This kind of goes along with my recent post about my feelings of the creation. It makes sense and is what I believe. How could we go from nothing to everything from just a “Big Bang?”
I believe God was in charge of the creation. Not simply an accidental crash bang, and here we are! 😉
Who would you like to talk to soon?
I wish I could talk with my dad. He was so great to talk with. He could talk about anything! I particularly enjoyed our conversations about God, creation, where we came from, and dinosaurs. He was a bit of a deep thinker. I like deep thinkers who are curious about life. My husband is a deep thinker. He reminds me of my dad. Which brings me to last evening….
There is a beautiful little community park near my house, with a curvy, tree-lined, three-quarter mile walking path where I love to walk, often with my husband waiting for me on one of the benches, sometimes alone.
My thoughts are always drawn to the beauty of the various trees scattered along the path and throughout the park. Somehow, I am able to drown out the traffic noise from a nearby busy street. I barely notice the noise of people playing soccer or baseball or other games in the field.
The perfectly pink flowers on this tree started me thinking about creation. Questions came to mind about how the beauty of this world was created. I thought about how the earth had to be just the way it is to sustain life… water, food, oxygen, gravity, sun for heat, etc.
Then I thought about each of the planets in our solar system, how perfectly aligned they are. Well, if the “Big Bang” happened to create the earth and the other planets in our solar system, why is earth the only planet that can sustain life? And how did everything just happen to align so perfectly?
It does not make sense!! God is the only thing that makes sense to me about why we are all here and how our earth and other planets were created. He used science to create the earth, but he definitely was in charge of guiding the creation. It is the only explanation that makes sense to me.
I can’t wait for the conversations I will be able to have with my dad when I get to the other side!
Have you ever sat down at your kitchen table, bills spread out before you, and wondered how you can ever get ahead? I’ve been there—feeling the weight of every expense and the creeping anxiety of debt. Recently, I realized managing my money isn’t all that different from running our country’s budget.
We all know that money doesn’t grow on trees. Every dollar is hard-earned, and just like my own monthly budget, our nation needs careful planning to avoid spending beyond its means. When I review my finances, I see clear choices staring me in the face: keep piling on debt until it spirals out of control, make a reckless exit that damages my future, or take a hard look at my spending habits and tighten my budget.
Imagine for a moment the courage it takes to cut out unnecessary expenses and say “enough is enough.” I’ve found that instead of just adding to my debt, I can choose to do things differently—maybe take on a second job, explore ways to generate passive income, or even sell items I no longer need. These aren’t glamorous choices, but they’re practical steps toward building a future where my income finally exceeds my outgoings.
Now, think about our country’s budget. It might sound strange, but the same principles apply. President Trump’s bold idea to sell five million-dollar gold cards for citizenship isn’t just a flashy gimmick—it’s an out-of-the-box, common-sense approach to generating revenue quickly. It reminds me that sometimes, when the old ways of “printing money” and handing it out just don’t work, we need innovative solutions to keep our financial house in order.
I connect with this idea deeply. Just as I must decide between taking on more debt, scaling back my spending, or finding new sources of income, our leaders face similar choices on a national level. It’s not about quick fixes or shortcuts; it’s about embracing the hard, sometimes unpopular decisions that set the stage for a stronger future.
So, as you read this and think about your own financial journey, remember that you’re not alone. Each of us has moments when we must choose discipline over ease, innovation over complacency. President Trump’s approach may be controversial to some, but it’s rooted in a very human, very common-sense idea: we all need to make sure that what we spend is sustainable, whether it’s in our wallets or our nation’s treasury.
It have been thinking that while the challenges of managing money can be daunting, the same principles that help you get through a tough month can also guide a country through economic uncertainty. Sometimes, thinking outside the box and making bold decisions is exactly what’s needed to pave the way for a secure, prosperous future.
What’s your dream job?
Today, we inaugurated the BEST President our country has ever known! He has brought back hope, courage, and a common sense approach! The Gulf of America! The Panama Canal is coming back! America First! God spared President Trump’s life for a reason. I truly believe that. America will be respected again. Watch with an open mind. You will see.
Free, sovereign, and independent! I love the United States of America. I am proud to be an American! I hope you are too. 🙂
(Thank you for letting me share my enthusiastic excitement for this beautiful new day in America…exactly one year from the day I lost my dad. He would be so happy for this inaugural day!)
I voted. If you live in America and are voting age, you probably voted. The majority spoke. I read a blog that said President Trump has an approval rating below 50%. As of what date? Said whom? Is it possible to win the popular vote and the electoral vote but have an approval rating below 50%? Does it even matter?
There are reports that President Trump is going to round up people and put them in camps, that he is like Hitler and going to start killing people, etc. What sense does that make? Were you alive when he was the president of the United States just four short (or long) years ago? Did he round up people and put them in camps? Did he kill people? NO. The news makes it sound like he is coming after all of us.
Here are 15 major accomplishments from Donald Trump’s first term as President of the United States (2017-2021):
1. **Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017)**: Enacted the largest tax reform in decades, reducing corporate taxes and individual rates to stimulate economic growth.
2. **Judicial Appointments**: Nominated three Supreme Court justices (Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett) and numerous federal judges, reshaping the judiciary for years to come.
3. **Deregulation Efforts**: Implemented policies to reduce federal regulations, particularly in the energy, finance, and environmental sectors, promoting economic growth.
4. **Criminal Justice Reform**: Signed the First Step Act, which aimed at reforming sentencing laws and improving rehabilitation programs for federal prisoners.
5. **Middle East Peace Agreements**: Facilitated the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations, changing dynamics in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
6. **Trade Agreements**: Renegotiated NAFTA, resulting in the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), aimed at better terms for American workers.
7. **Veterans Affairs Reform**: Improved access to healthcare for veterans and expanded the Veterans Choice Program, allowing more flexibility in seeking medical care.
8. **Job Growth and Unemployment Rates**: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration highlighted significant job growth and historically low unemployment rates before 2020.
9. **COVID-19 Response**: Operation Warp Speed accelerated the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, contributing to a rapid vaccine rollout.
10. **Strengthening the Military**: Increased defense spending to bolster the U.S. military, focusing on modernization and readiness.
11. **Energy Independence**: Promoted policies that led to increased oil and gas production in the U.S., making the country a net exporter of energy.
12. **School Choice Initiatives**: Advocated for and supported policies promoting school choice and funding for charter schools and private education.
13. **Foreign Aid and Assistance**: Reduced foreign aid to countries seen as not supporting U.S. interests and reassessed military commitments abroad.
14. **Environmental Policy Changes**: Rolled back numerous environmental regulations, including exiting the Paris Agreement to prioritize economic growth.
15. **National Security Strategy**: Implemented strategies focusing on countering terrorism, addressing China’s influence, and enhancing cybersecurity measures.
These accomplishments reflect a range of policies across various sectors, reflecting Trump’s administration’s priorities during his presidency. And, these are only a few of his major accomplishments.
Did at least one of these accomplishments impact your life in a positive way? Please don’t fear a second term of a hard-working, country-loving president.
Here is a list of 20 Core Primises he has made for his second term. Can you get behind any of them? Maybe one or two? Or five or ten?
He puts America and Americans FIRST. If you are on Social Security, he wants to stop taxing your check. If you work overtime, he wants to stop taxing that. He also wants to stop taxing tips. Less taxes means more money for us… to save or spend as we see fit.
It seems that if people could or would get over their prejudiced opinion of Trump and take a look at his policies, they will see that most of them will benefit the people in our country – the hard working people, the seniors, the immigrants who came here legally, women, and children, etc.
Not everyone is going to see eye to eye with President Trump on all of his policies. But, I venture to guess that most of his policies, including foreign policies, will benefit every one of us to some degree.
Just wait and see…. It’s all gonna be alright.
This blogger’s thoughts hits home for me and gives me hope, as I, too, have a chronic illness. I look forward with great anticipation to the quality people President Trump will pull together for his cabinet while serving his second and final term.
I have some observations on the election. It’s neither celebratory nor mournful, as my preferred candidate was not on the ballot. I know some people are hurting, scared, and sad or feeling especially sensitive. Don’t feel obligated to read. This was simply my own personal exercise in processing my thoughts, which I’m only sharing only […]
Firsts, Fumbles, and Faith
Do you need time?
Yes! In fact, I was late to work this morning because I was not going to miss my opportunity to vote!
I was the fourth person in line to vote at my precinct’s assigned voting location.
It was a very chilly morning! Coats were appropriate attire
It felt so good to mark my ballot to vote for freedom and for someone who will always put America first!
Did you vote??
I have read recently from a couple of the many blogs that I follow, some of the “divisive” quotes by former President Trump over the years. I could not help but remember there have been “unifying” quotes by him, as well. So, I searched.
Here are 10 political unifying quotes attributed to Donald Trump over the years:
1. “We will not be divided. We will be united.”
Source: Campaign rally, October 2016.
2. “We are all Americans, and we need to come together.”
Source: Inaugural address, January 20, 2017.
3. “Our country is going to be a place of unity, hope, and love.”
Source: Speech at a national prayer service, January 2017.
4. “Together, we will make America great again.”
Source: Campaign slogan, 2016.
5. “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.”
Source: Inaugural address, January 20, 2017—contextual focus on unity against division.
6. “We are one nation and one people.”
Source: Speech at the Oval Office, 2018.
7. “We can accomplish anything if we work together.”
Source: Speech on the economy, 2018.
8. “We must stand together to defend our values.”
Source: Speech to the United Nations, September 2017.
9. “Our nation is resilient, and we will not be broken.”
Source: Address after a national tragedy, 2017.
10. “In America, we have the chance to create a bright and wonderful future for all.”
Source: Rally speech, 2018.*
These are a few unifying quotes that he made in 2023:
1. “We must come together as Americans, regardless of our backgrounds.”
Source: Campaign rally in Iowa, September 2023.
2. “Unity is our strength, and together we will overcome any challenge.”
Source: Speech in New Hampshire, October 2023.
3. “In this great nation, we have more in common than what divides us.”
Source: Address at a veterans’ event, August 2023.
4. “We need to heal our country, and that starts with coming together.”
Source: Campaign speech in South Carolina, July 2023.
5. “Let’s unite for a brighter future for all of us.”
Source: Rally in Florida, June 2023.*
6. “America thrives when we work together as one people.”
Source: Speech at a Republican fundraiser, May 2023.
After a dominant victory at the Iowa caucuses 2024:
“I really think this is time now for everybody, our country, to come together,” Trump told exuberant supporters at his watch party in Des Moines, Iowa. “We want to come together, whether it’s a Republican or a Democrat or liberal or conservative. It would be so nice if we could come together and straighten out the world and straighten out the problems and straighten out all of the death and destruction that we’re witnessing.”
Source: Fox News report by Chris Pandolfo Fox News Published January 16, 2024 9:55am EST
Also, a great report by Larry Cudlow, especially the last paragraph:
There are divisive and unifying quotes by his opponent, as well. You can find whatever you are searching for about either former President Trump or VP Harris.
Choosing which candidate to vote for comes down to what they speak and do that resinates with you according to your family background, upbringing, life experiences, beliefs, etc. Also, it is about what you believe they have already done for or to our country. Plus, it has somewhat to do with what character flaws you are willing to overlook in order to vote for either of them.
The important thing is to make a choice and VOTE on Tuesday!!!
What skill would you like to learn?
How to handle an unfair situation like what is taking place on CBS tonight. 😉 These moderators are anything but unbiased. What a joke! What ever happened to unbiased journalism?
One of those men pretends to care for the American people. The other one really does. Common sense makes sense!
One is honest about when he was wrong and why he changed his mind, and the other can’t honestly answer a straight question about his lies.
My senses say the man whose face is turning red is not the most honest man. He and his insincerity raises concern. The same way as it is concerning when a presidential nominee (his running mate) avoids interviews.
How can I vote for a presidential nominee who is not comfortable with spontaneous interviews and questions? She might eat “no” for breakfast, but she is gonna get a “no” at the voting booth from me because if she can’t sit in the hot seat at Fox News, how can I trust that she can handle the hot seat at the Whitehouse?
Just my thoughts.
What are you doing this evening?
Watching the presidential debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Nothing earth-shattering to report. In my opinion, if an Independent was watching, I doubt they were swayed one way or the other.
I’m also thinking of my dad. Today would have been his 85th birthday. He passed away this last January. It would have been interesting to hear his take on the debate. He was a Trump supporter who liked the economy when Trump was in office.
It was a rough day. One thing I did not anticipate upon my dad’s death was my brother moving in with my mom and how that would change the dynamics of my relationship with my mom. He is divorced, and in his 50’s, so he is not responsible for anyone else. He and I have not really ever been on the same “sense of responsibility” scale.
My worry is that he will take advantage of our mom financially. But, I believe we are only taken advantage of as far as we allow it… unless there is a mind altering substance involved. In this situation, there is none of that. So, I just have to trust he has her best interest at heart. Maybe now that I know my mom feels good about relying on my brother, my husband and I can move to an area in a warmer climate.
I’m feeling a little lost. Our children are grown and raising families of their own. My mom doesn’t need us like I thought she would. My sister is happily married, working, and nearing retirement. Maybe I should quit my job, sell the house, and, as I mentioned, take my retired husband and move to a warmer part of the country. All of my family lives here in my hometown. There are a lot of memories here. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Maybe a new start in a new place with people our own age (haha) would not be so bad.
The question is, where? Nevada, where there are no taxes? California, where the governor scares me? Arizona? New Mexico? Southern Utah, where the dirt is red? Let the dreaming begin! (Or figuring out I am just feeling emotional and trying to run away from it all!)
My husband and his unconditional love amazes me! So grateful he is willing to ride this rollercoaster of a life with me!
What is one word that describes you?
I asked my husband this question about me. He said “Hungry.” He said I am hungry for knowledge and for experiences. He is so right!
In fact, here is an article I discovered today. It is one that lists many accomplishments of our president at the time. These are not all well-known or all-inclusive of his accomplishments while in office. I may or may not agree with some or all of them. I do appreciate learning about them, however.
I am not trying to get all political or trigger anyone. Just sharing a discovery today.
Which one word describes you?
This thought came to me while I was in the shower this morning. I am old enough to remember when purchasing a bar of soap meant it was a rectangular full-size bar of soap. The middle was not scooped out on the top and bottom of the bar so the company selling the bar could get more money for less product. When did that become a thing? Selling less product for more money? It seems like a sneaky practice and is everywhere we turn. Less cereal in a box, less chips in a bag, and smaller Twinkies to place in the bottom of my bowl of strawberries. I am not saying it is a bad thing to eat less. But, that is not why these companies are cutting down on the size of product they are selling. It is not about saving us from eating too many calories at one sitting. Nope. It is about the bottom line. THEIR bottom line. The money. Selling less for more seems to have become our country’s motto.
If you google less product for more money, there are several results that talk about this. One of the articles I just read termed this “shrinkflation” and claims this has been around since the 1950’s and is always worse when inflation is higher. I never knew there was a term for selling less for the same or more money until just now reading this article:
So, how do we fight “shrinkflation?” Can we? Should we? The last paragraph of the article I shared above mentions a few ways, one being to contact the participating companies to let them know of our dissatisfaction. Do I have any misconceptions that my one email to a company will make a difference? No. But, maybe my letter will simply be the first. Maybe others will follow my example to express their feelings of “enough is enough.” One only needs to mention Bud Light to know that many voices and choices to buy elsewhere can make a difference. Thoughts?
ChatterLei 