God & Country

As the July 4^th celebration weekend approaches, I am reminded of a time when Brandon was 4 years old and how our conversations in the car opened my eyes to his innocent perspective on life.  I had picked him up from preschool that day and inquired, as usual, about what he had learned in school. His response was, “the pledge of allegiance.”  I glanced into the rearview mirror, only to discover that he was knuckle deep in his nose…digging for gold perhaps, or “pointing to my brain” as he would say (it was a daily struggle between us to break this disgusting habit).  So I was like, “Brandon! Get that finger out of your nose!” and he was like, “How’d YOU know where my finger was?”  I told him that it doesn’t matter whether I can see him or not.  He shouldn’t do things behind my back because God was watching and eventually he would reveal the truth to me.  So Brandon is all, “Well I already KNEW that.  We learned about it at school today.” And I was like, “About what?” and he says, “About how God is EVERYWHERE an you can’t hide from him.”  So I was like, “But I thought you learned the pledge of allegiance today.” And he says, “We DID.  It’s a story about God AND about the country.”  So I was all, “What in the WORLD are you talking about?”

Frustrated with my ignorance, Brandon moaned through a deep sigh and says, “It goes like THIS, mom.”

Brandon: “I pledge allegiance, to da flag, United States of America.  An to da republic, whichistans, one nation, under God, INVISIBLE, wif liberty an justice furall!  See?  He’s everywhere, we jus can’t see him cuz he’s invisible.”

Me: “Well if you knew that, then why were you picking your boogs?”

Brandon: “I didn’t think he would tell on me this time.”

Goodbye My Love...

A stick of beef jerky, two tangerines, 5 triscuits, 3 Hershey's kisses, a banana, a small order of onion rings and a stick of gum. This is what I've eaten today and it's ONLY 2:00 in the afternoon!!!

Well...it has begun. My journey to being free from the bondage of my nicotine habit. I have to admit, I did not chose to end it voluntarily...it was forced upon me by the Democrats. haha No habit is worth $200 per month to feed.In a way, it's kind of sad. One of the longest relationships and\or commitments I've ever made was the one I had with my Marlboro Man. He's seen me through high school graduation, college, marriage, divorce, move after move, job after job, heartache after heartache, and in good times and bad.

I SHOULD point out, however that there IS one relationship I have been in longer, (although more sparatically) my relationship with God. I've been relying upon him alot these last couple of days, and it's really not as bad as I thought it would be.So...dear friends...say a prayer for me every now and then. That I dont waiver in my commitment to leave the Marlboro Man. And..if you would be so kind...pray that I dont gain weight in the process. That would be too depressing. haha

Thanks for listening!