Broken

I'm not really broken....
I'm just a little scarred,
I don't look like you do,
but accepting that seems way too hard.




I'm not really broken
just a little bit cracked,
but if you cared a little more,
you'd take this burden off my back.





Why won't you embrace me,
without making a list
Of all the things you don't like,
and everything you think I've missed?






Chorus 1:

I can learn a new way over time,
without giving up my peace of mind,
The path I've been on has made me wise
without the pain of compromise.






I'm not really broken,
but I'm a little torn,
my edges might be rougher
from constant comments full of scorn.





Don't try to reshape me,
I'm not your ball of clay.
Its not your job to recreate me,
into what you thinks a better way.











Stop trying to change me,
Just welcome me in,
If you want to hold me,
And let love wash away my sin.











I'm not really broken,
I've just been on the road,
My past is all behind me,
Won't you help me lighten up my load?





Chorus 2:

I'm just waiting to be welcomed home
And so tired of being all alone
Why is love so carelessly denied
When it was love incarnate crucified?







I'm not really broken...



Written by Kelly Hunt 3-26-11

Apathy & Wal Mart

For years now, we have all commented on the *People Of Walmart*, the human freak shows parading around the place, and the general attitude of "apathy" that seems to prevail there. However, today I think I found a small victory. Someone went the extra mile for me, for you, for our children and showed the world they CARE.

This is how it unfolds: Earlier in the year, I am walking through the Burleson Public Library only to see Jackie Collins new book; "Poor Little Bi%ch Girl" prominently displayed at eye level of about a 10 year old. I went nuts, took pictures, and called out the Powers That Be at the Burleson PUBLIC Library. It was handled professionally, and courteously, and a staff meeting the following morning was held to address this issue with the staff, who I was told; "Are young and sometimes indifferent". *****SSSSSIIIIIGGGGHHHHHH**********

I cannot tolerate indifference. It is the same as apathy and you know you've hit a hard spot in the road when you simply cease to care one way or the other about things that impact the innocent. But the bottom line is; the issue WAS addressed and corrected for all the right reasons. Perhaps this little lesson will take root with the young and indifferent? One can only hope.

Fast forward to today, when my husband and I have to make a last minute run to Walmart to pick up incidentals for an upcoming trip. We were discussing *dress* and the how much the public has ceased to care how they go out and are seen in stores, as a mother in pajama's walked in front of us, carrying a baby in PJ's and several half-dressed children. We wondered just when did people just stop caring at all? What was the catalyst? My husband said he thinks it isn't one thing, but numerous things that have slowly ebbed away our sense of decency. We discussed language, and how phrases like "That Sucks" and others like it have permeated our society, and literally to some, have become acceptable....even for children to say. They are not aware that this term came from an *oral* reference for sex. Yet, parents just let their children say it, because they don't want to control their own tongue, and yes, THEY want to say it and not be held the least bit accountable. It is the slow, desynthesizing of our character that has changed, and nothing more. Blame television if you like, or rock music if it makes you feel better. But the truth is; Pop Culture effects us all, with or without a television, or modern music.

So on to my little VICTORY: We are cruising through Electronics in Wallyworld, and I walk over to look at the books. What do I immediately see? Jackie Collins nasty little book!!! Where is it? EYE LEVEL with a child! GGGGGrrrr! I hot-foot-it over to an associate and report my findings. One person informed me that it is the vendor who places the books, and I quickly told her I don't care, because I shop at Walmart, not directly from the vendor. A sweet lady, named Marie stepped in. Bless her heart, she said: "Let's go see what we can do". ... and we did. We found the book and she was as disgusted as I was. Luckily there is no PLU tag under each book. So she took everyone of them, and swapped them with another, more suitable book that was on the very top shelf. Once completed, we couldn't even read the title, or the obscenity! WAY TO GO MARIE!

I hugged her neck. Seriously, I feel like sometimes I'm the only person with radar left in the free world. I know this can't be true...but rather, Satan is walking around like a lion, seeking whom he may destroy..

My friends, do not allow apathy to put a cage around your heart and take courage in the small everyday victories found through decent, God-fearing character. Together, we really all can make a difference. We may never be able to teach people how to dress,.... but that's another thought for another day...

A New Direction

There is folklore that a man named Robert Johnson, a so-so blues guitarist wannabe went to *The Crossroads* (a desolate intersection of two country roads outside of Memphis, Tennessee), and sold his soul to the devil. He returned from *The Crossroads* being the greatest blues guitarist ever. So the story goes....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Johnson_(musician)

The story is a metaphor...and a good one. How many times a day, a week, a month or a year do we find ourselves at a crossroad with God? How many times are we faced with choices that require us to resolve our ego, and apply a heavy dose of humility? How often do we make the right choice? How often do we read one thing in the bible, yet apply the scripture as it is most comfortable to our flesh?

Okay, I'm not trying to beat anyone up scripturally, so I'll admit; I do it all the time. Most of the time, I have a conscience about it, and I try harder to crucify my flesh after repentance. Yes, I know that repentance means to *turn away from* but I suspect our flesh has a worldly compass attached to it and if we don't stay on spiritual *guard*, we easily fall back into old patterns.

Sometimes, we drag ourselves to the crossroads by getting entirely too hung up on issues that divide the Body of Christ. You know; peripheral issues better served in small portions by the ultimate chef: The Holy Spirit. Worse, sometimes we play the role ourselves and dole out heaping portions of what we deem appropriate spiritual food for others. We latch on to something that may be incredibly meaningful for us- and force-feed it to everyone withing spoons distance.

Again, I admit- I'm guilty. Been there-done that and got the t-shirt to prove it. :-) But as I learn to submit my will to Gods, I realize this isn't a lesson that is learned once and problem solved. It's a lesson that is learned daily, and as we learn and apply this, we *silently* become a more mature child of Christ. We gradually, as we choose Gods way over our own, become the image of Christ to others. Sometimes, it's falling down in front of others, yet persevering, that is the example that speaks to others. It's our willingness to admit we have an ego, a certain vanity, or a strong need to speak our opinion over others, rather than pray for them that marks our choice of direction: My Way or Gods Way?

As we enter 2011, may we all make choices that reflect our choice of direction. Sitting in traffic, pray for the person your flesh would call *an idiot*, because they need your prayer, not your opinion. As you stand 6 people deep in a grocery line, keep a happy countenance on your face, and use this time to reflect the patience of God... would you want Him to be as impatient with you as you are the checker? And as you encounter people with different spiritual convictions, don't let the differences separate you. Embrace them as friends, and trust The Holy Spirit is alive and well. We do not need to *agree* on every last detail, only the direction and path that keeps us stepping heavenward. Choose your direction and go forward in faith.

Blessings for a happy and healthy 2011.

Sister Kelly

A Daughter's Heart

Not long ago I received a very welcome gift. My friend Patty gave me new Pfaltzgraff pottery!

It is a setting for eight. I needed two bread plates to complete it, but checking online, (Ebay, Amazon, etc...) it was pretty expensive, especially when you combine shipping! So I waited... and waited, thinking I'd find an auction that no one else would bid on and I'd get them cheap. But that didn't happen. And, I recently was laid off from my job, so it was just an expense I couldn't consider.

So yesterday I realize I have a Goodwill card worth $10.00 in my purse. I decide to go up there and see what I might see. Walking around the corner of the china isle, what do I spy? My Pfaltgraff Folkware Pottery! It took a moment to compose myself. I was so thrilled that it MUST have be evident. A older woman saw me counting the pieces with a big smile on my face. She asked me if this was my pattern? I told her YES and this will bring my setting up from 8 to 12 for only $5.00!!! Her response: "Honey, you just TITHE, and God will see that your needs are met". I shook my head in agreement. Her response floored me because it echoes what my husband and I are always reminding each other of; Be generous to others, and let God see to your needs.

Now, I'm not quite finished with my story... I want to tell you have much I value pretty pottery, and china, and WHY;

I worked for 3 years at Dillards in Bridal Registry in my 20's. I helped young brides-to-be select their china patterns, pottery, silver, and stemware. I ooohhhed and aaaahhhed all day long with them. But I never had any china myself. Just mix-matched hodge-podge stuff from yard sales. Well, my Daddy knew I wanted real china. He's an antique dealer. One day he comes over with a big box of the prettiest china service you can imagine! He found it at an estate sale.

It was white with pink flowers and silver trim. I thought that was the kindest thing a father could do! So I finally had my own china. I kept that china for years, and finally passed it on to someone else because I just didn't have room, but I kept a couple of larger bowls, to remember it by.

Later on, I bought my Grandmothers china. (She knew she was getting older, and offered it to me at a bargain)My uncle brought it home from Japan over 50 years ago. It is the china I remember eating off of, and it sat in her china cabinet my whole life. It's my special occasion china.

In my late twenties, I bought *Blue Willow* because it was my Mothers first china. I was very nostalgic about it. She had the original Johnson Brothers and SOLD IT in a yard sale! Mine was pieced together a bit at a time from Tom Thumb Grocery Stores. Not the real thing, but that's what my children at off of. It seemed so *busy* a pattern to me now.

I want to simplify...So when Patty offered me her Pfaltzgraff- I was so happy! It's JUST the type of pattern I am naturally attracted to. I love the salt-glazed look.I gave my Blue Willow to my son Ryan.

Funny how it all works out. I mean- none of this is really important in the big scheme of things. I don't put value on material goods, but I DO appreciate good craftsmanship and artwork. I can eat off plain ol' Corelle Ware and it would be fine with me. I think my affection for china is something that not only my earthly father recognized, but my Heavenly Father as well.

God knows my heart indeed!

VICTORY!!! (Library Update)

Jesus loves the little children. And apparently some local librarians too.

My call to the library kind of fell on deaf ears, because the book with the obscenities on it had been checked out already. I'm thinking the person I spoke with thought *problem solved* and didn't pursue it any further.

However, I have been down this road before and know to follow up complaints with something in writing. I choose to e-mail the Director Of the Burleson Public Library, and also included his entire staff.

Let me say this; within 20 minutes of my e-mail, my phone rang and it was the Director, Mr. Rodney Bland. Mr. Bland was extremely apologetic and went on to say that he will have a full staff meeting Monday to discuss the issue. He understood that I was not trying to censor any author or reading material, but wanted blatant adult content placed in the very adult section that is no where near children. He agreed that this book had no business where it was placed. He also said some of his staff are of *the next generation*, and it's no excuse, but they simply do not exercise discretion the way they should. That will be the topic of the meeting.

We had a nice chat and he told me he was a very *hands on Father* and expected his grown children to instill the same values in his grandchildren. I almost stood up to applaud!

Burleson is once again a safe little hamlet and I can rest a little easier knowing my work here is done. (Sorry for the melodrama...it seemed fitting!)

Kelly

Burleson Public Library - FOR SHAME!!

Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

How is it possible that Jackie Collin's book "Poor Little #itch Girl" is literally SHOWCASED at the circulation desk at the Burleson Public Library, and I am the only person to notice? It seems impossible to me, because as I waited my turn in line today, I was rather horrified that I couldn't escape it! It was right there, as you walk up to the counter, at about chest level. That's pretty much the same as a 10 year olds eye-level. Now, I wasn't sure how to handle this? I asked myself; "What is the appropriate thing to do?" How many little children stared at this today???

I'm not a prude and I don't care if adults read this sort of thing. I am not their judge. But I feel strongly about issues that impact children. This is one of them. I decided to go home and make some phone calls since I do not know who is in charge at the library.

This is a PUBLIC library, and I asked myself- *What stops them from putting porn on the shelves?" Probably public opinion. Many things in society have been socially accepted at one point in time, only to become taboo later. Smoking is an example of something that people 30 years ago were indifferent to. I remember my Mother smoking in a grocery store. But because the potential harm was made known, and public opinion changed, laws have been put into place that make it illegal to smoke in certain places. So opinion matters and we have a voice. I'm just dumbfounded that I am having to put effort into voicing my opinion on something so obviously offensive.

This is public service funded by our tax money. Would we tolerate this elsewhere? We have other public services: Schools for instance. A student would not be allowed to wear a T-shirt with the word "#itch" across it, because it would be considered obscene and offensive and people cannot help but see it. I realize that there are books with offensive words in them in public schools. However, there is a massive difference in what subject matter is placed in elementary schools versus high schools. We would not want our children in 3rd grade to have full access to book that high school students can access. Yet, there it is, right in your face! If the title didn't have a curse word and the cover didn't look like it was XXX rated, I wouldn't have take issue with it. I realize trashy romance novels exhist. This is just another example of how deteriorated our society has become.

I'm not even upset that they carry the book. I have no doubt that there are books in THE ADULT SECTION that may be in conflict with my morality. But they are not purposely set out like a trap to snare the attention of minors. To find them you have to purposely be seeking them out.

I have made a two phone calls; one to the City of Burleson and another directly to the library. I expect the book to be placed among adult books and out of the direct line of vision of children.

Burleson Public Library- if you were my child I'd take you to the woodshed!

FOR SHAME!

To Veil Or Not To Veil...That Is The Question

Let me  happily promote one of my favorite Headcovering Sites: Joyces Coverings & Veils:

http://www.joycelongcoverings.com/

Joyce offers something rare: Truly affordable coverings that you can design yourself. You pick the material, design, width, length, and trim, and she makes it and mails it to you.

For those of you with small or large heads, this will be a blessing! For those on a tight budget- even better!

Now, on to my rant: Recentley, one of my precious sisters in Christ gave me a couple of *kapp* style coverings in black. Now she knows I like my coverings to be dark as they blend with my hair, which pleases my husband. I've stayed away from Kapps as they tend to be associated with a particular church district, but these did not appear to be from any church locally, and they are small, so I can wear them at home. I'm digging them!

But this brought up a conversation about whether Kapp's or Veils? Well, for those who are not familiar with the Anabaptist traditions; each church sets it's own standards for it's MEMBERS.

At the church I attend, the woman veil, but are allowed to choose their own style. Most wear opaque, but some wear lace. No specific demension's are required that I am aware of, as they members have a good reputation for excercising common sense.

This particular afternoon we discussed the merits of both. Now I can go on all day about the merits of covering in general. I am treated with 100 times more respect in public than without a veil, and it is a witness, along with decent modest dress that tells people * I am an ambassador for Jesus Christ*. Of course dressing this way doesn't do anyone any good if you don't have good behavior to compliment it. It often is a means to evoke conversations with people who feel drawn to lead a simpler life, or talk about their relationship with God. All my headcovering sisters can attest to this.

As the conversation progressed, my friend made a statement about her preference of the veil. She said; "People of all means should be able to afford to veil. But when fabric for the kapp costs $20.00 a yard, plus the cost and difficulty making it to church standards (X number of pleats all going the same direction,), it makes it difficult for all to afford". She went on to say that even the poorest of the poor can make a triangle of a piece of a remnant of fabric. That can't be said of a kapp.

Wow, what a point! It was at that moment I realized I'll veil, even though I like the smaller kapps, because they are light and breath. In all honesty; I have bandana's, lace rounds, strawberry shaped lace, solid dove-shaped, and white d-shaped. And of course my 2 new black kapps. I wear them all at different times for different reasons, and seasons. I also have hats that I don't mind wearing on occasion.

So, what is your preference? Why? Where have you been on your headcovering journey?

And to answer the question: VEIL. lol. The Bible says to. 1 Cor 11.

Bless you as you ponder...

Kelly