LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Friday, November 19, 2010

Fridays are Golden

Hard to believe it's Friday again already.  And November is more than half over.  Next week we Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving Day, one of my favorite holidays.  Not any more stressful than you allow it to be, it is a day for eating, relaxing, and giving thanks.


Lucy and Ellie practice the "relaxing" part.  As usual, Lucy has plopped on Ellie and taken most of the bed, gradually shoving Ellie under the chair.



Now at least Ellie has the bed, but what a price.  Lucy is using her for a soft pillow.

If you have read a newspaper this week you are no doubt surprised at what we Americans seem to think constitutes "news."  We seem to have lost our common sense, paying undeserved attention to such superficial things as who wins on "Dancing with the Stars," or whether that person was fairly chosen.  It's even getting political.  There is more interest in the details of the upcoming Royal Wedding than there is in our economy or the suffering of our fellow human beings.  We are following the wrong things, folks.  And we are praising the wrong actions.

I don't often wax religious for several reasons.  But this is my blog and so I can drift in whatever direction I so desire.  I grew up Southern Baptist and consequently I know the Holy Bible through and through.  Why, in fifth grade I won the Bible Sword Drill competition and I attended church camp every summer.  In spite of my Baptist background, I converted to Catholicism when my older child was a toddler.  Now, why would I do that?  Very simple.  I wasn't all that religious a Baptist despite my thrice-weekly meetings at church.  My husband, on the other hand was a devout Roman Catholic.  And feeling that religious experience is good for children no matter what, if any, religion they choose to embrace in the future, I became a Catholic.  That said; do I believe and follow all the tenets of the Catholic Church, and believe all the dogma?  Not by a long shot.  Neither did I believe and follow all the teachings of the Baptist Church.  Truth be told...there is only one church I can totally embrace.  That would be the Eternal and Truthful Church of NCMountainwoman.  And I must be the sole member, because you might have even one idea that differs from mine.

In watching the things we are focusing upon these days, I have often thought of one of my favorite Bible verses.  Doesn't matter if you read or believe the Bible.  These words from St. Paul ring true.  Read them, and follow them.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;  if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Let's hope we can turn away from all the things that distract us from the truth and think on these things.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

Now look at that!  That NCmountainwoman has done gone to preaching and meddling.

24 comments:

The Bug said...

But I want to join the ETCNM! I think it would be a GREAT church :)

I'm a former Southern Baptist myself, but now belong to the Episcopal Church.

Karin said...

Love the Fridays are Golden post, but had no idea I was in for exhortation and encouragement! LOL What a treat! That Scripture has been in my mind several days this week - a great reminder of what is good to think on! One thing about religion I know for sure is that we all only know in part. Then this verse comes to mind: All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you (and me). Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Thanks for your thought provoking post! Good one!

How Sam Sees It said...

I have always thought the same - hence I neither read the news or the gossip magazines.

Sam

Elora said...

Thank the powers that be for the likes of you, NCMW! Somebody's got some sense somewhere!!!!!!!!

Donald Trump for President? You gotta be kidding!!!!! He's fired! (I think I am in the right pew as far as TV programs, here, but since I don't watch it, I am gambling heavily that Trump is that idiot firing the likes of what's that Illinois former governor. I can't remember it...and I am glad!

Starts with a B....help!

Gooooood post NCMW! Love it!

Elora

Carolina Linthead said...

Preach, Sister!!! Well said and right on target, IMHO. Here's hoping y'all have a great weekend!

SouthernSass said...

Right on! My husband and I were just saying we really cannot believe that our top news story this week has been about a young couple over in Britain!! Seriously ya'll! I agree with you.

I was raised a Southern Methodist and married a Yankee Roman Catholic - not sure what we are yet but I would join your church! :)

Have a great weekend!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I think YOUR church is wonderful.
I am so sick of what constitutes as news these days too...but then again, I am never a fan of the news. It only brings me down.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a thankful Thanksgiving. I know I will.
Suz

carolina nana said...

I'm so glad to hear you say that about the news because I've been thinking the same thing all week.
People are definitely drifting in the wrong direction,especially the guy who actually shot his TV over dancing with the stars!!!
I have been turning the news off when they start talking about that royal wedding,we don't need to be concerned with those things across the big pond,we need to keep our news on this side of the water.
Keep on Preaching, mama !!!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Happy Friday to your relaxed Goldens, Carolyn... Wish I could relax like that. We worked in the yard ALL day long ---mowing/raking/blowing leaves. Most of ours are down now--so hopefully this will be the last time.

I don't think it matters much which denomination one attends these days. it's about the Christian fellowship --and being able to 'find' God in the midst of other Christians. My best friend and hubby are searching for a new church --and they say they can 'feel' the presence of God in the congregation --(or lack of presence) once they enter the church.

I say BAH to any of those reality shows where you have to call or text in your votes... The wrong people always WIN... Don't watch those shows anymore --thank goodness.

Don't even get me started when it comes to the news these days...It's not NEWS--it's opinions.

Hugs,
Betsy

KB said...

It wouldn't be Friday without at least one photo of Ellie as the pillow!

I like your advice. I find myself "tuning out" of the news because I dislike the very things that you mentioned.

I was brought up by a mother who was religious but every bit as independent-thinking as you are. Thanks for letting us see a little of your church.

Sam said...

I'm in agreement with you on the news. Who the heck cares about Bristol Palin and Dancing With the Stars? What does it matter? I wish they'd report real stories rather than meaningless pop culture about people who haven't accomplished anything.

D.K. Wall said...

Just call me a cynic, but I long ago stopped watching any TV news and watch only precious little TV of any sort any more. I do read news - but only NEWS - by hitting a few select news websites - of different political and geographic persuasions so I get different views and reading a select newspaper and magazine on my iPad.

Frankly, I usually have to go look up the "Dancing with the Stars" issue of the day because I have no idea what people are talking about.

Jayne said...

Are you sure we weren't separated at birth good friend? :c) I am already a card carrying member of the ETCNM and am proud to be singing in your choir! Have a wonderful weekend!

George said...

Lucy and Ellie are as adorable as ever. As far as your comments are concerned, all I can say is AMEN!

Toni aka irishlas said...

Well said. You won't get any arguments from anyone who "thinks".

Have a great weekend.

Barb said...

My husband was just saying something similar last night - why is it that there is so much interest in celebrity? Though I'm sure I can't solve the world's problems, I sure don't want to spend an instant fussing over a TV show!

JeanMac said...

Terrific post and love the updates on the dogs.

Vicki Lane said...

Now that's a fine quote!

Folkways Note Book said...

Happy Thanksgiving to the Golden Girls from Captain Sal and General Lil... And a Happy Thanksgiving to you all.-- barbara

Cheryl said...

Lovely to see the girls....Ellie is a dear. I love the fact she just accepts Lucy pushing her under the chair.

I agree with you totally....I am amazed at some of the rubbish I see on the news but I suppose at the end of the day, it is pulling viewers that they are interested in.

I am a Christian and follow my faith. I like to think that I respect all religions and would never judge another on their chosen path. I judge people on their behaviour and caring....

I love to read your views, they are always interesting and topical.
I actual think you would make a good leader.......you see things as they are and that for me is a good thing. I can be a little grey sometimes.

troutbirder said...

Well said Carolyn. I tend to try and follow the core values of the New Testament and in Nature feel I come closest to God. Organized religion not so much.
btw on your point about what's new and what's important, I'm trying to put together a post on Troutbirder II (my "other" blog) about the sad demise of the History Channel.

Ruth said...

I liked your sermon! And that verse is one of my favourites. I agree that no one denomination is perfect, but we cannot ignore our spiritual nature.

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Love seeing the girls!
I agree with your comment about the news. We certainly do not get our priority straight.

Janet said...

What a great post! Thank you!