A bit may mean today, or for a week, or a month.

I’m doing a little housecleaning and changing up the design a little bit. But because of my poor-i-tude… I’m doing it all myself. Which can totally mean that I break it.

Bear with me.

Now. I want to talk about something. I’m going to do it carefully. I have no wish for legal ramifications.

I have a long religious testimony – this isn’t about that, and how I came to Christianity. But during that time, I did an inordinate amount of research on religions, their tenets, their beliefs. It was a time of searching. Some people find themselves by hiking through Tibet… I do hours and hours and hours of research on my own without the help of others. 1) Research is a skill set of mine, which is one of the reasons I’m such a good assistant. It’s systematic, and that’s soothing to me. 2) I like to start my own opinions before bringing someone else’s opinion in to muddy things up. 3) I like my facts.

One of the religions I researched was the Church of Scientology. I can’t remember right now what prompted it – it could very well have been the fact that a number of celebrities are members, which may have brought it to my mind. The first place I went to, of course, was their own website. What are they about? What do they believe? What do services look like? I’ll be honest. It looked really good. A lot of things about what they believe make real sense and look good on paper. So, I did more research. And then I realized that I would have to pay. For everything. To me… That rubbed wrong. It was a religion. This wasn’t tithes you were paying, but actually paying for spiritual teaching. That didn’t sound like a religion to me, but a business. I fully believe in giving to your religious institution – as gifts, not as payment for services rendered. I fully believe that spirituality leads to charitable contributions of all kinds, as you want to help your fellow man who may need help. So while I do believe monetary things come into play, unless it’s an actual fundraising event (like the spaghetti dinner to help pay for the addition to the church) I don’t think money should be exchanging hands in the interest of spiritual enlightenment.

In light of that, I decided to do more research along non-official means. A lot of it has come to light in mainstream media, but at the time, these were early BBS boards, and people writing about Scientology under the guise of anonymity for safety’s sake.

While, I didn’t wish pay for my spiritual enlightenment – the real deal breaker for me was Xenu. Normally you have to pay thousands of dollars to find that treasure out, but the age of the internet has thrown all confidential information out the window. You can find other information about the religion’s beliefs at Operation Clambake, which you won’t find out at the Scientology website or Centers (until you’ve paid for the proper courses, of course.)

But, I am only one person who’s done some research. I don’t even have a stake in it, as I was not a member, not bilked, and none of my family is involved either. Who’s going to listen to me, and why should I say anything? So, while after all my research I concluded that the institution is a money-grubbing, scandalous, down-right dangerous institution, I didn’t think anyone would listen to me. There are other more articulate people out there who talk about it, and they have even more information.

However. The St. Petersburg Times has released (links below) a three part report. In the mainstream media. If you’ve ever considered the Church of Scientology, I urge you to read it. If you’ve heard about it, and just think it’s another religious denomination, I urge you to read it.

I absolutely am a Christian, and believe in Christ and the Bible and everything that entails. However, while I don’t agree with the tenets of most religions, I don’t knock them. I simply don’t believe in them, but I believe in those people’s rights to practice them. Scientology, however, is something I simply can’t say “believe your own way.” At best, I believe it shouldn’t have Church tax-exempt status. I believe that it was a way to package something to SELL, in addition to having tax incentives to L. Ron Hubbard when he was alive. At worst, it’s dangerous. People have died. People have been harassed to financial and familial ruin. Now, I know that people have died in the name of Christendom – but the year is 2009. We know better, and we have access to information.

No – this isn’t going to become a “knock Scientology” blog. In fact, I may not mention them again, unless something BIG happens. But the report is well done, and I really wanted to pass the information along to you. Maybe you know someone in Scientology. They’re not allowed to view material that’s negative towards Scientology, and in fact some use filters on their computers to prevent it from happening inadvertently. Perhaps YOU can get it front of them. The least you might do is save them some money. The most you might do is save their mind and life.

Here is Part 1: Scientology: The Truth Rundown, Part 1 of 3 in a special report on the Church of Scientology – Below the article you’ll find a index to parts 2 & 3, as well as more information.

As I write this, it’s 2:22am. I went to bed at 1am. I tossed and turned and just decided to get up and write. Maybe venting will give some relief to my mind. Normal (which hasn’t been for months now) is going to bed between 10-11. I have no trouble sleeping once I get there – but I cannot turn my mind off at all when I get into bed. I have a meeting at 9:30. This day will suck. Plus, I have an event to attend which I’ll be writing about elsewhere, but that will bring me home around 11pm or maybe even midnight depending on traffic. I need sleep.

Poe’s been out of work now going on 4 months. The financial situation is very dismal. Our credit is going into the toilet. I don’t know what to do.

Let me be frank. I try not to get into spiritual or religious matters here, because a lot of my thoughts used to get written down in my prayer journal. But it’s all dried up. You see, I’m not getting any answers from God. I’m getting complete silence. Static even. Nothing. I try praying. I’ve tried praying. I’ve tried just being silent and letting God talk to me, on the concept that maybe I’m just in the way of the communication – but nothing. And now I’m getting mad. Frustrated. Alarmed. Upset. Depressed. So what am I praying for exactly? Not a job for Poe. I’ve been praying for other things. Doors to open. Opportunities to be shown. I’ve always understood that there’s His plan, and we don’t always know what those are going to manifest as. So rather than praying for a job, I’ve been praying to understand, such as is there a plan? Can He give me peace while I’m waiting? Is He there? Does He hear me? I mean – who knows? Perhaps the world is going to end… Perhaps some other something’s going to happen… So, I pray for the knowledge of the steps I need to take. Should we even be job hunting? That one job fell through, and there’ve been no other nibbles. Should I be job hunting? Which is frustrating in and of itself, because when I quit my job in November, I did so with more than a year’s preparation and God’s clear leading on every little step. While I can sit and wait – I’m not even getting God’s leading to do THAT which is really very strange and I’ve never had that happen before. In past years if things felt like they were in limbo, or it was a time of trying, I always had the leading from God of “wait on Me, I’m your peace.” Right now? Absolutely NOTHING. I’ve prayed about lessons. Are we supposed to be learning something and we’re clueless? Nothing. Are we doing something wrong that needs correcting? Nothing. I keep chanting in my head “God will provide for His children.” But as we default on student loans, and the credit we’ve worked so hard to build crumbling, and choosing between food and electricity, I’m so very disheartened. Because the silence is deafening. I’ve looked into state help. Believe it or not – we make too much on unemployment, and would have to giveaway (not sell) our cars to qualify for food stamps. And no, we don’t have new cars – our newest car is 10 years old. Which is ignorant, because then how would Poe get to interviews and then a job when he can’t get there? We’re in the suburbs and don’t have public transportation. And so I pray some more. And get nothing in return. No peace. No signs. No answer. I’d actually be okay with “Wait.” That means there’s something in the future he’s preparing for us. I can handle that. Perhaps not without anxiety, but it’s an answer.

I don’t question God’s existence. I see it all around me. I’m sorry, but I just don’t feel you can go from nothing to humans who can perform brain surgery without a Creator. But I’m questioning a lot about everything else. It’s so disconcerting. I’ve been through an awful lot in my life. And behind it all I’ve had a Comforter. Even when things were at their bleakest before I felt that God’s hand was there to hold me and comfort me.

And so now I’m angry. Why did He tell me so very clearly to prepare and leave my job? It was very hard, and I had to face down a lot of obstacles, but I did it because I truly felt God telling me to. Period. So I did it. I absolutely have no regrets in doing so, even now. But WHY would He when He knew this was coming? I’m angry because His Word promises to never leave me or forsake me. I feel very forsaken now. Not because of our circumstances… Our circumstances seriously suck, but they’ve sucked before. But because I feel that His presence is completely gone, and that’s completely contrary to what I understand about His character.

I’m angry and bewildered. Saddened. Floundering.

I’ve always felt that God helps those who help themselves. By that I mean them taking the necessary steps to what they feel God leading them to. In other words, you don’t sit and pray and magically have food in front of you. You take the necessary steps to get it there, and God provides in those steps. I’ve had wonderful miraculous experiences happen that are fully God’s doing. And a lot of them were because I walked through a door He led me to, or told me to walk through.

But there’s such silence.

It’s not embeddable – so go watch Battle at Kruger.

from: Michele {email}
to Dr. Therapist {email}
cc Poe {email}, Dr. District
date Thu, Jun 11, 2009 at 11:49 AM
subject Regarding Joseph {last name}

Hi Dr. Therapist,

Please feel free to forward this email to any administrative personnel who handle such things. I’ve also CC’d my husband and Dr. District with our school district.

I write, in all honesty, with some frustration. Skipping details, the point is that everyone involved in Joseph’s case felt that consulting with a psychiatrist, and investigating if medication for anxiety (or anything else) might be appropriate at this stage for Joseph. When the subject was broached, in was basically shut down by {Big Therapy Center}, because it wasn’t part of his plan. So Dr. District went ahead and requested that his {State Treatment Plan} be officially evaluated to add this to his program.

Today, we met with Dr. Big State. She was his initial evaluator in 2007. We went through his case updating it from 2007. She was confused as to why she called upon to do this. Why? Because psychiatric care and medication prescription is already a part of his plan.

{Big Therapy Center} has his {State Treatment Plan} plan. Twice actually, once when he initially started treatment there, and I sent another copy when it was somehow lost. You’ll see his recommendations on pages 7 and 8.

“The Department of Mental Health finds that Joseph {last name} qualifies for mental health services under {State Treatment Plan}. {Various treatment recommendations redacted.} , medication evaluation and follow-up by a psychiatrist if medications are prescribed.”

Dr. Big State is going to write an addendum and say the exact same thing. “Yep, you’re qualified… and already were.” She went further on to say that this is the standard wording, and is ALWAYS included, unless the individual does not qualify for {State Treatment Plan} in the first place.

So. When can we make an appointment with the psychiatrist?

–Michele
Mother of Joseph {last name}

My anger is frothing.

I’ll be uploading videos onto my YouTube account today maybe. We’ll see. Or maybe Vimeo. Last time I tried YouTube, it hated me. I won’t post it here though – I just want the final product in the clouds as well as on my hard drive. Got a ton of photos to go through as well – need to picnic and flickr those.

We still haven’t heard from Poe’s job prospect. They did call and tell him that they haven’t forgotten him, they’re just still thinking about it (they would be adding a whole department just for him.) Understandable. But itchy.

El Dinero es nunca. No Money. Going to use a credit card for groceries this week. We don’t use credit anymore, so you know we’re desperate. But, God provides. Faith. I’m trying to. I keep trying to refocus my thoughts on God and His promises. I won’t pretend that it’s not a struggle.

But, on a lighter note – here’s a couple of pictures of what we’ve been up to.

Beach in March

Joseph Turned 9

Logan Turned 7

Joseph's Team Won the Championships

Joseph's Class had a Concert

I did a book review on a book called Emergency by Neil Strauss.

The Capri-Sun $250 gift card giveaway is still going strong until 7/8.

“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.”
—Epictetus

“Easier said than done.”
—Me

I think they really want him. But they’ve never gone into this computer thing before, they’ve only done hand drawn. And the software as well as other components are about $10,000. That does not include the cost of Poe himself. So, I think they’re trying to justify the cost of going this route in the first place, not to mention Poe himself.

ARG!

Worst is, we still don’t know any details of salary or benefits yet – both of which are important points for us. You think?

And so we wait. One thing I have to say, though, is they move very fast. None of this terrible waiting on HR. The guy who owns the company emailed Wednesday night. Poe called Thursday morning. Owner called back Thursday night. Interview in person Friday, with a promise to call on Monday. However, we sent some software pricing information on Friday night. And they called Monday morning (today) at 8am. Sheesh. Cobbled the portfolio together, condensed the files and as of 10 am knew they were in the right hands.

In case you haven’t been in the world of job hunting or Human Resources, lately – that’s FAST. Which in my opinion is a good thing – it means they want to make a decision, and won’t hem and haw about it. It also means they’re communicative, and they also follow through. So – while he may not get the job – I think we’ll know about it, they won’t leave us hanging, and we’ll know why. Conversely, if he does get the job, it’ll be soon.

I don’t have much else to say. Basically the job hunt is sucking up all the brain cells in my head lately. That and the kids are in their final two weeks of school, and this is scaring me.