Hateful people are raised not born.

Have you ever heard the expression "his mama didn't raise him right"? Well, it's true, and before you go thinking that the children that weren't raised right are the one's that were practically abandoned at birth by their drug addicted self centered parents you need to rethink that way of thinking.

It is with our best intentions that we raise our children. Sure there are some parents out there that have not earned their title and should be fired or retrained or who knows what, but all of the hateful people are not coming from those parents. In fact, I would argue that some very appreciative children come from parents as such because the poor kiddos are just grateful for whatever attention is thrown their way.

I will argue that even the best of parents need to rethink their tactics in parenting.

Why is it that we teach children not to talk to strangers? I personally am completely strange but I'm not going to hurt your child. I will probably make your child laugh. I might even offer them candy, but I'm not going to hurt them. We are raising a group of "look at the ground as you pass, don't smile, don't speak, completely ignore the other humans around us as they are all out to get us and eat our brains" people. No they're not. I promise. I have no desire to eat anyone's brain. I simply would like to say good morning and possibly a nice smile would be great.

Why is it that we make our children the center of our universe? Giving them every little thing their heart desires in hopes that because we immerse them in our love now they will not need therapy later. I have news for you. The children that are raised to believe that the world revolves around them can be some of the worst adults I have ever met. They are never taught to respect other's feelings or needs before their own so they do not understand when out from under mommy and daddy why everyone avoids them like the plague and doesn't cater to their every need. Do your children a favor. Make sure they realize that they are not the center of the universe. Help them to understand that the reason that God put them on this planet is to serve others not themselves. (Make sure you yourself fully understand what "to serve" means)

It is very easy to be rude or hateful to those around us, even completely apathetic is as simple as pie. However, if you will make it your duty to step outside of your comfort zone and talk to those around you even if at first they are not very nice it will be completely rewarding and as you do so your children will see you and imitate your actions helping you to raise excellent human beings. Even if you are not a parent you can still show kindness in all situations around you.

Have you ever been able to change the mood of someone that was being hateful into laughter before you leave them? How did you do it?

Observations at the water park

This past weekend my family and I visited one of those huge indoor water park resorts. I wanted to pass along the things that made my observation list.

1. If while you are at said park a grown man says "Watch this!" if it is only for pure entertainment purposes you should indeed watch as someone is going to get hurt!

2. It should really be a prerequisite when getting a tattoo for the tattoo artist to provide some sort of proof before the artwork is emblazoned on your skin for all to see. As there is no turning back once they are done and there is apparently no such thing as tattoo spell check.

3. I found myself completely frightened not of the big huge hairy man with his wife/girlfriend's name tattooed on his back but of his wife/girlfriend without even laying eyes on her.

4. Some things should definitely have a weight limit. Bikinis, lower back tattoos, belly rings, those tight swim shirts that men wear. (In reference to the latter....Sir, if your swim shirt keeps popping up exposing your 9 month pregnant looking belly...take the stupid thing off and hand it to the three year old boy it is supposed to fit.)

5. If you hear a bell at anytime whilst visiting the water park be very aware of your surroundings.

6. 1,000 gallons is a lot of water and will knock you down that is why they ring the bell in the first place.

7. If there is a ride that involves a water jet that allows for surfing or wave boarding pull yourself up a chair and enjoy the wipe outs. As it is very comical to watch completely over confident men and women face plant in rapidly running water. The kids are not as funny but comical just the same.

8. There is a huge crack problem at all water parks that has nothing to do with drugs.

9. Watching a huge hairy giant scary man sit in a 1/2 foot of water and play with his infant is adorable and also quickly reminded me that you can never judge a book by its cover.

10. I hope when I am older if the good Lord blesses me with grandchildren I am the type of grandparent that slaps on a swimsuit letting all my old parts hang where they may going on all the rides with my grandchildren rather than the type that stays completely dressed and sweats to death in a corner.

Such a wonderful memory for my family, what is your favorite family vacation spot?

You can't do anything about it.

I was watching one of the final episodes of the Oprah show and it got me thinking. Isn't it amazing how many lives she has changed through her generosity? Isn't it awe inspiring the difference she has made in our world and in the way we think about ourselves? I don't care if you hate her or love her the woman has had an impact on television as we know it and has touched millions.

It got me thinking. Do you realize that even Oprah is no more likely to go to heaven than anyone else because of all the nice things she has done? She has given homes and cars away. She has been the voice for those not loud enough to speak for themselves. She has done so much but that doesn't matter one bit to God. Do you know why? Because it isn't about what we do. It is about what he did and we have to learn that. It is his world we are his people he died for us because he loves us. All we have to do is come to know him on a personal level and that's it. We can't even wrap our little brains around that but its true. He is all powerful, all knowing and all loving. He knows what you are thinking and loves you anyway. He knows all that you have done and loves you anyway. He knows the you that no one else knows and loves you anyway!

You aren't too far away, you aren't unloveable. When a child throws a tantrum does the mother abandon the child? No, she stays with the child loving the child and teaching the child how to behave. God is beside you. Sure you have made mistakes but he loves you anyway. You are his treasure. I want you to ask yourself one question. Are you something worth dying for? Because to him you are even in all your imperfection. Know that you are loved and start living your life for the one that loves you most....Jesus Christ!

Why?

So, I had purchased some body wash from Marshall's that looked lovely. Meditteranian sea salt with citrus undertones experiencing all that Europe has to offer. It was a beautiful shade of teal sea blue and I was so very excited to experience the indulgences that were proclaimed on the bottle.

Lies! Lies I tell you! Oh, it's beautiful. Sure. What they forget to tell you is the way that you are going to experience Europe is if the experience you are looking for is mid August on a bus with a bunch of sweaty people who have not learned the joys of deodarent. This stuff should be advertised as BO in a bottle. I paid a pretty penny to smell worse than I did when I began the process of making myself smell better.

Lesson to learn from this? If you can not smell the body wash in the store put it back on the shelf!