As you all know there has been a lot of controversy regarding President Obama's address that will be taking place shortly. I will have to admit, as the mother of a kindergartner, I wasn't overly concerned about it. In fact, I really was NEVER worried about it. I made plans to watch it or read it so that I could discuss it with Claire on an age appropriate level. So I did. I read the text today and can honestly say I am proud that our elementary will be showing this speech. I will ask Claire if she watched it, and if she didn't...she will tonight with us. We will discuss how it is VERY important to work hard in school and respect authority. This speech is NO different from ANYTHING Brian and I teach our children. I'm not sure what everyone was so upset about. Is it so bad to teach our children that they should work hard to get what they want? (Although I did chuckle a bit because it seemed to be a bit off from the "redistribution of wealth" concept!) Bottom line, WE LIVE IN AMERICA! Whether you like it or not, Barrack Obama is our president. I will teach my children to listen to him and respect him just as they would any other adult. Then we will discuss the views and values of our family. My children will come in contact with MANY outside influences whether it be television, teachers, other children or the President of the United States of America. I will do my best to guard them from the things I can, but my most important mission is to make sure that Brian and I are the MOST important influence in their lives. (Other than God obviously!) They WILL encounter people and things that will make them question their beliefs. I MUST keep those lines of communication open so when they have questions about their faith or their beliefs they will come to me or Brian and ask questions without fear of being shut down. We will share Scripture with them and help them understand our views and values that we hold most dear.
President Obama's speech talks about getting an education, making good decisions, personal responsibility and respect. How dare he. What a crazy thing to want our youth to be inspired and encouraged. How awful to encourage our children to be responsible functioning citizens in society. What a shame. (Note the sarcasm.)
Read it HERE and form your own opinion. I did. And now I will jump down from my soapbox. I wanted to share MY opinion with you before I read any other blogs.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Gary J. Marshall
I just remembered that I had not actually seen my uncle's obituary, so I went to the News-Leader's website and looked it up. I wanted to share it because I think it is so beautiful.
Gary J. Marshall, 47, Springfield, Mo., passed away on August 27, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Jeanetta Marshall; his children, Amy Raunborg and husband, Charles, Angela Thiele and husband, Easton, Amber Marshall and fiancé, Jonathan Holmes, Andrew and Noah Marshall; his father, Melvin Marshall; mother Marilyn and step-father, Tom Vaughn; sister Cheryl and brother-in-law, Kenneth Giddens; Bill Marshall; Lori and Bruce Williamson; and a host of nieces and nephews. One thing that made Gary very proud, was that he worked with his brother-in-law, Kenneth, at Ozark News for 30 years. Gary developed many friendships at work, but that was also the place that he found the love of his life, Jay. His favorite hobby was golfing with his dad and making great friendships with his fellow golfers. Gary's passion for music was seen through his and his son's love of guitars. He wanted to travel the world with his wife and take his children on vacations. Now, in heaven, he sees all. Gary's cancer diagnosis was sudden and devastating. But he felt so blessed to have had the time to share with his family before he went with the Lord. Services will be held on Monday, August 31, at 3 p.m., in Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. Anyone wishing to say a few words may do so at the end of the service.
Gary J. Marshall
Gary J. Marshall, 47, Springfield, Mo., passed away on August 27, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Jeanetta Marshall; his children, Amy Raunborg and husband, Charles, Angela Thiele and husband, Easton, Amber Marshall and fiancé, Jonathan Holmes, Andrew and Noah Marshall; his father, Melvin Marshall; mother Marilyn and step-father, Tom Vaughn; sister Cheryl and brother-in-law, Kenneth Giddens; Bill Marshall; Lori and Bruce Williamson; and a host of nieces and nephews. One thing that made Gary very proud, was that he worked with his brother-in-law, Kenneth, at Ozark News for 30 years. Gary developed many friendships at work, but that was also the place that he found the love of his life, Jay. His favorite hobby was golfing with his dad and making great friendships with his fellow golfers. Gary's passion for music was seen through his and his son's love of guitars. He wanted to travel the world with his wife and take his children on vacations. Now, in heaven, he sees all. Gary's cancer diagnosis was sudden and devastating. But he felt so blessed to have had the time to share with his family before he went with the Lord. Services will be held on Monday, August 31, at 3 p.m., in Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. Anyone wishing to say a few words may do so at the end of the service.
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The service was BEAUTIFUL! It was just what Uncle Gary would have wanted. Scott Watson, you are an amazing man and did such a wonderful job with the service. My favorite part was at the end when we all stood and cheered. Sounds crazy? It wasn't. In the words of Pastor Scott, "Gary went out like a true champion." I think a standing ovation was definitely in order.
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