it's been awhile

Well I know it has been a real long time since I have blogged much at all.......why is this?  I have been examining it and thinking it over for some time.  When I started the blog I did it for several reasons:  1) to keep family and friends updated, 2) spend a little time journaling (an outlet for me), 3) and just have some fun.  I personally read all kinds  of blogs - personal, political, some that follow famous people, etc.  I didn't want mine to be negative, divisive, etc.  So I tried to keep it to our family news, some of my thoughts and observations and great pictures of our daily life.  Over the last month or two though I have been pouring over political information - trying to read all I can about candidates, propositions, and the implications of election results, etc.  I have transformed from a complete political illiterate (when I was in my 20's) to someone who is really passionate about most of the issues out there.  

Sooo......I have strongly been resisting the unending urge to blog about the issues at stake in our country this election.  I know that many of you fall on completely different sides of the fence......some the same as I and some different.  I still love you all - please believe me!  But it has been painful and driving me crazy not to blog!  You know me - Miss passionate, give her opinion even when not asked - but I am realizing that I really don't think I would be able to persuade or increase anyone's knowledge.  And I definitely did not want to hurt anyone with not well thought out words.  (Something I struggle with in real life conversations).

Honestly I am really just stumped.   I have a hard time understanding sometimes why people believe the way they do.  I am NOT saying people should just think like me - I am honestly saying I wish I understood the rationale behind their thoughts or where they were coming from.   I am realizing that no matter who is elected Nov. 4 - we are a country divided on what America should be.  That grieves me.  I am grieved mostly for my children.  But.....

The whole political scene has been a real distraction for me away from Kingdom endeavors (Matthew 6:33).  "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "  As one blog I read said:  "Life is too short and the gospel too important to be carping back and forth in ways that do not persuade or are not increasing knowledge." Hmmm....I have been doing a lot of carping back and forth with various ones, but I have spared you....Oh blog readers!  You can thank me anytime.  

Just know this - I will not stop being passionate about what I believe.  No surprise there probably.  I will not stop trying to be informed.  I will be a nut case until after the decisions have been made Nov.4.....then I will finally rest in the sovereignty of God - and try to put in practice Matthew 6:34.."Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Maybe then my mind will be clear enough to resume life as usual!