So, I got this great idea from the Internet (that's probably a very scary statement to most of you)...

I decided that I was going to harvest the seeds from a tomato and save them for planting in the coming springs.  Pretty simple really.

1)  Harvest a tomato
2)  squish the seeds out
3)  put the seeds and pulp in a container with about an inch of water
4)  wait
5)  wash the seeds through a strainer to get rid of the pulp
6)  dry the seeds on a paper towel
7)  put the dried seeds in a labeled envelope
8)  Plant the seeds in the spring

So I started with a Black Russian Tomato

and made it successfully through steps #1-3.  Well, somewhere between #4 and life, I got distracted.  And well, I did manage to wash the seeds through a strainer once but then I got busy and put them back in water on the kitchen window.

That was about 6 weeks ago.

Um, yeah.

So, I'm back to step #5.  I can't wash them the 2nd time now because they've sprouted.  About 50 of them.

Black Russian seeds that have sprouted

I add a bit more water (I don't want to be accused of neglect or voluntary plant-slaughter) and ignore them for another week or two.
And then, another plan forms in my brain (again, you should be frightened).

I bring up the plant starter kits I bought several years ago.  I have to wash several years of dust and dryer lint off them (they are stored in an outdoor area where my dryer vent blows) and grab some leftover potting soil.

A bit of dirt in each cup, two or three sprouts (with roots and leaves intact) and then cover them up with a bit more dirt.

I decided to place them on my windowsill.  (this way I'm pretty sure the dog and the kids won't get into them, plus I'll be more likely to remember to water them).

I guess I'll have to wait and see if any (or all) of them actually do something.  Maybe I can baby them through the winter months and actually have plants to plant in my garden in the spring.

A little panicky

I wrote this last night when I couldn’t sleep because of my fear, anxiety, worry, confusion and uncertainty.

Yes, God is in control, but it's difficult to see His path clearly when it's all so dark. I don't know how we'll make it through but I know we will because we are children of God.

I read Bible verses on peace. 

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Some of my friends don’t understand my worry.  I’m just being a “poor loser”.  I’m exaggerating.  The changes will make a better difference…

I wasn’t raised to let others take care of me when I can take care of myself (that’s why I struggle with me vs. God).  I don’t understand those who welcome ‘someone else’ taking care of their every need.  I’d rather do it myself – face the responsibility AND take the blame if I’m wrong.

I’m not sure that the difference that’s coming will be better for those of us that still believe in doing it ourselves.  I’m not sure that there will be much of a country left in another four years.  I’m not sure that my children will have any future to look forward to other than dependency and working for the betterment of everyone. 

I’m afraid that choices will be limited, if not completely done away with, unless you want to choose to live or die. 

I’m afraid that it won’t be too long before people who speak their mind, hold to their principals and face responsibility will be imprisoned for their beliefs. 

God is Holy and just and loving.  Man is evil and greedy and hateful.  God is perfect, we are not. 

Hard changes coming and I just need to remember He's got me in His hand. Lord, please give me peace and the wisdom, knowledge to follow the right path. Please help me, Lord.

Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil...

How I vote

My mother used to vote a straight Republican ticket.  If they had an “R” next to their name, she selected them as her candidate.  My voting process is not so straight forward, which makes it more challenging and requires more thought.  Although I do tend to vote a fairly aligned conservative/republican ballot, my decisions involve many factors:

Party Preference

Yes, I’ll admit it’s the first thing I look at.  No, it isn’t the deciding factor, but it’s either one point for or one point against. 

Candidate Statement

I read these, usually several times.  I HATE when there’s no statement.  I think it ought to be a requirement than when you run for office you put in some kind of statement.  As I don’t know each of the candidates personally, how am I supposed to know who they are without a statement?

Business/Office Experience

Has the candidate been doing this same office for a number of years?  We need a change.  I usually vote for the one that hasn’t been doing the same position for a number of years.  The only exception to this is judges. 

Endorsements

This usually is the “closer” for me.  Based on my personal beliefs, experiences and choices, I usually find a point or an organization that helps me choose where the candidates priorities lie.  It’s a pretty good tell for me how the candidate is going to support (or not) my interests.

In the end, if I just can’t decide, I just mark the one that most closely aligns with my beliefs.  Yes, I have voted for a party other than my own; and I usually pay for that decision in the end (Maria Cantwell comes to mind…).

Voting isn’t easy – it shouldn’t be.  It means we need to stay informed on the issues, vote with our hearts and yes, pray about the candidates.  Voting means we need to take the time to listen to all side of the news, investigate a bit on the candidates and the initiatives, and read between the lines sometimes.

Vote because you have the privilege to voice your opinion.  Vote because you don't like how things are going (or you do).  Vote because you can.  But get out there and VOTE!