The majority are serving us and putting themselves on the line for us.  Are there some bad cops out there?  Of course.  Just like there are bad doctors or bad teachers.  It doesn't make all of them bad.  The majority of the human race as a whole wants to do what is right. I believe that with all my heart.

Here's a video by Candace Payne soulfully singing "Heal the World." She also lives near Dallas.

And on a lighter note, my daughter and I have been watching the Bachelorette this season.  I don't know what got us started on this because I don't usually like "reality TV," and I'm sure some of it is scripted, but we have had the best time watching JoJo this season.  I guess this is actually related to the rest of my post in a way because she is from the Dallas area.  We've had fun "escaping" from real life for a couple of hours each week.  Anyone else out there watching JoJo?  We were so sad to see James go last night.

And on a happy note... Today is Amazon Prime Day!  I'll be checking it out for sure!
Have a good week!

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I'm a Company Girl!

In case you haven't seen the logo in my sidebar, I'm a "Company Girl." What that means is that I participate in Rachel Anne's Home Sanctuary "Small Things" challenges, along with about 600 other women out there in blogland. Each day, she gives us a small thing to do that will help create order, peace, and beauty in our homes and lives. Some examples include cleaning a ceiling fan, looking at our home the way a guest would look at it, eyebrow management, or cleaning out the crumbs from our toaster, or printing a Bible verse and posting it where we can see it each day - easy, small things.

I've been participating since January, but during July (since I don't teach during the summer), I made it a goal to participate every single day. It helps me feel like I have a purpose each day. I kept track of my daily tasks and points on my livejournal page (which I only use for this purpose), and it paid off. I won for most points! I get a really cool prize (see below - a gift set from wrapables), but I also get the satisfaction of a job well done and the daily satisfaction of completing at least one worthwhile task. I may not win again, but I will continue doing my Company Girl challenges. Won't you join me? It's never too late!