A visit from the Jehovah's Witnesses

Today I had the pleasant experience of a brief encounter with some Jehovah's Witnesses. We had a nice little chat, they gave me a book and then went on their way.

I really don't mind visiting with them, honestly. They are typically nice and polite, as are the Mormons when they come by. And honestly, you gotta give kudos to people that evangelize like this. It can't be easy. In today's day and age, they are as welcome as a telemarketer calling during dinner time. So, it's nice to see people keeping up with and sharing their faith.

Being the type of person I am, I of course started reading the little book they left with me. I flipped through the pages and read excerpts when something caught my eye. I also started looking up some other information about the beliefs and origins of Jehovah's Witnesses. It's quite interesting. Now, I also have to consider the source, because the source of information tells you just as much as the information they are providing. I'm learning quite a bit, and despite some similarities and commonalities, I can't say I really agree with a lot of what they teach. It is, however, enlightening.

I've always been one to try to learn about the beliefs of others and share my own beliefs. I love religious discussions. I do draw the line though, when they change from respecting my beliefs and sharing theirs to converting me or questioning and challenging what I believe. That's a conversation stopper for me. If I were asking about their beliefs because I wanted to learn and found my own beliefs to be lacking, that's different. But I don't. And every religious discussion I've been in, whether from someone simply conversing or trying to convert, has never done anything more than strengthen my own beliefs. Funny how faith works.

They may come again, I told them it was ok. I don't mind people evangelizing. I do, however, have a better idea of what they believe and teach and the methods in which they do so. If they do come again, that's fine, I don't mind brief discussions, but they won't get anywhere with me if they try to convert me. That's just the way I am.

Same ol', Same ol'

Not a ton going on lately. We are basically keeping with our normal schedule. Hubby goes to work, mama and baby stay home, hubby comes home, dinner, baby bedtime, then our bedtime, and repeat the next day. Sounds relaxing and a bit boring, but really when you throw in the fact that the baby is very active and I'm preggo, it adds to the "excitement." Yeah, that's the word I'll use.

I do try to get out, but lately I've been a home-body. Hey going out of the house costs money, even if it's just gas money. Eventually though, I do need to get out and run errands...

I had my 24 week visit on Monday. Nothing terribly exciting. All is well. I'm a bit bummed that I gained 5 lbs since I last saw the doc, but since my weight gain has been nil, well negative (I'm still technically under my pre-pregnancy weight) the doc isn't worried. I went to my mommy meeting yesterday and was asked if I was sure I was pregnant. It's a bit sad. Mostly because I'm showing, but because of how I'm carrying the baby (and this happened the last time too), I look like I'm chubby as opposed to pregnant. It's a bit depressing.

Taran may be going out to work on a rig in PA. I'm not too thrilled about that, especially since his schedule for that rig will be three weeks on, two weeks off. He said that means he'll have two stints out there before the baby is born. I don't like the idea of him being gone for three weeks at a time. Of course, he came home yesterday talking about all kinds of big changes in the company so he doesn't even know any more if he'll be going out. There's a lot going on this week for him. Today, he's giving a presentation for a promotion (this is the third time they've scheduled it because of various reasons) and then tomorrow he has one of their regular meetings. Both his presentation and the meeting are in Louisiana so I have almost two solid days without him. On Friday after his supervisor has a meeting he'll know more about what's going on with the rig job and other things at work.

I've gotten the urge to be crafty lately, but lack the time. Probably because I'm being lazy and watching TV or blogging when I have the free time. I did make a new bracelet pattern recently. I was intrigued by a pattern book I saw at Jo-Ann's the other day, so I picked it up. It had a bunch of patterns I knew or ones that were in other guides I have, but some were new or variations of what I'd done, so I picked it up. It took me most of the day to make the bracelet, but if I had been able to sit and make it in one session it probably would have taken 2-3 hours which is short considering the size of the bracelet. I like it, but I think I'll have to use different material if I do that pattern again. I'm not sure how long it will stand up.

This is the full bracelet. The patterned portion (without ties) is about 5" long and almost an inch thick.

 

 

 

 

Up close view of the pattern.

This is the backside of the bracelet. A bunch of people will wear friendship bracelets with the back facing outward (I'm not sure why), and with this pattern it kinda works, but I prefer to wear them with the top-side out.

Anyhoo... maybe I'll continue to be inspired by crafty projects so I feel like I'm productive. We'll see. Maybe next time I'll have something more interesting to write about. =)

Happy New Year and Keeping up with Christmas!

Time for resolutions, right? Yeah, right....

I just don't participate. Most aren't held up, and those that are last through January if you are lucky. I'll pass. Yep, that's right, I'm admitting I don't have the discipline. At least I'm honest.

I do, however, want to vent a bit. I was watching a news show of some sort, I think it was a talk show on CNN not long before Christmas. The topic kind of confused me. They had the host, a priest, and an atheist leader discussing Christmas and Christmas decorations and symbols and their affect on society. Apparently, some people are feeling awkward about Christmas. I'm guessing it has to do with not celebrating it. The thing that gets me though, is that Christmas is not exclusionary.

As a Christian, I celebrate Christmas recognizing the religious aspects of the holiday, and attempting to focus primarily on those. I prefer that to be the main focus of my celebrations of Christmas, and as a result, I maintain the decorations and try to keep up the holiday spirit for the full 12 days between December 25th and January 6th (aka the twelve days of Christmas).

There are however, many secular traditions like Christmas trees, decorations and lights, gift giving, and Santa Claus (in his current lore and apparitions) that are celebrated by many people that don't acknowledge the religious aspects of the holiday. Although many of the secular traditions have changed from religious origins or since their pagan beginnings have had Christian concepts superimposed on them, they can still be a part of Christmas celebrations without the focus on one specific religion. One of the biggest parts of Christmas is celebrating family and a spirit of sharing and giving. In that way, Christmas has nothing to do with religion and those that aren't Christian should feel no more excluded than an American at Thanksgiving.

The biggest thing though, that people seem to forget is that Christmas is a national holiday. The governmental recognition of the holiday may have roots in pagan, Christian, and other religious origins, however, in today's society, the national holiday is in tact in all it's secular glory. It is appropriate for salespeople to wish you a "Merry Christmas" just as they would say, "Happy New Year". Your religious beliefs are not an issue. It is not exclusionary if you are non-Christian or if you chose to celebrate the Winter Solstice instead of Christmas, but the well wishes are the same. It's an American thing, not a religious thing. It is naive to feel excluded or left out.

I celebrate Christmas my way. Every American is welcome to do the same regardless of creed. So I do hope you had a truly Merry Christmas! And for those still celebrating as I am, I hope your Christmas continues to be merry!