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RANDOM SMILES!

The media is portraying my state as racially bigoted and placing us in a very bad light, so I begin my random roll of smiles with a look at the jolly time I had last week when I took my hubby to the Arizona Verde Valley Fair. An animal lover, I knew he would enjoy the goats, pigs, sheep, turkeys, bunnies and my favorite--cows. We ate lunch there enjoying a pulled pork sandwich and Indian Fry Bread with taco toppings! Arizona is a great place to live and visit!









When I was in the Carlsbad mall, I noticed a men’s shop window declaring “Skinny ties are now fashionable for men.” I rarely see men in suits and ties much in the casual southwest, so I’m still pondering this one.

With our economy dropping, I’ve noticed the explosion of thrift store shopping. Hey, I might find a skinny tie from the 60’s!

My state, Arizona, needs prayer. Now that authorities can enforce the immigration law that has been established long ago, the repercussions follow. You’ve probably read about the officer that was shot over the weekend. I live 250 miles north of the border and am affected. With the illegal population explosion of non-English speaking students, and lack of tax money, schools are closing down. Our neighbors, good citizens who pay their taxes, will not have the privilege of educating their kids in one of the top-notch public schools in my town; it may close. My daughter got a great education there. What gets me is when I hear the statement on the news: “What would Jesus Do about Illegal Immigration?” Here’s what He would do. He would tell people to obey their government authorities and to pay their taxes. Our border problem may begin here, but it will affect the nation as time passes.

I’m praying for my daughter who is speaking at her church’s women’s group tomorrow morning. May God’s anointing accompany her words and may the Holy Spirit use her testimony to bring glory to God for all the hard times she has endured and may her audience be encouraged as she speaks from the middle of the storm.

I’ve gotten teased for posting pics of food on my blog. But I’m a good sport. Here is my favorite sugar cookie and it is so easy to make. My sister sent me the recipe. I will always trust her as she is a conisurer of cookies like me. The recipe is on my cooking blog.


I leave you today with Matthew 22:15...Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. 16They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. 17Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? 19Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin,a 20he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” 21“Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
22His reply amazed them, and they went away.

Comments

  1. Mary, I pray God will protect you and your state. You're right, we are hearing all types of things about your state. God have mercy on everyone involved.

    (((hugs)))

    The animals look so sweet! And the cookies look DELICIOUS!

    Love,
    b

    ReplyDelete
  2. There is all sorts of information on the news about AZ. I will be praying for you and for your state.

    I love going to the fair! My husband not so much...so I usually go with my daughters. It looks like you had a good time.

    The cookies look delicious. I love sugar cookes! I'll check out the recipe. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  3. My precious friend, your state will be very much in my prayers, as well as you. Those cookies look very yummy. I will be lifting your dear daughter way up in my prayers, asking God to be close to her as she speaks, may His words flow forth from her, and touch many hearts. I love you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post!! Will definitely be praying for you and your state, also for your daughter. The cookies look yummy too. Love the scripture at the end, mainly love that we have scripture for every thought, and every situation. What an amazing God we serve!! Love and Blessings, Angel
    allthemus.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. You forgot one thing...the very best thing about Arizona is that "you" are there!
    Praying with you for your state!
    Hugs, love, and blessings,
    andrea

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's sad that the media always talk about bad news and not mention any good thing at all. Then, rumors spread and some are not even true. It reminds me of the Rodney King trial. People only saw what they thought was police abuse. But they never saw the part that he was resisting arrest and was very high on drugs prior to that footage. The bucks he won from the trial? All gone. To his drug habits.
    Illegal criminals are a burden to our overcrowded prison systems. But people don't know those things. That's what I always tell my hubby, so many corruption all over the place and people are not respecting authorities. Then again, some don't even respect and believe in God in the first place. May the Lord protect AZ and its people. God bless. Those cookies looked good! Thank you for posting something nice!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great and honest post - In So. Cal - we have problems too - I agree with you completely... The media is very one sided.

    Love to you
    Kelly
    I've Become My Mother

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great take on the border situation... from one who lives there. I can't imagine the struggle you live with daily because of all this situation. Sometimes, it's easy for those of us who live elsewhere to be separated from the situation. I will think of you when I hear about it in the news and pray!

    Thanks for stopping by the blog and your support of my book.

    peace~elaine

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for sharing your concerns dear one. Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I agree with you completely... The media is very one sided.
    PPC Advertising India

    ReplyDelete

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