My reasons for this are that while immigrants are welcomed and encouraged here in the U.S., as that’s the American way, doing it legally should be a no-brainer.  Legal immigrants are basically temporary guests until such time as they go back to their original home or apply for a U.S. citizenship.  While they are here, they have rules and regulations to follow.  Just as citizens who are born here in American.  Why should illegal immigrants who flaunt their disregard of the rules be rewarded for doing so; when many legal immigrants, who do things by the book, honor our system?  That isn’t right to reward illegals by giving them a free ride when our own citizens don’t get that same level of benefits.

The thing is, not only will they get private scholarships to go to college…but, they have to have money to live on.  How will they get food and money to pay for other necessities? So while they may get private scholarships to go to school…they must turn to the public to meet their other needs.  Already the state of California is struggling financially to meet it’s obligations to those who live there; you know, people that legally have the right to live there.  What about medical care?  What if those illegal immigrants have children while they are here? Those children will be U.S. citizens…but, then the parents have the ability to try to petition the courts to try to stay here as well.  Who picks up the tab in the meantime?  We all know the answer to that…residents of the United States who pay their taxes are stuck picking up the tab to provide for them.  It just isn’t right.

There are some individuals who think that by educating the illegals that it will help our country by causing them to pay taxes.  Yeah right, first of all, illegals don’t want to be noticed by government agencies.  They don’t want to be sent back to the countries that they came from.  Truthfully, why would they?  They can live here…find jobs that will pay them under the table, keep Uncle Sam’s portion for themselves, go to college…often have babies here in America for free, and send money back home where it is worth much more than it is here…and be doing quite well, all things considered.

I happen to think that it is outrageous that Governor Jerry Brown would slap Americans in the face by taking this action. It is what I call poor leadership that will have a negative impact on our nation.  As the head politicians, he should be enforcing the laws of his country, not creating ways around the laws of the nation.  This country is experiencing a time-bomb regarding our ceiling of debt that has the potential to paralyze our country financially; and, he dares to spread out the welcome mat to people that he feels we need to invest in.  The illegal immigrants shouldn’t be America’s obligation financially.

What are your thoughts on this matter?  Oh and before you jot down your opinion…just know that there is another bill being considered in the legislature for public scholarships to be extended to illegal immigrants in the United States as well.  That would squarely place the brunt of the cost, of sending ILLEGAL immigrants, directly onto the American taxpayer who may or may not be able to afford to send their own family members to college.  Is this fair?  Tell me what you think!

For the town in Michigan known as Belding, saving time is critical for their self image.  You see, Belding, Michigan got its very name by honoring the Belding family; they built a business with their silk mills and thereby, provided a way of life for those who chose to live along the banks of the river.  These days, there is not much use for the structures except for its very image; which many use in their letterheads or in their desire for buying or selling collectibles.  This historic structure needs some upkeep done soon to preserve not only it’s history; but, to carry it into the next generation.

Many people are unaware that Electrolux recently repurchased the existing buildings with the intention of tearing down the remaining silk mill buildings, as well as the clock tower.  This is heartbreaking for those past and present residents of Belding.  Removing the buildings would not only change the face of the small town; but, it would create a hole in the patchwork of historical buildings of the area and diminish the importance of the contribution that the Belding brothers brought to the area.  The brothers created a rich legacy through their silk mill operation and through their contributions to the town known as Belding today.

How does one go about determining the value of preserving history and its impact on the future?  I mean, think about it…everyone values these things differently.  However, when there is a rising up of a collective outcry from not only residents of the community but those in surrounding areas; one would think that some kind of effort could be made by a corporation as large and industrious as Electrolux.  They are a corporation that prides itself on sustainability.

My online dictionary says this about sustainability:

        Cynical people who think that pastors are constantly “begging” for money from the pulpit may feel vindicated by news stories like this one about Pastor Warren’s plea for donations; but, they shouldn’t.  Churches supply a huge role in helping people, in need, in communities all around the world.  For the working poor, who often cannot get help from governmental agencies because they “earn too much money to qualify”, the local churches are a lifeline when it comes to seeing them meet the needs of families in their local communities.  Many churches have a benevolence committee or a food pantry…some even have access to donated clothing or household items that families in crisis are in need of, but can’t afford to provide their loved ones. 

         Churches are often asked to help people pay their heating bills, or help them pay their rent, give them gas money so they can get back and forth to work, provide them with groceries or money for food to feed their children.  The needs are great and becoming greater everyday with the homeforclosures, job layoffs or downsizings and with employees who lose their medical benefits and have to use their cash to provide medical needs to their dependents.

       Churches are the silent heros (as they should be) in the struggle to provide for people in need; just as Jesus commands his followers to do, in his name, in the book of Matthew.   In Matthew 25, the Bible talks about God judging on the day of judgement regarding helping those in need.    In Matthew 25 vs. 40-46, He basically says that when we give to those in need; to the hungry, the thirsty, the unclothed, those in prison,  it is as if we are giving to him and, if we do not give to those in need…it is as if we have denied him; we will be judged on whether we have been his hands and his feet in our service to others.  It can mean the difference between going to heaven or going to hell in our eternal destination. 

        It is a hard heart that sees another person suffering in need and denies them help when they have the ability to positively impact their situation.  The body of Christ, his churches, want to help…they desire to help…but, they are limited in their ability to help when they are often in the same situation as those who come and knock at the perverbial door of the church looking for assistance.   Tithing or the giving back a tenth of the blessings that God provides his people is scriptual.  We are supposed to give 1/10 of our wealth, our time, our skills-our blessings back to God…that is not much that he is requiring from us.   I have a friend who has a passion to help others…she uses her talents to provide information to those who get much of their food from food pantries or food stamp programs…she teaches them to provide healthy and filling meals from the food in those programs.  This is a link to her site as it ministers to others: http://foodstampscookingclub.com/blog/  She gives back to others out of her joy and her skills!

         God does not need our money…but tithing is an obedience that he requires from us.  He uses that obedience to him through our churches, our charities and our associations to meet the needs of the poor.  It is a tool of ministry to reach the sinners who do not believe and to help provide for those who are believers as well who are going through struggles of their own.  Are there people who will take advantage of this?  Yes, but that is why there are guidelines set up for most ministry programs so that people do not abuse this ministry outreach, in most churches.  That way, more people can receive the help and services of the church ministry programs.

         So, when people pay their tithes in church…this money helps to keep the church functioning so that it can continue to be God’s hands reaching out to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of his people.    It is wrong to sit in church, absorb all the good things that a spirit filled church provides and not give back; so those people who claim to be Christians and do not do as God commands by paying their tithes and giving of offerings…there are consequences…don’t be fooled into thinking that your obedience in this matter doesn’t count.  

            Don’t become jaded when that offering plate comes to you…or you hear a pastor asking for donations; it takes money to keep the lights on, heat the church building, pay the church staff, put gas in the church vans to bring in people who don’t have a car to drive, and minister to families in crisis,  and couples whose marriages may be in trouble.    Give of your time (volunteer), your skills, your money…your personal possessions when you have the opportunity; just because it is the right thing to do.   If you don’t have money but have a skill that would benefit others…use it to help them.  If you don’t have a skill or money but you have free time…become a volunteer and be a willing hand!

         As a worker in my own church, I see the truth in how the church reaches out and blesses it’s people, the community and those in need.  I want to do my part and be a blessing and not a curse.  How about you…are you doing your part?

Update:  http://www.writewhereyouareblog.com/his-cup-runneth-over/

       For those who are in real need of a place to live (homelessness), food to eat (hungry), or basic necessities of life…help; real help is the difference between life and death.

        Feeding America is trying to make a difference.  The non-profit organization was created in the 1960′s by John van Hengel.  You see he was a retired businessman who volunteered his time at a food kitchen in Arizona.  He actively sought out donations from area businesses and got more food than that soup kitchen could use.  In talking with some of their clients he found that some of them were gathering food for their families from the garbage bins from local grocery stores.  This sowed the seeds for what is now known as Feeding America.

        Many of us hear the refrain from our children nightly; Mom, I’m Hungry, what’s for dinner?  For those of us who are blessed enough to have food to put on the table that is filling and nutritious it is a mere question that will be answered in time with a meal on the table.  For other families, that is not the case.  In 2008, there were 49.1 million Americans who live in homes with unstable food resources.  Seriously, that is ridiculous!  On the news today I heard that in America, people waste or throw away 40% of their food.  Why?

      No one wants to hear that question from their children, “What’s for dinner Mom, I’m hungry?”; and not have something healthy and nutritious to feed their families.  What can you do to help? 

      If you have money to give…please give it .  For every $1 that is given, seven meals are provided to men, women and children.  You can give directly to them here: http://bit.ly/7yfZQJ   If you don’t have money how about volunteering?  Or maybe become an advocate for them by blogging or writing articles telling of the good that they are doing?  Maybe start a food drive in your local area.  If you don’t wish to do any of those things…maybe you would be willing to click here and support some of Feeding America’s partners:  www.welchs.com/harvest  each time you click there you will be helping to donate 8 glasses of welch’s juice for free…just by clicking!  Amazing isn’t it?  If you go here   http://feedingamerica.org/ : you can see in the bottom right hand side some of their partners who help Feeding America/Second Harvest do what they do so well.  Please support them and let them know how much you appreciate their generosity!

       Another great interesting fact I found out is about an executive director of Feeding America right here in Michigan who was instrumental in helping to restructure over 100 food banks in the United States with just one idea…a mobile food truck.  You see, it used to be that some perishable food items would get donated that had to be used within a short period of time to avoid it becoming un-usuable.  John Arnold, of Feeding America of West Michigan, of  had a great idea to use refrigerated beverage trucks ( beer, soda, water) to take those perishable food items to the people in rural areas before those food items spoiled and became unusable.  What a blessing he has been to people in need!  Thank you John Arnold on behalf of families around the United States.

             If you are blessed…give thanks to God above…and do what he calls us to do; Deuteronomy 15 vs 11 says “There will always be poor people in the land.  Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor & needy in your land”.    People who struggle financially do so for a variety of reasons…many of them are not at fault for their situation.  Don’t judge.  If you are blessed and have enough, or more than enough….you must respond to your hearts prompting.  Give…give generously and without strings.  Do it with sensitivity and in such a way as to honor their dignity.  It is hard to accept help from others.

          You can give money, you can give time, you can give produce…you can give your skills, knowledge or talent to improve the situation of others.  Did you know that many children are getting fed at school because they have so little at home?  They are on food programs at school…but what about weekends?  There is no school on weekends…are those children getting enough to eat during that time?  Many are not.  Feeding America, formerly known as Second Harvest, has a program that provides backpacks of food for children on weekends.  For every $1 donated…it provides $14 worth of food.  http://bit.ly/2YzhwU

            The children aren’t the only ones going without the basic healthy items they need to eat a well balanced diet.  Families are spread all over the country.  Many don’t live near their elderly parents and therefore, they don’t know their true financial situations.   Pride keeps many elderly people from sharing their difficulties.  They would rather go without than share with others the fact that they do not have enough to eat.  This is unacceptable in America where we have the means to feed our children, our poor and our elderly members of society; if we all do our part to fill the gap.

            Talk to your local food bank or Commision on Aging about helping out the elderly in your community.  If you have enough to eat, why shouldn’t they?  There is always a need.   You can help fill it…making a positive impact on those around you.  What does your heart tell you to do?  Please support and donate to these organization to uplift people.  You just never know how this will impact their lives or your own! Thanks! 

           This leaves many people without the healthy foods that their families need to survive.  It used to be that America was the country that everyone else came to help supplement their food supply…now we must create an awareness for those with plenty that there are  many in our own nation who struggle to feed themselves or family members with three healthy well balanced meals a day. 

           Did you know that 1 out of 8 people are at risk for hunger in this country?   This includes, children, working men and women, the elderly…hunger doesn’t know any boundaries.   Chances are that you know someone who has struggled with feeding themselves or their families.  Please, wont you go to www.welchs.com/harvest and click…it wont cost you anything but a moment of your time.  Please, let others know to support both Feeding America and Welch’s.   They are doing good things!

           So, today it is my pleasure to tell you about a movement or a joining of two forces , Feeding America-which was formerly known as America’s Second Harvest and a company that has produced quality grape juice for generations of American families-Welch’s, to provide 100% grape juice from their harvest of concord grapes.  They are teaming up to help donate food to food banks to help those who are struggling.

        This program is free for you the reader…and is a wonderful way to do something that can make an impact on the hungry.  Welch’s and Feeding America have a link that when clicked will donate 8 eight ounce glasses of 100% grape juice to families who are in need.  This program is being called a Harvest of Help: www.welchs.com/harvest .  Please click and spread the word.  I want to thank both Welch’s and Feeding America for caring enough about hunger here at home to begin making a difference. 

          If you read my previous post, you know that my son and I recently harvested our own fruit of the vine.  We picked and canned 70lbs of grapes.  Can I just tell you that once processed, those 70 lbs of juice provided us with 9 quart jars of juice and 7 pint sized jars of jelly.   http://www.writewhereyouareblog.com/?p=2468

         Now think, about what Welch’s is doing…they are providing 8-80z glasses of juice, rich in nutrition, every time someone clicks on that link… up to 1 million servings; that is outstanding!  Please, outside of clicking…can you make an effort to purchase Welch’s products when you are shopping for your own family?  Any company that goes to this extreme to help attempt to feed America’s hungry deserves to be supported by as many people as possible.  I am going to do my best to support their continued efforts. 

I think when people are being honest with themselves…through word, thought or action…they know when they are operating with integrity, either in their personal or business relationships.  There is no regret, no shame or guilt, no need to stretch the truth or exaggerate a situation, no need for lies…no need to over-hype how something is presented when someone is operating with a responsible personal integrity.    People who choose to operate without integrity know it in their hearts.  They don’t feel good about their thoughts, their words, or their actions when they make choices that violate their own standards of integrity.  It may manifest itself in feelings of shame or regret, or with a general sense of feeling unworthy of accolades/rewards or, even financial success; it is possible that they will have unexplained health problems.

Inner conflict happens when we are at odds with our understanding of what is right and what is wrong.  Most of us have a keen sense of what is right and what is wrong in how others treat us, correct?  I know I do.  Even young children have a strong sense of justice/injustice; they are quick to point out when something is not fair or right.

So, my question is…do we present integrity in our relationships in the same way that we expect others to show us integrity of high value?

I have been reading a book discussing people and their internal conflict about what they should do with their time on earth; as far as, a job or a purpose in life.  One particular story troubled me.  It was about a man who lived in a financially depressed area of the world.  He had difficulty finding and maintaining a job.  He took a job with a casino.  At first, he was just a little uncomfortable with the idea of it…gambling.  As he worked and collected his pay check…he became desensitized to the environment that encouraged people to bet/gamble money that they didn’t really have to waste.  He comforted himself with the idea that there were no other jobs where he lived so he continued working there.

As time went on, he faced his inner conflict about the integrity of working for a place that disregarded the fact that gambling went against what he believed to be ok; until he heard his co-workers making fun of an elderly man who was weeping at one of the gaming tables, having lost thousands of dollars that he did not have to lose.  He was disqusted with them and told them to stop making fun of this man and his tears of desperation.  They then chose to make fun of him.  Rather than stand up for what he believed, he ran away…doing nothing, changing nothing.  He went to a spiritual counselor, (a poor one in my opinion), who told him not to make any rash decisons, basically, to just hang in there until something different came along.  Now this man was telling his spiritual advisor that he didn’t feel like he deserved God’s love or anyone else’s love either; he was wounding himself by not acting on his personal sense of integrity.  Was the spiritual advisor acting with personal/spiritual integrity?  I don’t think so personally.

Some time passed and the man became ill and went to his doctor…the doctor correctly told him he was depressed and prescribed a pill.  Instead of sending the man to a counselor/therapist…he gave him a pill.  Was the doctor acting with integrity…maybe/maybe not.  Maybe we don’t have all of the facts here…maybe he prescribed him the pill and requested he seek counseling; I dont know.  If not…should he have done so to fulfill his personal/professional integrity?  In my opinion, yes, he should have sought the source of the man’s depression…not just treat the symptoms with a pill.

What would options look like, to someone in this working man’s position?  Stay in the job and hate what you do…and possibly yourself, for what you are doing to earn a living when it goes against your personal beliefs?  Quit the job and hope another one comes along?  Stay in the job; but, actively look for new employment?  Leave the area and find a job in another environment that is more in line with his sense of personal integrity; one that honors what he believes to be true and right? Commute back and forth for an hour or more a day to an area where jobs were more plentiful? Maybe work online to provide financial income for himself?  What would be the choice that would fulfill his need for income as well as allow him to honor his beliefs about what is right and wrong?

It could very well be the choice that causes him to sacrifice his personal comfort zone…leading him to leave his home area and move to an area where his choices for jobs were not limited to something that violated his sense of  right and wrong.  Or, put extra burdeon on his time by requiring him to commute, back and forth, each day to get employment that he could live happily with.   He could have chosen to work at home on the computer…or gone to school to increase his ability to get hired by learning new skills.  Only this man knows what would have worked best for him and his physical and spiritual well-being.

What did this man do?  He stayed working where he felt it was wrong to work and took his pill to make it acceptable to himself.  Was that employing the best level of integrity that he possessed?  Or did it just allow him to numb himself to the inner voice that was encouraging him to make changes that would allow him to take pride in what he did for a living?

There is nothing sadder than a person who knows to do right and chooses to do wrong because you know that it is not only harming himself/herself; but, possibly others as well.  Every choice we make or avoid affects other people.  Scripture gives us all kinds of instruction on this area of life.  Isaiah 1:17 says, Stop doing wrong, learn to do right, seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.   Exodus 23: 2 says, Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.  When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.  Making decisions in our lives is important because those decisions affect how we see ourselves and our place in the world; if we want to live with peace in our hearts and minds we must make those decisions that uphold who we are based on our own personal integrity; no matter how difficult those decisions may seem at the time.

It is no secret that human beings need security and stability.  We all like to know that we will have enough food to eat, a place to sleep and people who care about us in our daily lives; a place to come home to…a place to belong.  It keeps us connected, protected and stops us from feeling rejected.  Children who are in foster care, no matter their age, have issues with security and stability; mostly through no fault of their own.   Most children, in care, have suffered through abuse or neglect or they wouldn’t be in the foster care system.   Their lives are in a constant state of chaos; a condition that they have little, or no control over.  That does not feel good on any level.  After all, they are the ones who have to live with the results of any decisions that are made about their future.

For teens who are in the foster care system; the effects are even more pronounced.  You see the chances of finding a permanent adoptive placement, if their parents rights are terminated, are slim.   It can happen and for those that do find a permanent adoptive placement that is stable and healthy…they often are able to find a certain level of peace, after a period of adjustment;  sometimes they do not.  Conflicting emotions can’t be avoided about leaving the tangled web of a biological family to join another family; even if the biological family dynamics are not ideal, from which they came.  It can be heartbreaking,  all children need and deserve love and protection.

For those teens in foster care, who do not find a permanent adoptive placement, even their status as a foster child can be chaotic.  Some placements are broken over, and over again, due to behavior issues, personality conflicts, demands of the court, death, violence, legal issues that can arise out of acting out behaviors…school placement needs and yes, even financial reasons.   Sometimes, as a child nears the “magical” age of 17 or 18 years of age…the system begins it’s process of moving the child out of the court’s jourisdiction.  In other words, they begin to weigh the cost of “caring and providing” services to that teen against the age of the child and conditions surrounding their placement; they start to plan for the release of that foster child into society.

This is where things can become more complicated.  Some agencies don’t want the legal or financial burden that continued care  can place on an agency when a teen is so close to “legal adult status”.  Especially, if the cost of that care includes, expensive psychological/psychiatric care, rehab or institutionalization, services of the juvenile delinquency system, respite care, high medical costs, or specialized placement due to violence or run-away issues.   Still other situations include those such as a teen that is getting close to adult status…but, he or she may not, have any biological family that can or will, stand up and be willing to parent the child/teen.   That is emotionally difficult…and can add much hurt and damage to the young person.

All of that tends to affect their self-esteem, confidence, and the desire for stability in the teen.  Some teens get so anxious that they act out, even more, in school or within the foster home; which only deepens the difficulty in maintaining their placement.   Foster parents are often caught in the middle of the situation because they “work” for the agency through which they are licensed and are obligated to uphold whatever decisions are made when it comes to the placement.

So, if an agency or a court system decides to “release” a teen to live on their own…even though they may not have completed their high school education, have a job, or an appropriate place to live…the foster family is often forbidden to continue to provide a home for them.  Once they are no longer a ward of the court, and the foster parent has other children in the home…it then could violate their agreement with the agency who licenses them to “allow” a person who is not a “family” member to stay there; even though that child may have lived there for months or years with the same “family” members.   It makes little sense to me.

If you know an individual or foster family who is struggling with such a situation…you can be a conduit for finding a place for that older child or teen to belong.   It is hard enough for anyone starting out in life…but, if you come from a place of dysfunction because of family issues in the birth family and spend time in foster care because of it…it can affect that person for life.

Everyone needs to feel good about themselves and what they are trying to achieve.   Spread the word to people who would be appropriate to help this young person to transition to adulthood; by allowing them to finish their education or continue it, providing a job, emotional support, maybe even some financial help to getting established, help them to find a church to support them in their efforts to start out on their own.    All of those pieces of the puzzle are needed to allow this young person to grow into an individual who is a productive, happy, well educated and on a positive path instead of perpetuating patterns of negative behaviors and actions that they may have picked up along the way.  Any ideas on how you can help someone to find a permanent place to belong that is condusive to living a long and healthy, productive and happy life as a young adult?

         I have a suggestion…after you have abused all of your willing friends and neighbors by giving away as much extra produce that you can…why not consider donating to your local food pantry or food banks, local commission/council on aging, or department of social services?  If you can’t keep up with the canning/freezing/or giving away…please do NOT let it go to waste.  Not everyone has the room or the ability to garden.  Fresh fruits and vegetables is important for health and well-being.  Many folks are having to get a big portion of their groceries from a food stamps program, a food pantry/food bank, or a commodities program.  Getting enough food to “save up or preserve” for winter isn’t always an option. 

        Due to financial situations, many elderly who live alone, and many families, will do without having access to healthy fresh fruits and vegetables because they can’t afford to purchase it.  Giving to those who are in need is a great way to give back to your community and to share the blessings that you may have been blessed with.

         I have a great friend who goes by the name of Mother Connie on Twitter (@Motherconnie).  She started up a wonderful blog to HELP people learn how to make healthy and delicious meals; with the food items that they get from a food pantry/food stamps, or commodities program.  I would like to ask you to remember during this season of harvesting that others would love to be blessed with your extras.  Please donate to your local communities pantry or program in the name of,  The Food Stamps Cooking Club Blog.  Then leave them the information to give to their clients about how to go to her site and get some great tips/recipes.   The website address is: http://foodstampscookingclub.com/blog/ . 

          Drop in and say hi to Mother Connie; it would make her day, and her night, to know that she was able to help someone out by getting something that they didn’t know what to do with from the food pantry.  She is a fountain of knowledge and she isn’t stingy with her help!  Tell her Rainy sent you!  She will make you feel right at home.  Blessings!!!

        The Crosby Mint Farm has been in their family for almost 100 years and through 4 generations.   That is alot of history of investment into the community and to their customers.  Due to some family tragedies and some bad loan decisions…they could actually lose their business if they do not sell 65,000 bottles of mint oil in the next three weeks, before August 14,2009.  See more info here: www.getmint.com.  I am not affiliated with them.  I make no money from bringing this message to you; I just believe in what they are trying to do, which is keep control of their business and maintain their family legacy!

          Reminder, the goal date is to sell those bottles of oil, or what they call a dram of oil which equals 1/8 of an ounce, is August 14th, 2009.  The drams are either spearmint or peppermint oil.  They are selling them for $5.oo per dram.  The Crosby Mint farm is in St. Johns, Michigan.  The owners are a brother and sister team and they are doing everything they can to sell these bottles of oil so that they can be in full ownership once again.  www.getmint.com.

           Please, if you believe in Americans taking control of their finances and adding to the economy by running their business in a way that cares about their customers and their communities…please go to their website and buy a bottle or two…or, anything else there that they offer.  Help them to stay in business and continue to provide a high quality product.  Mint is good for so many things…health, relaxation, flavorings for foods and candies.  It can be added to massage oil for a refreshing massage.  It can be added to water in a spray bottle to perfume the air and be used as a natural air freshner.  

           Is there a way you can find it in your heart to support a business that is trying their best to be proactive and be a blessing to their community and their employees?  If so, click here to visit their website and make a purchase:   www.getmint.com.